NORTH YORK, Ont. – Too big, too athletic, too good.
That was the story on Friday night as the Sheridan Bruins defeated the Fanshawe Falcons 77-61 to secure a spot in the 2013 belairdirect OCAA Men's Basketball Championship game.
Sheridan's size down low in Paul Williams and speed penetrating the lane in Trevor Williams helped the Bruins come back against a well-coached Falcons team.
Despite splitting during the regular season, the feel was almost of a David vs. Goliath, but the Falcons more than held their own early. At a 5-5 tie, the Falcons went on a 6-0 run to take what would be their biggest lead of the game at 11-5. Fanshawe would carry a 20-19 lead into the second quarter.
The Bruins quickly responded to the deficit they faced with a three-pointer by Dylan Periana in the opening minute. A pair of baskets by the Falcons helped regain the lead at 24-22 before the teams exchanged the lead or tied up the game eight times over the next three and a half minutes. A layup at the buzzer by Sheridan's Trevor Williams closed the gap to one as Fanshawe took a 39-38 lead into halftime.
Fanshawe came out for the second half full of confidence, but were not prepared for what Bruins head coach and OCAA Coach of the Year Jim Flack game planned. Sheridan started a full-court press which caused issues for the Falcons in the offensive end. Once breaking the press, the Falcons players were out of their offence and forced shots they did not take in the first half. As a result, the Bruins were able to take a 51-44 lead following a shot clock beating basked by Michael Selkridge. With 3:29 to play and emotions running high in the third quarter, a near fight broke out following a Falcons basket. Sheridan led at the end of three quarters 61-53.
In the fourth quarter, the Bruins continued to execute their game plan as they opened the quarter with six straight points. A three by Fanshawe's Chavaun Miller-Bennett helped break the run. The Bruins continued to dominate the play after were rewarded with a rare four-point play opportunity following a made three-point shot by Periana. In the end, the physical play and athleticism won out as the Bruins move on in their quest for gold.
Paul Williams and Periana led Sheridan with 15 points each. Williams was named Player of the Game and added 15 rebounds while Jahmal McQueen grabbed 10 rebounds.
Miller-Bennett was the top scorer for Fanshawe with 17 points. Bryan McDonald and John Brutto had 14 and 10 points, respectively. Miller-Bennett was named Player of the Game.
The Bruins will play for gold tomorrow at 6 p.m. while Fanshawe will play Algonquin in the bronze medal semi-final tomorrow at 9 a.m.
Source: Seneca College
Photo Credit: Sergio Mendoza