Basketball season ends in nail-biter

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Brian Sosa
  • 436th Force Support Squadron
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  After a long season and several memorable games, the Dover Air Force Base basketball playoffs ended with a championship showdown between 436th Medical Group and 436th Security Forces Squadron March 9 at the Fitness Center.

The 436 MDG was considered one of the toughest teams throughout the year with a 13-1 record in the regular season. They blazed through the playoffs with three wins against 736th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 512th Force Support Squadron, and a semifinal match against the 436 SFS. They beat the 436 SFS, 52-44, but this wasn't the last time they would meet.

The 436 SFS faced a hard road throughout the season, entering the playoffs with a 7-7 record. In the playoffs, 436 SFS stepped up their defense to win the first two games of the playoffs against 436th Civil Engineer Squadron and the 436th Force Support Squadron before losing in the semifinals to the 436 MDG. After dropping down to the loser's bracket, they were faced with a "win-or-go-home" game against the 512 FSS; they took the game in a staggering win upset 48-28. After the win, the 436 SFS regained their confidence to face the 436 MDG in a championship game rematch.

The championship game featured strong performances from both teams. Both teams played as a team, no one player stood out. The score was tight the entire game.

With less than a minute left, the score was 29-28 with the 436 SFS leading. Stephen Osakue, 436 MDG, drew a foul and made the first free-throw. The second shot missed and Michael Mclain, 436 MDG, rebounded only to be fouled again as he went up. After Mclain made one of two the score was 30-29 and now 436 MDG had the lead. With only seconds left, 436 SFS took the ball down the court and as time ran out, Antwyne James threw up a final shot, only to come up short.

436 MDG took the game 30-29 and finished with the best overall record of 17-1. A remarkable improvement over last year, when they placed last in the entire league.
"This win means a lot for the team, because we did not get any respect at the beginning of the season," said Jeffrey Johnson, 436 MDG coach. "Teams have to respect us now."
The 436 MDG is already getting the respect that they were seeking from the good sportsmanship of the 436 SFS.

"[The win] was well deserved," said Ninanona Payongayong, 436 SFS coach. "436 MDG has a great team with resilient players."

The 436 SFS coach said there is always room for improvement, and is hoping for a better offensive showing next season.

The action-packed season was wrapped up in a hard fought win for the 436 MDG. Preparation for next season will begin soon.

"Our next challenge is to defend our title," said Johnson. "Teams are going to play harder next year against us, just to say 'I beat the base champs'."