Cavaliers Close, But Not Enough
NOVA Cavs Improved Despite Not Advancing in Bracket Play
District Heights, MD (Capital Sports Complex) May 4 – 6th
Friday, May 4th- NOVA Cavs 37 – Fairfax Heat 44. With the intention of qualifying for a National Tournament, the NOVA Cavaliers enter the heart of PG County for the second tournament in the row at PVAAU DIII District Qualifier. In the first game of the pool play, Cavs lost a winnerable game against Fairfax Heat.
Despite being up 16 – 10 to start the game, the Cavs rushed their offense and allowed the Heat back in the contest. In the 4th QT, Heat out-shot the Cavs and took control of the game with about 3 minutes left. Cavaliers eventually dropped by the final margin of 7 points. They will take on MD Pistons next in the second game of pool-play.
Saturday, May 5th- NOVA Cavs 52 – MD Pistons 51. Cavaliers won a heart-pounding thriller in a one point victory over the pesky Pistons team. The Cavs used an effective front court combination of Nathan Orrick, Brendan Doyle, Mark Schantz, and Nate Shafer to dominate the paint.
However, this fiesty team from Maryland just would not go away quietly, as they tied the game at 45 all with 2 minutes remaining. William Unterkofler then knocked down a daggering three-pointer from top of the key, giving the Cavs a lead they never surrender. Seamus Maloney finished off the game with key free throws in the end. Cavs move to 1 – 1 in pool play and they will take on TJ Lakers next in the first round of Bracket Play.
Sunday, May 6th- NOVA Cavs 41 – TJ Lakers 48. NOVA Cavs conclude their journey at the PVAAU DIII District Qualifier with a loss to TJ Lakers. Despite missing a few players, Cavaliers received valuable contributions from Alex Beckett, Mark Schantz and Liam Zeya.
Turnovers though turned out to be the key stat of the game, as the Cavs struggled to avoid making them at the wrong time. They dropped to 1 – 2 in the tournament and 5 – 5 on the season. Cavaliers will go on the road to Richmond next for a one day tournament this upcoming Saturday.