Overtime heart-break for Heat
14 March 2011
The Heat suffered a heart-breaking 92-93 overtime loss against the Sheffield Sharks on Saturday evening at Surrey Sports Park. In a game that neither side dominated and with 14 lead changes and 14 ties, it was the Sheffield Sharks who prevailed thanks to two pieces of individual brillance and some veteran composure.
The Heat were leading 86-81 with 16 seconds to play after overturning an eight-point Sharks lead (66-74) with five minutes left in the fourth quarter. The game looked safe, but with six seconds left on the clock, Ryan Patton pulled up for a deep three-pointer which he swished through the net. The Heat called for a time-out, allowing them to in-bound the ball in the front court. They got the ball to Julius Joseph who was immediately fouled by Ola Babalola, Babalola fouling out on the play. However, JJ could only make one of two, giving the Heat an 87-84 lead.
With the clock winding down, Steve Dagostino raced down court and took off from behind the three-point line. Just before he landed and a fraction of a second before the buzzer sounded, he released his shot which went in off the backboard, sending the game into overtime.
With under two minutes of the extra period left, the scores were tied 92-92 and JJ was back at the line, but missed both free-throws. At the other end, Adrian Anderson, who had been on court for less than 90 seconds, was fouled by JJ and made one of two free throws to give the Sharks the lead.
The Heat had another chance to take the lead, but failed to convert. After missed three-pointer, the Heat had one last chance, Carlos Medlock heaving the ball from well within his own half. The shot looked good, but just missed, hitting the back of the ring and the game was over.
The Heat were led by Martelle McLemore's 26 points and six rebounds, with JJ adding 22 points and seven rebounds, while Carlos had 18 points and six assists. Mike Martin added 12 points and eight rebounds.
For the Sharks, Steve Dagostino had 21 points (12 from the line), Paul Williams added 20 and 10 rebounds, with Marcus Stout adding 18 points.
The Heat is urging fans to wear red shirts to show their support for the premier league basketball club during the home game on Sunday 20th March, which will be filmed by Sky TV. On Red Shirt Sunday, Guildford Heat will play Glasgow Rocks at Surrey Sports Park. Tip off is at 3pm.
As this is the last home game this season to be filmed by Sky Sports TV, all tickets are expected to sell out. Buy tickets online here or further information, visit www.guildfordheat.com or call the Surrey Sports Park box office on 01483 689111.
