When shots don’t go in the basket, it is hard to win. When you get to a state tournament level event and the shots don’t fall, it is nearly impossible to survive. Add in losing the battle of the boards, and things are set up for a tough result on the court. That is exactly what happened to the University Heights Academy Blazers Thursday afternoon in Richmond at the Boys All A Classic.
The Blazers had one of their worst shooting performances of the season against one of the better teams they have played all season, and the result ended up being Murray beating the Blazers for the second time this season, this time by a final score of 60-33.
Unlike the first matchup, Murray was not able to run out to massive lead early in the contest. The two teams went back and forth in the opening quarter, with five lead changes in the opening quarter. With UHA leading 8-7, the Tigers made their first move to try and take control of the game. Murray scored the final six points of the quarter to go up 13-8 after one.
Murray would hold the lead throughout the second period of play. The Tigers would extend the lead to as many as 10 points at 28-18. K.J. Crump would hit a jumper in the lane to cut the lead to 28-20. Murray turned the ball over while trying to work it down for the last shot of the half. Crump would find his way to the basket, but a last second lay up would rim out, and the Tigers would go to the locker room with the 8 point lead.
Field goal shooting was a big part of the first half, as Murray connected on 55-percent of their shots, while the Blazers could only connect on 33-percent. The Tigers also dominated the glass, out rebounding the smaller Blazers 20-7. Darius Duffy had 8 boards on his own for the Tigers. UHA did a super job with ball security in the first 16 minutes, only turning the ball over once.
Will Bryan led the Blazers in the half with 9 points, while Grant Whitaker led the Tigers with 9 of his own.
Things got away from the Blazers in the opening moments of the third quarter. The Tigers opened the quarter on a 12-2 run to go up 40-22. The Blazers’ play during the stretch prompted Coach Grant Shouse to put several younger players in the game to try and ignite a spark. The younger players were able to play essentially even with the Tigers, as the 3rd quarter ended with Murray holding a 46-26 lead.
UHA scored the first four points of the final quarter in rapid fashion, giving the Blazer faithful a glimmer of hope. Murray then snuffed out that hope with four quick points of their own and that would end any thoughts of a miracle UHA rally. Murray would pull on out to win by the final 27 point margin.
Will Bryan was the only Blazer to reach double figures with 12 points. Amani McGee and K.J. Crump each finished with six points.
Murray was led by Grant Whitaker with 17 points. Darius Duffy had a big day, finishing with a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds.
For the game, the Blazers connected on only 27.1-percent of their shots, while Murray blistered the nets for 55.8-percent. Murray also out rebounded UHA 42-17.
The loss drops UHA to 10-9 on the season. The Blazers will return to action a week from Friday when they travel across town to take on Hopkinsville in a key 8th District contest.
