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MXS defeats Cops in intramural basketball

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Chuck Walker
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Last year the 436th Maintenance Squadron basketball team parlayed its good season into a runner-up finish in the quest for the intramural basketball championship.

In this year's opening game of the season against the 436th Security Forces Squadron, the 436th MXS took its first step toward the championship as it defeated the 436th SFS 37-30 Dec. 10, 2012, at the fitness center on Dover Air Force Base, Del.

Kenneth Jones scored a team-high 16 points and the 436th MXS forced numerous turnovers on the way to picking up the victory.

"It was the first game of the season and we were rusty," 436th MXS player-coach Cory Cuadrado said. "Our defense kept us in the game, we forced a lot of turnovers and we took advantage of them."

With his team trailing 6-5 at the midway point of the first half Jones took over. He went on a personal 9-2 run to lead his team to an 18-10 lead at halftime.

The 436th MXS opened the second half with a 12-6 run taking a 30-16 lead and they never looked back. The 436th SFS tried to make it close at the end, but by then it was too little, too late, as the 436th MXS rolled to victory.

Jones said playing together was the key to the 436th MXS victory.

"We started off a little sluggish and I just tried to get everyone involved," Jones said. "We started getting a bunch of turnovers and my teammates were able to find me for easy baskets. It was just great teamwork."

For the 436th SFS it was a matter of sloppy play and too many turnovers. Damien Sawyer led the 436th SFS scoring 16 points in the defeat.

"We had a slow first half and sloppy ball control, turnovers hurt us a lot," 436th SFS coach Jordan Purdue said. "We just need to come out and learn from our mistakes, make smarter passes and have no turnovers and we can get back on track."

For the 436th MXS it was a step in the right direction to achieve their goal.

"We finished second to the 436th [Logistics Readiness Squadron] last year and we have four starters returning from that team," Cuadrado said. "We just need to be patient on offense and keep improving on defense. Taking advantage of our defense and offensive execution is the key to us having a successful season."