Match Result
1Q 25-25
2Q 18-22(43-47)
3Q 18-23(61-70)
4Q 11-24(72-94)
I think we had a good pace right from the start of the game, taking the lead. Dawson, who celebrated his birthday on that day, seemed to be in good form and went on a rampage, scoring 15 points early on. He was also in a good mood after seeing Wakasa's skillful 2-point shot.
The second quarter was not so bad either. Randall put the game out of reach early on, but Wakasa quickly responded with a brilliant 3-point shot to put the game out of reach again. I was watching this shot from right behind me, and was glad to be able to look up at it from the same direction and angle, albeit at a different height.
But the Kagawa Five Arrows were slowly closing in.
The one who stood in their way was that player, Keijuro Matsui. It was Matsui Keijuro!
He was able to score a number of points, and the Gambaroos once again took the lead. However, the Gambaroos persevered. Jawara scored and turned the game over once again. However, Randall made a two-point shot to turn the game around shortly after. He was fouled and had to make a free throw. Jawara still scored to tie the game.
But no matter. Keijuro Matsui's 3-pointer won it for them.
It looked as if they were going to be outscored again, but a 3-pointer by Captain Tsukamoto and other factors put them up by 4 points at the end of the second quarter.
In the third quarter, Dama scored early, but Captain Tsukamoto made a 3-pointer to close the gap. However, consecutive 3-pointers by Five Arrows players Ravenel and Kimura widened the gap. Still, the Gambaroos showed persistence. Combs made two free throws in a row, and Dawson, who was in great form today, and Wakasa's second 3-pointer of the night put the Gambaroos in control.
The Five Arrows, however, continued to pile on the dunks and solid free throws, getting closer and closer to victory step by step. The third quarter ended with a 9-point lead.
The fateful start of the fourth quarter. Thanks to the double-digit scoring duo of Combs and Dawson, the Gambaroos were up by four at one point. However, the Gambaroos were held back by Matsui and his teammates, who made 7 free throws and 1 3-pointer in the 4th quarter, and the game ended with the Gambaroos trailing by 22 points.
Gambaroos suffered its first two losses in a row.