Fighting Through Overtime

Joplin, MO - The Eagles took the court against the Champion Baptist team on Friday night after their tough fought loss to Hillsdale the previous day. Banged and bruised, Emmaus was fighting both fatigue and injuries and were going to need everyone to dig deep and execute if they were going to pull off the upset.

The game started well as both teams looked to attack early. The Eagles defense made trouble for Champion as they kept the pace just where they wanted it. Caleb Ruter got off to a hot start, hitting several key shots in the opening minutes. The first half went back and forth with Champion hanging to a 1 point lead at half time.

Coach Wilkerson encouraged the team on their strong play, but implored them that they would have to cut down on the turnovers and pick up the defensive intensity if they were to come out on top. Despite 8 turnovers and shooting just above 30% from the 3 point line, the Eagles were in good shape to sneak away with the win.

The second half was similar as the teams exchanged baskets. Both teams showed signs of tired legs, but also signs of digging deep. With 34 seconds to go, Emmaus found themselves tied with the ball and a chance to win the game. Caleb Ruter worked the clock down, but took a shot too early that grazed the rim and fell into a Champion player's hand with 5 seconds to go. After a timeout, Champion dribbled down and fired off a shot that also grazed the rim and the game was heading into overtime.

The extra minutes were a repeat of the first two halves with both teams exchanging the lead. Emmaus found itself in a similar situation, down 2 with a play drawn up for a 3 pointer by Skyler Sandry. However, before the ball could even get to him, there was a miscommunication between Ruter and Kyle Pikaart and the ball was turned over. The Eagles were forced to foul and with both free throws made, the game would end after a basket at the buzzer and Champion winning 70-68.

Though they did not walk away with the win, Coach Wilkerson was impressed by the fight and determination from his team. If they had not turned the ball over as much (16 times) or shot poorly from the 3 point line (25%), the game would have been completely different. He encouraged his players to take the time needed to reflect on the game, but to move on quickly as they had one more game on Saturday.