"No Place Like Home"
WE are beginning to reach the finale of the 2013-2014 season, and it seems as though our TEAM has begun to make it's mark at Dakota College. There is no doubt "The Woodshed" was the loudest, craziest, most exciting gym WE have competed in at this point and I find it hard to believe many facilities compare to the unique environment available at DCB. In front of a crowded gym the #14 in the nation Lumberjack basketball TEAM improved to 21-4 as WE withstood adversity to get an Overtime win 115-112 against Lake Region State College. There were many twists and turns as the game came down to the final seconds in regulation as well as Overtime.
Our TEAM appeared to have control in the first half with a 13-point lead early in the game. As the first half came to a close it was Lake Region who seized the momentum closing the gap to 49-45 game going into the locker rooms. The second half would provide much of the same style of play as the Lumberjacks would hold the Royals off until the final 2 minutes. Lake Region took the lead with just over a minute to play and the fun began. With 5 seconds to go, and the score being 94-93 an "intentional foul" was called on our TEAM allowing the Royals to receive two free throws plus the ball. At this moment losing seemed inevitable, but right when hope was lost "The Woodshed" met the challenge with a hostile charge. Noise grew louder, intensity peaked, and luckily enough the shooter would miss not just one free throw, but two. WE appeared to steal the inbound but of course a whistle was blown (Lake Region shot 53 Free Throws to our 27 attempts). The shooter would make both giving our TEAM 3.6 seconds to go the length of the floor with no time-outs.
Big time players make big time shot in big time games. Xavier Cruz caught the ball on the run down the sideline and would pull-up from 30 feet away as time expired. All anyone heard in the town of Bottineau was the ball striking the bottom of the net which simply meant, 5 more minutes of basketball in Overtime. Throughout Overtime our TEAM would control the lead, but it was a defensive struggles as both teams seemed unstoppable. Eventually the same situation would occur, but this time WE had a 3-point lead with just over 3 seconds to play. Lake Region shot a pull-up 3 as time expired, but thankfully was unsuccessful. Much is to be made of resiliency YOUR Lumberjacks showed facing adversity with a big chest, chin-up, and never quitting on the game.
Highlights:
JULIAN VASQUEZ - Played one of the most phenomenal games any coach or crowd could ask for scoring 53 points in just 37 minutes. He scored when he wanted and where he wanted throughout the entire game. When it was all said and done Vasquez went 18-28 from the field (7-11 3FG & 10/11 FT). Vasquez also made his presence known on the glass with 11 rebounds, and dished out 5 assists.
Xavier Cruz - 15 points, 9 assists
Cruz sped the game up for good and bad at times. As the season goes on he is learning from mistakes while changing the game nightly. Most importantly there would not be an OT without Cruz coming through in the clutch. He is a bold player who moves on to the next play with a short-term memory.
It was a complete TEAM effort as each and every player impacted the game. The best aspect of our TEAM is the fact players do not even have to touch the floor to contribute.
Next Up:
The Lumberjacks return to action at "The Woodshed" next Monday to face Bismarck State. WE appreciate the support and hope the crowd continues to grow. Thank you to all of those who made a difference last night.
Get Jacked UP,
Cory Fehringer
