LRS chemistry burns AFRL 71-47

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Anthony Jennings
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The 96th Logistics Readiness Squadron team displayed dangerous chemistry on the newly refurbished basketball courts at the Eglin Fitness Center, Feb. 10, smoking the Air Force Research Lab team, 71-47.

The game came mid-way through the intramural basketball season, which began again last week after a stoppage due to the floor construction.

"We wanted to outrun them and keep them pressured throughout the game," said Keri Bowers, LRS coach.

The undefeated LRS team, 4-0, is the reigning champs, defending their title against the 1-2, first-year AFRL team.

"Our chemistry worked well and we knew if we could keep it up, we would be alright," said Bowers.

The LRS team dominated much of the first half capitalizing on rebounds and keeping the pace of the game elevated. AFRL managed a few key steals and sunk some free-throws to keep their deficit to 11, but couldn't compensate for the height disadvantage. The first half ended with LRS in the lead, 35-24.

"We didn't want to change up our offense because we felt we were still in it," said Albert Pena, AFRL coach. "The fact we only had six players facing such a young and energetic team hurt us though, especially in the second half."

In the second half, the AFRL team revised their defensive tactics, changing form a 2-3 to a 3-2 defense. However, the LRS team exploited the holes in the AFRL's defensive strategy with quick passing for easy baskets.

"When it comes down to it, they were the better team tonight," said Pena. "We're still a young team and we have room to grow."

The LRS team's height advantage and explosive offense were too much, as fatigue plagued the AFRL team and the score ran up.  The game ended 71-47, leaving the LRS team with another 'W,' continuing their path back to the championship.

"Out of the past five years, we've won the title four times," said Bowers. "We will repeat."