TOP STORY>>19th LRS comes out on top in season opener against the 19th MDG

By Airman Scott Poe
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

The 19th Logistics Readiness Squadron’s intramural basketball team (1) defeated the 19th Medical Group’s team 60-59 Tuesday, at Little Rock Air Force Base.

The game was the start of the base’s basketball season, and both teams had high hopes, but the 19th LRS took the win in overtime.

Before the game both coaches were optimistic and acknowledged each team as worthy adversaries.

“Both teams are good, but hopefully we will come out on top,” said Darrius Deener, 19th MDG assistant coach.

The 19th LRS had a simple game plan.

“We are going to play hard and do our best,” said Tony Allen, 19th LRS (1) coach.

The 19th LRS drew first blood with a three-point shot, but the 19th MDG quickly caught up and held the advantage for the rest of the first half. The second half of the game played out very similar with the 19th MDG leading until LRS tied the game with one minute and 28 seconds left. Both teams were struggling to score for the win but to no avail. The score was 54-54 as the buzzer sounded, and the game went to overtime.

In overtime the tension was high, and both teams stayed neck and neck. With only seconds on the clock, the 19th LRS hit a three pointer and took the game.

After the game both teams congratulated each other and reflected on the match.

“We’re a new team so we have to mold together,” said Peter Elefante, 19th MDG coach. “It’s just the beginning of the season, you lose some and you win some.”

Allen said he was proud of his team’s effort.

“They did good, they stayed in it, they got down big in the second half and still came back and brought us through,” said Allen. “They all get along, they communicate and that’s what it’s all about, playing team ball.”