Notice a different aura surrounding the halls? It’s the playoffs. MacArthur had a great playoff run last fall, as the football athletes made it all the way to the state semi-finals. Now it’s the boy’s basketball team’s turn.
Tuesday, February 22, the Brahmas (24-8) took on the Judson Rockets (24-11) in what proved to be a great playoff matchup. In fact, the difference between the two teams was a mere two points.
This clutch basket came off of a lay-up from junior guard Matt Gramling with just 4.8 seconds left in overtime and gave the Brahmas a hard-fought 56-54 victory. Gramling led the team with 16 points.
Judson’s senior guard Cameron Griffin did his part in keeping the Rockets in the game. After MacArthur’s junior forward Jordan Pratt made a bucket to give the Brahmas a 46-43 lead in the final minute, Griffin surged into the paint for an and-one, sending the game into overtime. Griffin led all players with 25 points.
The Rockets started the overtime period with a lot of energy, taking a 51-48 lead early.
MacArthur bounced back, however, and took a 54-51 lead with senior forward Ben Lytle’s basket and free throws from senior guard Michael Flores.
After this sudden change in pace, Judson struck back, yet again, with a long three pointer from senior guard Trent Matthews.
When a second overtime seemed imminent, Matt Gramling dropped the biggest basket of the season, and possibly his life, sealing the victory for Mac.
The Brahmas will play their second-round playoff game Friday, February 25, against the Stevens Falcons.
