14th Medical Group pulls out unexpected victory
By Senior Airman Aaron Smith, 14th Flying Training Wing Chapel
/ Published April 04, 2007
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --
The intramural basketball championship game went down to the wire. Similar to a great boxing match, these teams went back and forth taking their opponents best shot.
It took overtime, but the 14th Medical Group intramural basketball team was victorious over the DynCorp team 64-62.
Due to an earlier loss to 14th MDG in this double-elimination playoff, DynCorp needed to beat the 14th MDG twice to become the champs. Despite knowing this, DynCorp struggled to execute on both sides of the floor and soon found themselves down by double figures points early in contest. DynCorp, lead by point guard Robert Lampkin, clawed back with a 10-2 run to end the half down 32-26. Airman Bryant Johanson, 14th Medical Support Squadron, led the way for 14th MDG with 12 first-half points. "I just did whatever it took to win the game," said Johanson. He'd finish with a game-high 25 points.
With a few half time adjustments, DynCorp entered the second half clicking on all cylinders. Better on offense and more discipline helped DynCorp tie the game at 38 with 11 minutes left in regulation. A frustrated 14th MDG team decided to take a time out to re-group.
"We just talked about tightening up on defense, said Senior Airman Eric William, 14th MDSS, who also had six points. After the time out the 14th MDG defensively forced eight turnovers in the final 11 minutes of the game.
With the game clock winding down, DynCorp missed a game-winning shot sending the game into overtime with the teams tied at 55.
In the five-minute overtime, the two teams went back and forth trading baskets. In the final seconds of the overtime, down by two points, DynCorp tried to tie the game but the lay-up was blocked giving the 14th MDG their first basketball championship since 1999.
"During that timeout we talked about playing better defense. We played well together tonight, and we started hustling more in the second half," said Tech. Sgt. Cory Santos, 14th MDSS.
The 14th MDG started the season losing their first four games, but finished the season as the champions. This is a true example of what can be accomplished when a team stays focused.