3rd EMS sneaks by 3rd FSS in OT

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Christopher Gross
  • 3rd Wing Public Affairs
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  The 3rd Equipment Maintenance Squadron bested the 3rd Force Support Squadron in a close game which went into overtime resulting in a score of 49-47 Oct. 26 at the Fitness Center. It looked like it was going to be an easy win for the 3rd EMS after they jumped to an eight-point halftime lead over the 3rd FSS. 

The 3rd EMS came out with a strong offense in the first half that the 3rd FSS wasn't able to stop. With Jeff Norris taking early control, he scored seven of his 10 points in the first half to give his team a 24-16 advantage at the break. 

Coming out of the halftime break, the 3rd FSS slowly picked up momentum. By the end of regulation, they pulled within one point of tying the 3rd EMS with 10.5 seconds left to play. 

With time ticking away, the 3rd FSS intentionally fouled the 3rd EMS. 

After missing two foul shots the 3rd FSS rebounded and raced down the court, passing the ball off to Mike Davis. He was fouled attempting a shot with 2.7 seconds left. With the game on the line Davis sunk both shots putting his team ahead 42-41. 

The 3rd FSS lead didn't last for long. Refusing to give up the 3rd EMS's Ben Ramaekers threw up a shot and was fouled with 1.2 seconds left, sending him to the foul line with a chance to put the game away. After making the first shot, to tie the game at 42-42, he failed to make the potential game winning shot. 

At the end of regulation, both teams were ready to face off in a three-minute overtime. Both teams came out strong, putting away a three pointer right off the start. Then with one minute left to play each team scored two points tying them at 47. However, the game winning points would come with 20 seconds left by the 3rd EMS. The 3rd FSS wouldn't be able to come back, leaving the 3rd EMS on top 49-47. 

After the win the 3rd EMS scoring leader, Ben Ramaekers who scored 17 of his team's 49 points, said it was a team effort. 

"I feel the key to our success today was playing good defense and spreading the floor on offense," he said. "It was a really close game and we were able to squeak out a win in overtime."

From the 3rd FSS perspective William Bailey said, "Our guys played their hearts out, to come back from a 16 point deficit only to lose by two in overtime is a major accomplishment in itself. I have to give our guys credit. The 3rd EMS is a good team and today was their day."

He said that his team was missing two key players who normally contribute a lot to the team. He also said his team will be working on key matchup and getting some depth to their team, (1-1), during their next scheduled game Nov. 2 against the Army Corps of Engineers. 

The 3rd EMS, (2-0), is scheduled to face off against the 3rd Medical Operations Squadron Oct. 28.