By HANNAH WEIKER
STAFF WRITER
Comparing lineups and previous stats on the Perrysburg Yellow Jackets and Anthony Wayne Generals anyone could have told you it was going to be a close game.
From the same undefeated record in the Northern Lakes League to the intensity of play from each side during every minute of every game.
Not only was it close but it was down to the wire. So close that an overtime period was needed to decide the game.
It was the Generals in the end who would end up on top on Tuesday night, executing in the final minutes to win 71-65 in overtime.
Jackets came out hot the first quarter leading as much as 10 points. Three point shooting was on fire for Shane Edwards, Nick Moschetti, and Matt Kaczinski.
But the Generals were able to push the paint and stay in the game. Leading them was their 6-foot-9 senior Mark Donnal who would end the game with 20 points.
The teams would enter the locker room with the Jackets leading with a score of 32-27.
Perrysburg came out fresh once again. They would for the second time that night take a double digit lead over Anthony Wayne.
The Generals would yet again chip away at the Yellow Jackets’ lead when their three point shooters found their stride. Every shoot seemed to drop through the net.
The Jackets found themselves down, but thanks to a three by Shane Edwards with 0:45 seconds left the score was now all tied up at 61-61.
Then Moschetti, who lead the team in scoring, was fouled earning himself two foul shots. He was able to making both of them, lifting the Jackets to a 63-61 lead with eight seconds left.
Donnal got the ball down court and tried to be the hero and shoot a three but missed. But his fellow teammate, Omofoma, shot a layup that ended up making it in the basket as the clock was at 0.0.
This is where the controversy comes in. Perrysburg fans yelling the shot was not good and the Anthony Wayne fans saying it was. The referees decided to count it.
In overtime the Generals had the momentum. They outshot Perrysburg 8-2. Most of those point coming from the perfect free throw shooting of Anthony Wayne. But on the flip side it was Perrysburg’s demise, missing more and more free throws as the game progressed.
Not only did the Generals take the win with them but the lead of the NLL also.
After further review of the video, the shot did not get out of Omofoma’s hands before time ran out. The officials got it very wrong. The shot should not have counted and the Yellow Jackets should have taken the win.
This game has seemed to spark a new rivalry in NLL basketball. The next match up at Anthony Wayne will be circled on every fans calendar.
Contact Hannah Weiker at [email protected]
