Fresno City College’s women’s basketball team lost by four points against Laney College Eagles in the playoffs on Mar. 9, at the FCC gym.
The Rams had an impressive regular season, only losing four games prior to the postseason. They went into their home playoff game with an outstanding 25-4
record.
The energy was high. The crowd screamed as cut outs of player’s heads rose from the stands.
Coming into the game the Rams averaged almost 85 points a game and going 12-0 in their conference.
Hoping to go into this game dominating like the Rams had all season would prove to be anything but easy. Immediately, the Eagles proved they were here for a reason. They got out to a hot start against the stellar Rams.
With each passing quarter, the Rams tried keeping up but the Eagles had them right where they wanted them; going into halftime up 15 points with a score of 24 to 39.
As everyone walked around during half time, crowd members seemed pumped and held out hope for the team despite a disappointing first half.
During the third quarter, the Rams caught back up scoring 25 points, while the Eagles only scored 14. Their defense stepped up, frequently stealing the ball and
scoring, an impressive, eight 3-pointers.
They ended the third quarter with a score of 49 to 53. The Rams played defense well and were knocking on the Eagles front door as the lead was now in a few possessions.
The crowd was getting loud and standing on their feet, nervously hoping that the Rams would make a comeback to win the playoff game.
As the crowd was yelling aggressively, cheering on the Rams with their hopes high. The Rams were fighting hard to get ahead of the Eagles.
As the Rams continued to try to put on an amazing comeback, the crowd’s heads moved side to side to keep up.
The defense constantly blocked shots as the offense returned the favor by scoring.
As the time started to run out during the fourth quarter, the players started to get in the zone – hyperfocusing on the plays at hand. The game would be decided in the final minutes.
The Rams played a great game, but it wasn’t enough.
The Eagles played great offense, scoring a three, followed by an amazing defensive play by stealing the Ram’s ball. They would score another three, securing their victory against the Rams.
Eagles fans were on their feet as the Rams gave up these points in the last minutes of the game.
The great turnaround from the Eagles was only because of the sloppy play from the Rams.
They looked like,because of their stellar record, the win could be handed to them. Instead the team that prepared to play all four quarters came out on top.
Despite a tough loss, the Rams held their heads up as they congratulated the Eagles on a tough but depressing victory.
The Rams lost by four points, ending the game 62 to 66.
