News

436th FSS heads to playoffs, clinches top seed in American League

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class William Johnson
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del --  The 436th Force Support Squadron clinched the American League's number one seed going into the playoffs in a nail-biting rematch against the 512th Airlift Wing March 10, 2015, at the fitness center here.

After losing to the 512th AW by one point in their last meeting, the 436th FSS were able to get revenge in the rematch with an overtime victory by the score of 49-44. The clash was a heated battle between the two teams and playoff positions added fuel to the fire.

Antwan Piper, 436th FSS player-coach, gathered his team in a huddle for a motivational pep talk following their victory.

"This is what happens when we come together and play as a team," Piper shouted. "Nobody can beat us when we play like this!"

The game lived up to the hype that was expected from the anticipated rematch. The game was fast-paced and both teams were frequently subbing their bench to keep fresh bodies on the court. At the end of the first half, the 512th AW looked as if they were on their way to a second straight victory against the 436th FSS with a lead of 25-23.

However, momentum shifted in favor of the 436th FSS during the second half and they found themselves with a four-point lead in the final minute of the game. The rematch seemed all but in the bag for the 436th FSS, but Lateef Shinaba and Blake Hardy, 512th AW players, drew a string of fouls and were able to convert the four points with foul shots needed to send the final game of the season into overtime.

The overtime period was completely dominated by the 436th FSS. They only allowed one bucket from the 512th AW and a monstrous dunk from Derrick Davis, 436th FSS small forward, all but sealed the deal on the rematch sending fans onto the sidelines of the court.

"It was the work of the defense that set me up for the dunk," said Davis. "They got the turnover and passed the ball up the court and it set me up for the wide open dunk."

It was an upsetting loss for the 512th AW, but Hakim Tutt, 512th AW player-coach, said his team is now focusing on the playoffs, anticipating another run-in with the 436th FSS.

"The playoffs are double elimination so anything can happen," said Tutt. "If we see them in the playoffs, we will be ready for them."

The playoffs began March 11, with four teams from the American and National Leagues. The championship game will be held March 18, at the fitness center here. Stay tuned to DAFspn for news coverage and photos from the championship game.