Vikes throw Knights a block party
Northern’s 15 blocked shots fuel home win
By Marcellus C. Miller
18 January 2008
greatlakeshoops.com
Player of the game: tie: Mike (OJ) Martin (Northern) and Demarkus Bracy (SWA)
Startling Stats: Northern – 15 blocks, SWA - 25 offensive rebounds, SWA - 18/75 shooting
Plays of the game: 3-way tie: OJ’s steal and one-hand tomahawk jam, Sam Morgan and OJ’s big blocks sending the ball back to half court.
Things that make you say, hmmm…: Erik Fields - 0 points in limited time and touches
Best crowd cheer: Northern fans saying, “You need Noopy! You need Noopy!”
Dayton Ave.—Things were not looking very good for the Vikings coming into tonight’s contest with the visiting Knights. They had just come off a tough defeat at the hands of Clarkston and have been plagued with inconsistency all year. They play again on Sunday as well, making this one a sandwich game.
However, city rivalries tend to bring out the best in teams and this was no exception.
From the start, Northern had momentum on its side as they jumped out to an early lead. SWA’s leader, Tyrone Ward, was dealing with fatigue and having trouble finding his range. Meanwhile, Mike “OJ” Martin was striking with precision, scoring nine points in the quarter.
Clavontae Brown continued his strong play of late, coming off the bench to score six in the first, including a two-hand breakaway dunk that drew him a technical foul for slapping the glass. The SWA sagging defense was hurt by Carlos Benton and Martin hitting 3-pointers in that stanza as well. It ended 23-14, with Northern riding high.
SWA would make a charge in the second quarter, led by big man Demarkus Bracy. Bracy was a man on the offensive glass tonight and the Vikes had no answer it seemed. Three big 3-pointers by Northern’s Joemar Black and Demetrius Peterson kept the Vikings out front at the half.
The third quarter was a dead heat and gave way to an interesting fourth.
Entering the fourth, SWA jumped into a 1-3-1 full court press, which stymied Northern for a bit, causing several turnovers. While Southwestern was playing much more aggressively, Northern was reeling. With about three minutes left, SWA took its first lead on a steal and lay-up. Northern got the ball back and scored on the ensuing possession, but SWA’s Derrick Smith went coast-to-coast to put SWA back out in front.
Then came the pivotal point in the game. Down one, Northern failed to score on Martin’s missed shot from about 13 feet.
With the lead by one and only 2:00 left on the clock, SWA looked to slow the game down not needing a score to win, but they got careless with the ball. In only what can be described as a mad scramble for the ball, Benton and SWA’s Martell Northern fought for the ball on the floor with the bigger Northern winning that battle. He called for time-out, which was a great play. However, when they both got up, he took the ball and threw it at Benton, hitting him in the neck. Officials and other players quickly jumped in before the situation escalated, but Martell was given a technical foul.
Senior, and only 53% free throw shooter, Sam Morgan was ready to lead. The co-captain for the Vikes looked at his coaches that were trying to decide who to put on the line and said, “I got it, I’m wet (meaning his shot felt good)!” The coaches looked at each other and sent him out there. He calmly knocked down both free throws, snatching the momentum back.
Martin was fouled on the next possession after SWA inexplicably came out in a sagging zone, allowing Northern to run out precious seconds. He made both, giving Northern a 4-point play and the lead. That 3-point cushion turned out to be the final margin of victory for the Vikings in a great city contest, 74-71.
Game Notes
- Northern held Ward to 11 points, well below his average. He still set his teammates up well, but couldn’t find his legs tonight.
- Have you ever seen a team grab 25 offensive rebounds, hoist 75 shots, and still lose? I haven’t until tonight.
- Bracy had a strong performance, leading the way with a game-high 22 points and a host of rebounds. If he continues to play like that when Ward is feeling good, SWA becomes very dangerous.
- I couldn’t help but wonder why Erik Fields didn’t play much tonight. He is a very good shooter and his absence allowed Northern to send multiple defenders at Ward. He was held scoreless and the only 3-pointer hit by SWA was a heave with three seconds left from Ward. I just don’t get that one.
- The Vikes’ Black had his usual good performance of 16 points and eight rebounds. Martin added 19 points, seven rebounds and four blocks. Demetrius Peterson added 13. They need all three to continue scoring in double figures to be successful as the season wears on.
- 2 of the 15 blocks Northern had were of the classic variety. Martin and Morgan both sent opposing shots sailing back to half court with authority. Morgan is averaging nearly four a game.
-Martell Northern, perhaps fueled by the fact he played with the Vikings two summers ago, definitely made a huge error in judgment. Hopefully he learns to control his emotions because his team needs him.