Men’s basketball defeats West Valley by one point in the final seconds, move to Elite 8
“Hopefully we will have a great crowd, and hopefully we will come out with a win,” Coach Doug Cornelius said before the 49ers game against West Valley on March 3. His wishes came true.
Yuba is on its way to the state championship.
The atmosphere at the game against West Valley was amazing. Fans were yelling in excitement. From children to adults, the stands were filled.
“I have never seen anything like it,” Conelius said. “This must have been the most exiting game in the history of the college.”
After tense moments and a close score, Yuba College, pulled off a 68-67 win, with Aaron Garner scoring the wining basket during the final seconds of the game. He also led the team with 21 points scored.
Throughout the whole game it seemed like the players couldn’t catch their breath. They were running back and forth with both teams making basket after basket. It was a very close game except in the first half when Yuba had a lead of 24-14, and in the second half when Yuba was leading by six points 64-58. With less than 3 minutes to go Mareceo Rutledge had to step out of the game with a very bad cramp in his leg, but he will be ready for the next game.
As the last buzzer went off with the final score of 68-67, the fans all rushed the court to congratulate the players and coaches for their hard work. Players were taking pictures with their families, hugging fans and friends while smiling and dancing.
With this game under their belt Yuba College 49ers enter the elite 8 playoffs tournament, with only three more games that stand between them and the playoff title.
The way they have been playing, the title could be theirs. On February 25 the 49ers defeated Merced 95-77.
“The guys went to Merced with a pretty good chip on their shoulder they were upset for being on the road in the first round,” Coach Doug Cornelius said. “We were on the 11 seat and went to play a team in the 6th seat which we have already beat.”
Playing an away game during the first round of playoffs bothered the basketball team, but they went to Merced inspired and ready to win, said Cornelius
Royal Edwards, a Wing with a previous ankle injury, got to play against Merced. “He played really well,” Cornelius said.
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