Box Score The Panthers took on the Skipjacks of Chesapeake Community College this evening at the PE Center. The home team started out great taking a 12-3 lead in the first few minutes of the game. They were able to use their defense for quick baskets while keeping the Skipjacks off balance. And suddenly the Panther's offensive plan was countered by the Skipjacks. The Panthers did not score a basket for more than 5 minutes. The Skipjacks found a formula that worked and took a double figure lead. At one point it seemed as if the Panthers were not sure of what to do on the offensive end. Their attacks to the basket were met with the big men of Chesapeake and the result was one shot attempt from an awkward position with no points to show for it. The half ended with the Panthers down by 8 instead of double figures, thanks to the extra effort of Sophomore Zach Smith who was able to get a couple to fall along with the free throws he was awarded. His seven points kept the team in striking distance with the half-time score 26 – 34.
The second half was an offensive struggle for both teams. The Skipjacks maintained their lead for the first 10 minutes of the half with an interior defense that kept the Panthers from attacking. The Panthers also put up a stifling defense that kept them in range. The Skipjacks did go up by 11 at one point, but things changed quickly. The Panthers started making baskets. Zach Smith and Freshmen Blake Neverdon got on track and triggered an 11-0 run that gave the Panthers the lead. They were able to change the tempo of the game and thus the quality of their opportunities. Things really looked good for the home team, when Freshmen Ifanieye Lewis was able to convert an acrobatic layup over the 6'9 Skipjack to take the lead. The Panthers had momentum and were up by eight points with five minutes on the clock.
The Skipjacks to their credit did not give up. They fought and were able to convert a couple of fast breaks along with a few out of sync attempts by the Panthers saw their lead disappear. The Skipjacks came back and took the lead once again. They went up by five and then it was the Panthers turn to make a run. They turned their defense into offense. Steals by Zach Smith, Freshmen Marquise Delahaye and Ifanieye Lewis led to breakaway baskets and free throws. But, that was not to be the end. The Panthers then missed a few baskets and the Skipjacks converted a couple of fast breaks and the game was tied with 14 seconds left. The Panthers had a chance to win it on the last shot but an attempt by Marquise Delahaye was blocked. The game ended in regulation tied 55-55.
Overtime is five minutes of heart and mind. For those who know sports, the body follows their lead. The Panthers showed their heart and mental fitness down the stretch. They scored first in overtime and kept the pressure on defensively. They got to the basket and converted free throws. They went up by five and kept the Skipjacks to one shot. They were able to stretch the lead and got it to double figures mostly due to their speed and keen sense of where the ball was going. The Panthers won 71-64.
Coach Montoyo spoke after the game and said " it wasn't pretty but we got it done with defense and not getting down on ourselves." He says "the team is learning how to win and that means we can only get better." The teams record is now 7-3.
The Panthers will travel next to face the Midshipmen of Naval Academy December 19
th.
