Friday, July 20, 2007

OU Wins Throwdown With Throwbacks

Reading, MA – Origins Unknown needed a full 38 minutes to catch the scrappy Throwbacks (aka Crusty Muskets minus Dan Johnson) and put them away with a gritty come-from-behind 69-64 win. The game, which felt like an uphill battle to the OU bunch for the most part, turned into one of the better efforts from a four man crew – as they clawed and scratched their way back from a 13 point first half deficit.

The Throwbacks started out playing crisply on offense, using their experience to build a comfortable lead, while frustrating the OU guys. With Leroy Johnson leading the charge, the Throwbacks picked, rolled, hooked and shot themselves to a 10 point lead. For their part, OU was struggling to establish themselves offensively or defensively. Chris “Big” Johnson had his moments in the first half, but Cap’n Mike, James “Stretch” Hogan IV and Dr. J all missed opportunities to keep the game close.

The second half started out similarly, but OU continued to tread water, and never fall too far behind. Big Johnson was establishing better position, and scoring nearly at will, but Steve Johnson was doing the same for the Throwbacks. With about six minutes left, and OU losing the war, a series of highlights pulled the gang right back into the game. Dr. J suddenly caught fire with two jumpers, and a smooth baseline finger roll. Cap’n Mike also chipped in with two threes from the right wing, and a steal and breakaway layup. With less than 3 minutes left, the OU bunch had pulled to within 5, and the Throwbacks were clearly on the ropes. They called a time-out, and when OU came back out, they kept the pressure on defensively.

A minute later, a rebound by Big Johnson, an outlet to Cap’n Mike, and a zip pass to a cutting Stretch Hogan gave OU their first lead of the game, which they wouldn’t relinquish. Another baseline spin shot from Hogan built the lead to three, and Cap’n Mike finished them off with two free throws with 20 seconds left.

It wasn't quite this (THIS) comeback, but it was impressive.

The win builds OU’s record to 4-2, heading into next week’s match up with the Hustlers.

Cap’n Mike also made some strides from the free throw line, going 7 for 7 on the night. On the year, he is now 7 for 8.

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