Skip to content
Link copied to clipboard

Butler's last-second trey lifts Del-Val over M.L. King

Antwuan Butler had perhaps the worst seat in the house moments after his game-winning three-pointer splashed in and gave Del-Val Charter a 64-63 victory Thursday night against visiting Martin Luther King.

Antwuan Butler had perhaps the worst seat in the house moments after his game-winning three-pointer splashed in and gave Del-Val Charter a 64-63 victory Thursday night against visiting Martin Luther King.

The 6-foot sophomore guard hit the ground after releasing a heavily contested, step-back three on the right wing opposite Del-Val's bench.

Flat on his back with his vision somewhat obscured, Butler still managed a peek as the ball swished through the net.

His first thought: "Did I really make it?"

The raucous celebration that quickly ensued at the Simons Recreation Center confirmed his suspicions.

"This is a big win," the North Philadelphia resident said. "We can go far in the playoffs. We have a good team and good chemistry. All we have to do is play hard."

A referee's insistent tweets momentarily broke up the party and 1 second was put back on the clock.

King's ensuing inbounds pass, however, hit a beam near the gym's ceiling, which gave the ball, and the game, to Del-Val (15-4, 6-3).

Butler finished with 16 points and spoiled a sensational effort by King senior guard Jabri McCall.

McCall, a 6-foot-1 point guard, led the Cougars (12-9, 4-5) with 17 points and a game-high 16 rebounds. He also added four assists, but shot just 6 of 12 from the foul line.

For Del-Val, Semaj Motley (13 points), Waheem Lowman (9), and Mahki Morris (12) were the Warriors' main offensive supporters.

Nasir Bell added 16 points for King, which led, 62-61, after Nahim Lee's three-pointer with less than a minute remaining.

Butler, however, made the Cougars pay much like he almost did Jan. 5 at King after banking in a falling three at the buzzer, sending the game into overtime.

King went on to win that game.

"I want the ball in big moments," he said. "I've always been like that."

With Thursday's win, Del-Val finds itself behind only Imhotep (15-2, 8-0) in the Public League's A Division.

Del-Val Charter   13 20 16 15 - 64

Martin Luther King   15 15 18 15 - 63

DV: Antwuan Butler 16, Wade Lowman 8, Semaj Motley 13, Dwayne Coleman 2, Waheem Lowman 9, Mahki Morris 12, Rashae Nixon 4.

K: Jabri McCall 17, Nasir Bell 16, Qadir Burgess 5, Jakwon McQueen 4, Ricardo Monteiro 12, Rasool Samir 2, Nahim Lee 5, Ishum Horn 2.

cartera@phillynews.com

@AceCarterINQ