T-Birds Knock Off Nation's Number One, Host Team at Shootout
By: Josh Dockendorf
Issue date: 12/12/08 Section: Sports
The annual KJCCC shoot out matched up the Cloud County Thunderbirds against two conference foes, including the number one ranked team in the nation, Cowley Community College. To open their two-game weekend, the Thunderbirds they faced Cowley. The T-birds came storming out of the gate and were in control for almost the entire first half. They were leading at halftime 38-37.
After the halftime break, the Tigers tried to show Cloud why they were the number one team. They opened half number two with a 14-4 run and jumped out to 51-42 lead. Cloud, however, wasn't about to go down without a fight.
"It seems that we were always able to hit the big shot or answer every run that they went on," said head coach Kevin Muff.
Indeed they were always able to hit the big shot, whether it was by a Jemal Farmer 3-pointer, an Eric Marshall dunk or a Patrick Shulte 3-point play. Oleg Kovalov also contributed a big three. However, with neither team backing down it didn't take a genius to figure out that this game was going to go down to the wire. How right they were. Both teams were trading runs, going back and forth until a three and a Cowley steal made the score 70-69 with 27 seconds left. With Cowley fouling in desperation mode, Cloud was able to stay calm and sink their free throws ultimately putting the Tigers away, 74-70.
"I don't think they ever panicked, they kind of rallied behind each other," Muff said.
The Thunderbirds weren't done yet. They still had to go through one the East's best teams in Coffeyville. They rode the momentum train off their huge win and were able to roll over the Red Ravens 81-65.
"Going into those games, with the draw we had, playing two of the top teams in the East, to come out with a split would have been good. To come out 2-0, I am very happy," Muff said, "I thought they did a great job of representing the school."
After the halftime break, the Tigers tried to show Cloud why they were the number one team. They opened half number two with a 14-4 run and jumped out to 51-42 lead. Cloud, however, wasn't about to go down without a fight.
"It seems that we were always able to hit the big shot or answer every run that they went on," said head coach Kevin Muff.
Indeed they were always able to hit the big shot, whether it was by a Jemal Farmer 3-pointer, an Eric Marshall dunk or a Patrick Shulte 3-point play. Oleg Kovalov also contributed a big three. However, with neither team backing down it didn't take a genius to figure out that this game was going to go down to the wire. How right they were. Both teams were trading runs, going back and forth until a three and a Cowley steal made the score 70-69 with 27 seconds left. With Cowley fouling in desperation mode, Cloud was able to stay calm and sink their free throws ultimately putting the Tigers away, 74-70.
"I don't think they ever panicked, they kind of rallied behind each other," Muff said.
The Thunderbirds weren't done yet. They still had to go through one the East's best teams in Coffeyville. They rode the momentum train off their huge win and were able to roll over the Red Ravens 81-65.
"Going into those games, with the draw we had, playing two of the top teams in the East, to come out with a split would have been good. To come out 2-0, I am very happy," Muff said, "I thought they did a great job of representing the school."
Be the first to comment on this story