Patriots' Starters Outlast Spartan Depth 46-43
STERLING, VA - As the tip off drew closer, both Broad Run (7-11, 5-6) and Park View (10-6, 6-4) knew what was at stake. With the post season quickly approaching, both teams were attempting to solidify themselves as the third seed in the Dulles District tournament behind Heritage and Potomac Falls.
Broad Run won the tip off and converting a quick give and go pass to Martin Thomas for an easy layup. Park View quickly struck back with a two pointer of their own by 6'2 center Thomas Mulabah. The two teams continued to trade baskets throughout the quarter. However, Broad Run established themselves early at the foul line and converted some big shots inside the paint to take a 17-10 lead over Park View to end the 1st period. Early on, it seemed that Park View couldn't compete with the size and intensity of Broad Run's big men.
Park View found an answer for Broad Run's stingy defense in the second period with Mulabah (11 points), guard Marcus Freeman (8 points), and forward Danny Foley (7 points) leading the charge. The Patriots pulled within three to end the second period and the 1st half 32-29. There were many things to consider at the end of the half. All of Park Views 29 points had come from four of their starters. Whereas Broad Run's scoring went 9 deep in the first half. The Spartans were led by senior guard R.J. Jasper (6 points) and Martin Thomas (7 points).
To start the second half, Mulabah made two quick shots to help the Patriots take their first lead of the game with 6:30 to go in the third period. Park View then went on an 11-1 run to take a 40-33 lead. Broad Run went eight and a half minutes without a field goal before scoring the last six points of the half. The third period ended with Park View leading 40-39.
Broad Run never took the lead again as Park View capitalized on some sloppy plays and crucial turnovers from the Spartans. With 1.3 seconds left to play in the game and the Patriots ahead by three, Broad Run called timeout to set up one last shot. Shane Johnson inbounded to Martin Thomas who threw up a prayer from three point range that dinged off the backboard for a miss.
The Patriots starters prevailed by scoring all 48 of the team's points. Mulabah led the way for Park View underneath the basket with 19 points. Freeman, Foley, and Dufford were also effective with 14, 12, and 3 points respectively. The Spartans continued to receive contributions from everywhere but were led by the outstanding play of Thomas who finished with 12 points.
The Spartans will return home tomorrow where they will go head to head with their neighborhood AAA rival Stone Bridge. The Patriots will look to continue their winning ways on February 12th as they will travel to Brambleton to face off against the Briar Woods Falcons.
