MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- The team Over 30 went head-to-head with Medical in an intramural basketball game, Jan. 17, at the Combat Fitness Center. The teams battled it out, but Over 30 was able to squeak by, 59-53.
Medical won the jump ball, but was unable to keep control as Over 30 blocked a pass and drove down court scoring the first points of the game. Medical threw the ball in and Over 30 guard, Kevin Cochran, stole it and attempted a basket. Cochran was fouled and scored both free throws giving Over 30 a 4-0 lead.
Medical struggled to keep control, until guard Jerome Bates stole the ball and scored a lay-up allowing Medical to believe they had a chance.
The teams were running up and down the court with some occasional scoring, but most attempts ended in rebounds and missed shots.
Over 30 kept control of the ball and made strong passes to players under the basket to bring the score to 13-9. They stole the ball again to add another two.
With just over six minutes left in the first half, Over 30 continued to run away with their lead by scoring one under the basket, making a rebound and passing the ball half way down court to Corey Croom who was open for a lay-up. Medical made their attempt to keep up by scoring from the top of the key, but the attempt was feeble.
Over 30 was able to steal the ball and guard Jimmy Williams scored from the three-point line, bringing the score to 26-15.
As time dwindled down in the first half, Medical continued to fight to stay in the game. They scored a three-pointer, then stole the ball and passed down court to Kiser who caught the ball in mid-air and dunked it, closing the gap to 29-20.
The half ended with another three-pointer from Medical and Over 30 attempting one last lay-up, but was beat by the buzzer, leaving the score 29-23 at the half.
The second half began with a pass down to Medical's Kiser who scored immediately.
Medical continued a short streak of scoring, stealing and rebounding the ball from Over 30, who were having trouble sinking the ball. It was looking up for Medical as the score evened out 29-29, but there were still 16 minutes left in the game.
Over 30 was finally able to score as guard Steve Johnson scored a lay-up, regaining their lead. Over 30 also began passing better as Croom passed to Johnson who scored a basket.
Both teams bobbled the ball around under the Over 30 basket after a shot attempt, but as Over 30's Croom took control, he was fouled and went to the free throw line. Croom missed both shots and Medical guard Paul Nelson rebounded for a lay-up down court.
Over 30 answered right back with a shot from under their own basket taking the score to 37-31.
Over 30 began their domination once again as Johnson scored. Then Coleman stole the ball back, passed to Croom, who passed to Cochran who was fouled on the shot attempt. Cochran may have missed the basket, but didn't miss the free throws to regain Over 30's 10- point lead, 41-31.
Medical was determined to not be denied as they scored a three-pointer and passed the ball around for two attempts, one finally falling into the basket.
With an Over 30 time-out, and nine minutes left in the game, the score was 45-36.
The teams battled out the last minutes answering baskets with baskets and sinking free throws after each foul.
Over 30 was able to make several passes half way down court and score while Medical attempted to stand their ground and keep up.
With a little over one minute left on the clock, Over 30 didn't want to give up their 10-point lead. They stole the ball and passed to guard Guy Henry Sr., who scored the lay-up and brought the score to 57-47.
Medical wasn't going quietly and after another lay-up from Over 30, they answered back with their own steal and lay-up.
Time ticked away as Medical held Over 30 at 59 points, but continued to score themselves. Nelson nailed a three-pointer and teammate Kiser made one last free throw.
The attempt was strong, but Over 30 held Medical off to win the game 59-53.