On Tuesday, the Discovery Titans and Berkmar Patriots met up for the first game of their two game season series with region standings implications on the line heading down the stretch of the regular season. The Patriots went into the game at 8-1 in the region standings, sitting a game behind the region leader, Norcross, who they will face on Friday. And For the Titans at 5-2 in the region, a win for them could give them a tie breaker lead in the standings over Berkmar.
With the region race as tight as it is, it was to no surprise that the game would remain close throughout the first three periods.
Discovery would go up by as much as seven points in the first quarter, but the Patriots would quickly close the gap and trail 19-17 at the end of the opening period. The second quarter would be low scoring for both teams, however the period would belong to Berkmar as they would outscore Discovery 8-6 to make the game tied up 25-25 at the half.
In the third quarter, the Patriots would keep the moment in their favor as they would own the period, 15-12. But in the fourth quarter, Berkmar’s defense would once again come through as they held Discovery to just seven points in the period while scoring 15 in route to a 55-44 win. The Patriots were led in scoring and rebounds by Malique Ewin who finished with 16 points and 13 rebounds. Berkmar’s Jermahri Hill would add 15 points. For Discovery, Navaughn Maise would lead the team with 12 points followed by Ian Davis with 11 points. The Berkmar win sets the Patriots up for a match up with Norcross on Friday in which if they pick up the win, they would create a two way tie between the two teams. Then On Monday, the Patriots will host Discovery and look to complete the season series sweep.
After the game, Berkmar head coach, Greg Phillips credited his team’s defensive play in helping them secure Tuesday night’s win. “We did a great job defending. A 19 point second half for them. We did a great job defending them and making them make tough shots,” Phillips said adding, “that was the difference.”
