1st SOMXS singes FSS 53-43

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Anthony Jennings
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla.-- --  The 1st Special Operations Maintenance Squadron team turned the heat up against the 96th Force Support Squadron, winning 53-43, during an intramural basketball game at the Eglin Fitness Center, Feb. 25.

The 1st SOMXS team, 7-1, looked to establish themselves as a top contender, with their only loss of the season coming against the undefeated 96th Logistics Readiness Squadron.

"We're viewed by many as the underdogs," said Guy Lampton, 1st SOMXS coach.

FSS, 1-5, faced an uphill battle to get their second win of the season against the taller team.

"We're a team of mostly guards playing against a team full of centers," said Drevell Herron, FSS coach. "So we knew we would have to use our speed in order to win."

The game started off evenly matched, both teams feeling each other out. By mid-way into the first half, the 1st SOMXS team had double the FSS's points, 16-8.

Fouls were abundant in the first half, slowing the game's progress and FSS couldn't get a rebound. They trailed 24-14 at the end of the half.

Going into the second half, the FSS team tried to mix up their strategy to throw the other team off their game.

"We kept the ball moving by making quick passes," said Herron. "We chose to shoot from the outside and draw them away from the hole, and if they would step out we would drive in."

The SOMXS team kept to their 3-2 defense but opted to keep fresh players on the court.

"We established a good enough lead to allow everyone to have playing time," said Lampton.

Relying on their early lead proved to be enough to seal the deal for the 1st SOMXS team winning 53-43.

"Everybody played hard, but when it came down to it, we just needed to have fun," said Herron. "If you're not having fun, what's the point?"

Playoffs begin March 8, where the top 18 teams will compete in double elimination games to be crowned intramural basketball champions.

"It was a good game at the beginning," said Lampton. "But really, we're just warming up for the playoffs."