sports_pa, sports_hs
It certainly wasn't pretty, but the basketball was thrilling nonetheless as Del-Val Charter came from behind to defeat host Germantown Academy, 68-64, in overtime Wednesday night.
It certainly wasn't pretty, but the basketball was thrilling nonetheless as Del-Val Charter came from behind to defeat host Germantown Academy, 68-64, in overtime Wednesday night.
Semaj Motley led the Warriors with 20 points, but the senior guard deflected praise toward teammates after the come-from-behind victory.
"It was a good team win," Motley said. "We came back when we were down all three quarters. We just fought hard and came back in the fourth."
The Warriors (7-1, 3-1) of the Public League trailed by six at the half and by five at the end of three quarters, but their defense kept them close.
Neither offense set the nets ablaze anyway.
The defending Inter-Ac champion Patriots (7-3) shot 37 percent from the field and 23 of 37 from the foul line (59 percent). GA also turned the ball over 24 times.
The Warriors shot 44 percent from the field, but 16 of 29 from the foul line (55 percent) and committed 29 turnovers.
Not helping the aesthetics were 53 foul calls, much to the chagrin of both sidelines.
Patriots coach Jim Fenerty, however, authored the line of the night.
"This is basketball," Fenerty quipped while requesting a foul call in overtime. "Either that or it's horseback riding. The only thing missing there was the saddle."
In the end, each team had ample opportunities to seize control.
Makhi Morris (16 points, three steals) tied the game at 43 late in regulation for Del-Val.
GA's Evan-Eric Longino (20 points, eight rebounds) tied the game at 52 with 5.3 seconds left in the fourth.
Devon Goodman led the Patriots with 20. Kyle McCloskey added 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Antwain Butler (17 points) was also a major contributor late for Del-Val.
"This was good because we're on a roll right now," Motley said. "We just have to keep playing strong. Wins will come if we stay strong and play as a team."
Del-Val Charter 7 9 14 22 16 - 68
Germ.Academy 13 9 13 17 12 - 64
DV: Semaj Motley 20, Makhi Morris 16, Antwain Butler 17, Jermaine Lucas 8, Wade Lowman 2, Dwayne Coleman 2, Waheem Lowman 3.
GA: Devon Goodman 20, Kyle McCloskey 14, Bailey Whitman 8, Evan-Eric Longino 20, Gabe Alter 2.
@AceCarterINQ