As fall comes to an end the start of a new season emerges. No, I’m not talking about the upcoming holiday season, I’m talking about basketball season. On Saturday, November 15th at 7pm, our very own Stockton Ospreys mens basketball team took the court against Wilkes University Colonels in the annual Tip Off Classic to start their season.
As I entered Big Blue on Saturday night I wasn’t quite sure what to expect; I had heard that each game brings out a large crowd, but I wasn’t expecting filled bleachers. As the warm up began, Eminem’s popular song, “Till I Collapse” blared through the speakers. Fans could see the Ospreys internalizing the lyrics and getting pumped up for the game. As warm-up ended, the Ospreys ran over to coach Gerry Matthews, and although I could not hear what he was telling his players, judging by the looks on their faces they were inspired and determine to start the season with a win.
The Ospreys started the game on a high note winning the jump ball and built a 10 point lead! The team worked hard to maintain their lead, ending the first half 34-29, not a bad start. As both teams returned to the court to start off the second half it was clear the Colonels were not giving up so easy. With the Colonels so fired up to get ahead the Ospreys had a tough time keeping in the lead. Fouls were being called left and right. It was clear each team was willing to do what ever it takes to secure the win. With five minuets left on the clock Wilkes was now in the lead 72-65, Stockton needed to get their acts together. After a short time out the Osprey’s spirits seemed to have been rallied back. Stockton returned to the court scoring ten consecutive points, re-taking the lead. Wilkes tied the game by sinking a three pointer leaving the score 75-75 with twenty-six seconds on the clock. As the Ospreys took possession they were desperate to score. Player Josh Blamon drove quickly to the net determined to score, only to be stopped by an illegal block. The Ospreys now was two foul shots away from taking hime the win.
As the foul was awarded the fans filled the gym with cheers. This was it, within the next ten-seconds or so, the Ospreys would be starting their season with a win or battling it out in overtime. Blamon stepped up to the foul line and each teammate patted him on the back: they knew he could do this. The game was all up to him at this point, the ability to win resting on his fingertips. Near silence filled the gym, us fans were doing our part to assist in the focus, all hoping he had what it would take. As the ball left his hands it was headed right for the net only to be deflected by the rim of the hoop. The shot fell short. Still tied Blamon returned to the line, one last shot to score the game winning shot. This time it was dead silent in the packed gym, any one of us could have heard a pin drop. All eyes were on Blamon and his directly on the hoop, a confident smile spread across his face, he knew this shot would make it. As the ball left his fingers again and sailed towards the hoop smiles appeared on every ones faces, the shot was perfect. The ball dropped through the hoop catching all net and the gym was filled with the cheers of fans. As the Ospreys stormed the court, it was as if each and every one of us fans were right there with them. We were just as proud of Blamon as his own teammates.
In the last few moments of the game I believe the Stockton students all came together bonding over this experience. Every one of us wanted nothing more in that moment than for the boys to take the win they deserved. The Ospreys will have ten home games throughout the season, and I urge everyone to attend!