[quote]By Lucas Rhamy
Sports Writer
Photo by Brittany Coates[/quote]

Right from the first tip, boys’ basketball’s first home game of the season was filled with action and excitement. However, they unfortunately fell 84-83 to conference and district rival Neuqua Valley in a double overtime thriller.

The entire game was a roller coaster of lead changes and point streaks.The Mustangs got off to a very poor start, struggling against  a 16 point deficit as the first quarter came to a close. However, the team quickly got back on their feet, going on 15-2 run in the second quarter to cut the Neuqua lead to 25-22.  After a Malik Hall buzzer beater, the Mustangs went into the second half with a two point lead 37-35. Later in the fourth quarter, Metea was able to build a 10 point lead. However, Neuqua was able to battle back as time expired, forcing the first of two overtimes.

“We have to focus right from the tip and not wait a quarter to get into the game, but I think our defense was the factor that got us back into the game by getting multiple stops in a row,” senior Matt Helwig said.

Along the the defense, the bench play also stepped up huge after the first quarter struggles. Sophomore Jayden Reed undertook the main point guard role as the game progressed, scoring 13 points in the process. Also, Ben Jones stepped up at the center spot as starter Tristan Schlosser got into early foul trouble.

“We have known going into the season that depth would be a great factor for us.  We will continue to evaluate and do what is best for the team’s success each game,” head coach Bob Vozza said.

However, the Mustangs MVP of the game had to be senior Matt Helwig. Coming off the bench, he scored a team high 22 points, along with a last second contested three-pointer to send the game into double overtime. Although he got off to a slow start, he was the go-to-guy down the stretch as the Wildcats didn’t have an answer for his range shooting.

“Having the ball in crunch time is just a part of being a senior, you have to do whatever you can to give the team the best chance to win,” Helwig added.

Win or lose, any double overtime game is obviously going to be a physically and emotionally draining game. However, it’s a long season, and the Mustangs know what they need to do to bounce back from this tough loss.

“We will continue to practice hard and prepare for our next opponent.  The players continue to get better, we will continue to work on the little things to help us out.  We play a very tough schedule and will need to get better everyday,” Vozza added.