No Second Fantastic Finish For Moberly Versus Salt Lake CC
Hutchinson, KS – #1 Seed Salt Lake CC came into their first round game playing Moberly Area CC, winners of their first versus Pearl River CC (MS) in the opening game of the 2022 tourney. A game that Moberly won, 95-89 in OT.
Sometimes being a top eight seed isn’t always the best thing, as many teams in the same situation since the format change in 2013, many, including a few #1’s have fallen victim.
Not the case with this year’s No. 1 Seed, although they had to survive a second half surge and from the Greyhounds. Leading by 18 at half, 54-36, and 20 on the first basket of the second half, the Bruins needed two Jordan Brinson FTs with about 7 seconds left in regulation to push their lead at three, 86-83.
On Monday, in Moberly’s first round game, they also trailed by three with only 1.8 ticks left. That’s when Tyren Moore’s buzzer beater 52 foot heave found the bottom of the net to force OT. Moberly won the overtime and the game. A miracle of sorts.
This time, things were just a little different. Moberly actually had more time to work with to try for the tie. After the inbound pass, Moore, Monday’s hero to the pass and traveled a similar route to the front court.
Choosing not to shoot, Moore passed to James Dent near the top of the key. With time winding down, Dent took an off balance closely guarded three that hit glass and the front rim narrowly missing a second straight fantastic finish.
Game over, season over for the Greyhounds who finished at 28-7. It was the tournament field’s leader in appearances with 30, qualifying in three of the last four seasons. Only Vincennes University with 36 has more.
Leading the charge for the Hounds was Sincere Parker with 24. Dorion Staples came off the bench to nail 13, while Michael Thomas and James Dent totaled 12 a piece. Jimmy Bell, who fouled out late in the game, scored 8 but collected game high 11 boards. Moore, who scored 25 in the win over Pearl River, put in 8 but was the games best facilitator serving up a game high 11 dimes.
Salt Lake improves to 33-1, will now play the winner of Shelton State CC/Odessa College which followed their game. The first entry into the quarterfinal round, that game will tip at Noon on Thursday, March 17.
The Bruins received a 25 point, seven rebound, three assist performance by Jordan Brinson. Quincy McGriff ended the game with 20 points. Next up was Chase Adams drilling in 13 points and delivering 7 dimes. Jaquan Scott went for ten.
Both teams shot 42% from the floor, SLCC hit 50% of long distance attempts to MACC’s 32. The game tilted in the Bruins favor from the charity stripe where they made 28-38. Moberly was good on 17 or their 25 throws.
