Amherst Regional boys basketball closes 2011 with win at Northampton
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NORTHAMPTON - The Amherst Regional boys basketball team ended 2011 on a high note last week.
The Hurricanes pushed all the right buttons in a 59-55 victory over rival host Northampton in the Jill E. Harrington Hanzalik Basketball Classic on Dec. 30.
Amherst's victory snapped a five-game losing streak to the Blue Devils. It also evened their record at 3-3 entering the new year.
"It's a good way to end the year," coach Jim Matuszko said. "I was a little nervous getting them this early but everything worked out."
With the game on the line, one of the least likely offensive threats for the Hurricanes stepped up.
Known more for blocking shots and grabbing rebounds above the rim, Tchuijo Nkamebo made two key baskets down the stretch.
"I knew it was time to hustle," Nkamebo said. "I had to step up for the team because one of our starting centers fouled out. I had to take a role, step up and do my part to help win the game."
Tied 52-52 with less than a minute remaining, Norris Cuevas-Nova attempted to run off a screen at the top of the key, but the junior guard was stopped, and instead found a cutting Nkamebo (10 points), who powered in a layup at the rim for a two-point lead with 36 seconds left.
"We always work on that in practice," Nkamebo said. "I'm used to the way he plays and in the game we were able to execute it."
Amherst fouled Jarrod Neumann on Northampton's next possession and the senior guard made one free throw at the other end to cut the deficit to 54-53. Nkamebo grabbed the rebound on the missed free throw and he was fouled. The senior made both of his free throws for a 56-53 lead with 19 seconds left.
"His offense was big," Cuevas-Nova said. "We use him more on defense but he came through at the end."
Following the second free throw Matuszko called a timeout. It was an unusual call, considering it gave Northampton a chance to set up its offense, but it also gave Amherst a chance to talk.
"It's a strategy that I've used before to set our defense because we have a tendency to lose people," Matuszko said. "I went over two or three things that I really wanted them to concentrate on and it worked out."
Amherst employed a soft zone press and when Justin Burgos crossed half court, the Hurricanes trapped. James Sowers jumped and deflected a pass. He picked up the loose ball and raced to the basket. Sowers was fouled and made the second of two shots at the line for a 57-53 lead with 19.6 seconds left.
Matuszko then called another timeout after the free throw. "I didn't want to give up a 3 or foul anybody," Matuszko said. "I just wanted them to pressure a little bit in the backcourt and take some time off the clock."
Northampton coverted on the other end and cut the deficit to two but Sowers was fouled and made both shots for a 59-55 lead with 1.4 seconds left.
The game was close throughout with 21 lead changes and eight ties. The Blue Devils (1-4, 0-1 Suburban) took a 26-20 lead at halftime and extended it to eight on Neumann's basket to start the third.
The Hurricanes answered with a 16-3 run to take a 36-31 lead. Cuevas-Nova had five points during the run, while Fahmi Farah added four. Northampton slowly worked its way back into the game and took a 50-48 lead off a Burgos 3-pointer with 2:29 left.
However, Farah (career-high 12 points) tied it at 50 with a baseline drive and Cuevas-Nova's fast-break layup gave the 'Canes a 52-50 lead.
Neumann (game-high 19 points) was named the most outstanding player for Northampton, while Cuevas-Nova (16 points) earned the honor for Amherst. Josh Whitaker had 11 points before fouling out late in the game for Amherst.
"This is a big win," Cuevas-Nova said. "They are the toughest team we've played so far."
Amherst Regional 64, Sabis 56 - Farah and Nkamebo scored 12 points apiece to pace Amherst (4-3). Whitaker added 11, while Peake, Sowers and Cuevas-Nova had nine each Tuesday.
