JV Blazers let one slip to Bengals

FEB 4, NELSON H. KOBREN GYMNASIUM-

After coming back from eight points behind, Blair was about to tie the game with only eight seconds left on the clock but the referee made a call that cost Blair the game. The final score was 51-48, bringing JV basketball's season record 3-11. Although it was a disappointing loss today, Blair did much better against Blake than a month ago.

The whole game was settled in the last eight seconds. Blair was only two points behind and had possession. Blair went up for a lay-up but lost control of the ball. It bounced towards the wall about two feet inside the line and seemed to be saved by co-captain sophomore Nick Warmington. The referee then blew his whistle and called the ball "out", turning possession over to Blake. The Blazer fans in attendance started screaming. After a two-minute argument between coach Richard Porac and the referee, the referee took back the call just made, and then said it was now an offensive foul, changing his call completely.

There were four seconds left in the game and the ref gave Blake two free throws. "That was a bad call. We probably would have won if the ref didn't call it," said sophomore Edwin Joyner.

The Blazers came into the game strong and ended the game strong. The middle portion of the game was filled with inaccurate passes and bad ball handling, two aspects that Blair usually excels at.

Ten seconds into the game, sophomore Rashad McDonald made a lay-up. Blair would keep this lead until the fourth quarter. In the first quarter alone Blair forced five turnovers. But things started to crumble in the third quarter. The quick, effective defense of the first half faltered, and Blair started leaving people, and sometimes even the lane, open to Blake's offense. During one stretch the Blazers missed five straight shots, all three-point attempts. And the numerous free throws Blair gave to Blake from fouls tipped the scales and gave them a chance to catch up.

Last time Blair played Blake was Jan 12 and Blake won by a score of 62-37. In less than a month the Blazers have come to a point where they can practically beat Blake, a remarkable achievement. "We've worked hard all season and I think today really showed it. I don't agree with the call that was made. I don't think it was fair to anyone," said Porac.

The team next plays Sherwood on Feb. 6 at 3:30 p.m. at home.