Briercrest Wins in Exciting Matchup Versus Med Hat

Medicine Hat Rattlers start the game strong with a 3 on the board by #8. Briercrest Clippers respond with a strong offense, getting 6 points back to back. High energy was being shown by both teams. After the initial spark, both teams' defense strengthened, and there was virtually nothing scored for 5 minutes, until #11 from the Rattlers got the breakaway, 2-pointer, and ended the drought. Lots of turnovers on both sides, and every point scored was matched by the other teams. This is proving to be a very evenly matched game. #8 from the Clippers and #8 from the Rattlers both with back-to-back turnovers, followed by a turnover by #4 Clippers, followed by a rebound by #8 Rattlers! In the midst of this confusion, the ball was thrown down the court, but accidentally hit the roof! The period ended with #4 Clippers getting a jump shot. First-period score 18-15, Clippers lead this close game. 

Clippers lead with a burst of energy and start the second round with a 2. #3 Rattlers respond with a breakaway, and #14 Rattlers tie it up 20-20 at the 8 ½ minute mark. #7 from the Clippers pulls ahead with the 3. #7 Rattlers matches that with his own 3, taking the lead. #4 Clippers gets a breakaway and dunks it, making the crowd go wild! Both have a strong defense and are having trouble scoring. 3 rebounds by Rattlers before a foul is called. Another Clippers foul lets Medicine Hat lead 24-27. In the middle of passing, #8 Clippers loses his shoe mid-way through the play, but continues to play! 3rd foul in a row puts Rattlers into the bonus early on. A turnover by #8 Clippers gets him an add one layup. #7 Clippers with another beautiful 3 bring Clippers into the lead. But yet again, #11 Rattlers responds with not one but two 3s! Another 2 by #8 Rattlers ends the 2nd with Medicine Hat leading 30-35. This is proving to be an evenly matched game. 

Medicine Hat kicks off the third with a two-point free throw from #8. #4 Clippers gets a foul on the three,  and makes all three in! Medicine Hat makes a hard drive to maintain the lead, but the Clippers keep matching every point. #8 Clippers jump shot ties game at 39. #12 Rattlers gets the rebound and makes a  layup. Neither team can keep possession of the ball for very long. Medicine Hat's strong defense makes Clippers work to get anything in, with 3 rebounds for Clippers and no point. #8 Clippers gets the three to help Clippers lead by 5 halfway through 3rd. Medicine Hat responds with a 3 by #8. Point for point! #14 Clippers steals the ball in a breakaway, 2 pointers. #11 Rattlers makes a shot clock buzzer-beater 3 pointer!  The crowd is shocked! #8 Rattlers tie it up in the last minute at 50. A 2-point buzzer-beater at the end of the  3rd helps Medicine Hat lead 50-52.  

Fourth kicks off with a hard drive by both teams, and a layup by #8 Clippers. Strong defense continues from both teams. #8 Clippers gets the rebound with a foul shot, makes both shots, and immediately makes another two 2-point afterward. Continues to be numerous turnovers by both teams. #12 Clippers gets 3, helping Clippers lead by 11. #21 Clippers gets a dunk. Medicine Hat responds with a 3 by both #4 Rattlers and #10 Rattlers to help close the gap. #8 Rattlers close in further with a 2. #11 Rattlers get a layup, making the score 69-64 with 3 min left. Clippers push to maintain their lead. #10 Rattlers make a breakaway and layup, keeping Clippers on their toes. Final minute, both teams push. #11 Rattlers 2  pointer in the final 15 seconds brings it within 3. The final penalty gives #4 Clippers free throws. Ends game  77-73 Clippers win!  

Players of the game were Medicine Hat's #11 Kieron Burgess for his 17 rebounds, 2 steals, 23 points, and Briercrest's #8 Jude Shepherd-Hills with 7 Rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 22 points.