2.5 seconds. That’s how close Mt St Marys was to returning to the NCAA Tournament for the second straight year. 2.5 seconds.
The Mount came to play, but didnt finish the way they needed too. They led most of the game behind Kelly Beidlers 12 points and a rare offense output of 8 points from senior Markus Mitchell. The biggest problem was first team All NEC Jeremy Goode went 3-8 with 6 points and shooting guard Jean Cajou went 1-9 with 3 points. Hard to get the job done when your two studs go cold for the biggest game of the year. The game was a defensive battle and to give both Jean and Jeremy credit, they played some solid D.
The entire game was close with the Mounts biggest lead at I think 5 points with 5 minutes to go. The game was tied with 33 seconds left when the Mounts Shawn Atepum (11 points) drove the lane and missed a guarded layup and gave the ball back to Robert Morris. Robert Morris called time out and drew up a play for Jeremy Chappell (NEC Player of the Year) who ended the game with 15 points (13 in the second half). As time ticked away and Chappell drove into the paint he dished the rock to Dallas Green who averages 6 points a game and didnt have a point in this game. With 2.5 seconds left Green sank a baseline jumper to take the lead by 2. The Mount threw the ball to mid court where it was intercepted and Chappell was fouled.
There was still 1.9 seconds left as the fans stormed the court. Im not blaming the refs but thats a technical and 2 free throws according to the rule book. Of course the T wasn’t called, Chappell did miss the shot but there wasn’t enough time left for the Mount. The Mounts season is over with a record of 19-13 and won the last 16 of 21. Not a bad season after a slow start.
I’d like to thank my friend and assistant coach at the Mount Kevin Robinson for hooking me up with 8 games in the second row this year. I enjoyed the season and look forward to next when I believe they will win the NEC and return to the NCAAs.
2.5 seconds. Amazing how a season can come down to that. Until next hoops season Go Mount…….and Go Terps.