AFRL, 96th CEG take 'W' in Over-30 kick-off

  • Published
  • By Airman Anthony Jennings
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The Over 30 Basketball season began Oct. 26, with the Air Force Research Lab defeating the 96th Security Forces Squadron followed by 96th Civil Engineer Group's one-point win 96th Contracting Squadron at the fitness center here. 

Over-30 gives the more "experienced" players across Eglin a chance to compete against opponents in their age bracket. 

"It's a great way for some the older guys in units across the base to show they still got it," said Staff Sgt. Angelo Lowrie, 96th Force Support Squadron sports director. 

For the AFRL team's second year, the win was a big boost for their morale. The win was significant because they were winless last season. 

"I think we played well," said Neil Soliman, AFRL coach. "Being able to start the season off with a 'W', the first win we've had in two years, was definitely a confidence boost." 

Going into the game Soliman was worried that rebounds were going to be an issue due to the SFS's taller team. AFRL simply landed more shots and forced more turnovers to come away with the win. 

"I can't really think of anything we did wrong this game," said Soliman. "Going into the next game, I think we'll work on passing the ball more to spread plays across the court, and our pick-n-rolls." 

The second game pitted the 96th CEG against the 96th CONS team. The CEG gained at 12-point lead over the CONS team through the second half, but CONS came back to within one point of the win with less than 10 seconds left. 

A player on the CONS team took a shot to win win the game, but the ball bounced out of the rim. 

"We knew when it came down to that last shot we had to get in their face and play hard defense" said Ardonis Cabarle, CEG point-guard. "We honestly were the better team and should have blown them out. Next game we'll be in better shape and play with more faith in each other." 

Games are played Monday through Thursday at 11 a.m. and noon in the Eglin Fitness Center.