In the final seconds, the San Quentin Kings stole the ball twice from the visiting Outsiders basketball team, securing a 71-70 victory.
“It’s always fun to be part of a close game,” said Outsider Dave Gordon.
With 27 seconds left in the game, the Outsiders were down 70-68 with Gordon at the line. He nailed two clutch free throws, tying the score.
John Brewster fouled King point-guard Tare “Cancun” Beltranchuc. Beltranchuc made one of two free throws.
Brewster got the ball back with 23 seconds on the clock. The Kings’ defense swarmed the Outsiders and Brewster looked to pass. Outsider 6-foot-11 center Karl Larsen was on the bench at the time. The seconds ticked off the clock, pressuring Brewster. He passed the ball inside and Beltranchuc picked it off.
“I thought I made a good pass,” said Outsider John Brewster. “Cancun was the hero,” said Outsider Steve Watkins.
Beltranchuc scored 9 points, 1 rebound, 3 assists and 3 steals.
“It’s awesome to contribute to the win,” said Beltranchuc.
Kings Coach Ishmael Freelon called Cancun his “Player of the Game.”
Brewster fouled Beltranchuc with 4 seconds left in regulation. Beltranchuc missed both free throws and Brewster secured the rebound and called time out.
The Outsiders had 3 seconds to inbound the ball from half court and make a basket. They put Larsen back into the game and threw him the ball. Larsen caught the ball from the side of the basket at too awkward an angle for a good shot. While falling out of bounds he shoveled the ball toward a teammate, but King Demond Lewis intercepted the pass and held it as time ran out.
Larsen ended with 13 points.
Lewis fi nished with 5 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals and 1 block.
King Oris “Pep” Williams led all scorers with 26 points and Thad Fleeton dropped 12.
Referee Cory “St. Louis” Woods talked pre-game about being part of the basketball program.
“It’s helping me be humble and patient. This program teaches me how to communicate without being aggressive,” said Woods.
“It blows me away to see how common you guys are. This could be a pickup game in Concord,” said Outsider Al Clark after the Aug. 22 game.
