Ocean CC hits three FTs in final five seconds to cut down Mighty Oaks, 73-70
By Al Muskewitz
Riverview Sports News
TOMS RIVER – Playing on the road is tough enough. Playing on the road with only half your complement of players makes it even tougher.
That’s the situation the Salem CC men’s basketball team found itself in Tuesday night. The Mighty Oaks were reduced to eight available players due to injuries and although they were in control of the game deep into the second half they fell at Ocean CC 73-70.
The Vikings (5-5) hit three free throws in the final five seconds to win it and avenge a seven-point loss in Carneys Point Nov. 19. The Mighty Oaks (8-3) led by 10 at halftime and by seven with 4:10 to play, but much like their overtime loss to Camden, they had too many turnovers and missed free throws down the stretch to secure the win.
“Most colleges only play with eight players anyway, so I don’t think that’s anything you should get applauded about,” Salem coach Mike Green said. “Most colleges only play eight players, nine players max.
“Eight people are enough to win with, for sure. It’s happening all over the nation.”
Salem’s Julien Jones hit a runner with 30 seconds left to tie the game at 70 and Green immediately called a time out to set up their final strategy, which was simply to stay in front of your man on defense.
Ocean’s Myles Marabuto hit two free throws with 5.5 seconds left to break the tie. With little time left on the clock, the Mighty Oaks hurried to get the ball up the court and get a shot, but Marabuto pressured them to step on the sideline before reaching midcourt.
The Vikings inbounded, Kai Barckley was fouled with less than a second to go and made the first of his two free throws for the final margin. The Vikings were 18-of-21 from the free throw line in the game (Salem was 5-of-10). Barckley finished with 15 points off the bench.
“If you want to win this league, stay in front of guys,” Green said. “We couldn’t stay in front of a 5-10 guard with our 6-6 forward and it cost us.”
Rodney Shelton had a big game for the Mighty Oaks and not just because he was one of the biggest players on the floor. Playing extended minutes because his backup wasn’t available, Shelton responded with 16 points, 10 rebounds and six blocked shots.
Tyrese Fortune had 14 points and Xavier Brewington had 13 points, eight rebounds, four assists and three steals.
Wednesday is a big day on the Mighty Oaks’ injury front. Tamir Powell, a 6-3 freshman from Philadelphia who has spent all season in a boot, begins his rehab for an expected January return and sophomore captain Niame Scott undergoes surgery on the knee he fractured in Saturday’s win over Bergen.
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