The Senior Men’s Eckville Aces would cruise to another win over the Caroline Cougars 48-30 on February 1.
The game was never really in doubt despite an attempted fourth quarter Caroline comeback that fell short. The game was far from ordinary though as Caroline was forced to play four on five due to injury.
Aces Coach Merle Sarri wasn’t quite sure what he was watching.
“It was very weird,” he said. “I have never seen a game like that in my playing or coaching days. It was nice though because I could get my rookies out. They can learn to play together.”
The Aces, who have viewed a much more balanced attack on the court as of late, were led by the 18 points poured in by veteran Grade 12 player Isaiah Staples.
“It seems like the guys are starting to find each other on the court,” Sarri said. “We are just trying to pressure the ball a bit more to get our offense going.”
Most of the Ace’s points came off second half turnovers after they were unable to capitalize on the long ball in the first half.
“I told the guys not to take as many because we haven’t been making them in games,” Sarri said. “Defence will win you games.”
Caroline did manage to trim the lead, however they ran out of gas due to three separate injuries throughout the game.
“We had a big lead and time was running out. They didn’t have enough,” Sarri added.
The Aces will now look towards the playoffs where they will need to have a strongly focused attack to advance.
“I just keep telling them that it is going to be do or die,” Sarri said. “No time to mess around - we need to get serious for the playoffs.”
reporter@eckvilleecho.com