Trailing by eight points at the start of the second half in their much anticipated season-opener, the San Quentin Warriors basketball team could not mount a comeback over the outside Sports Ministry team, falling 92-81.
Down 57-49 at halftime, the Warriors started the second half in a full-court press defense to try and slow down the Sports Ministry’s guards. The press defense collapsed as the visitors started the third quarter with 10 consecutive points.
The Sports Ministry entered into a two-three zone, which seemed to limit the Warriors’ offensive effectiveness.
The Warriors went on a scoring drought until forward Anthony Ammons drove down the lane for a layup.
The Sports Ministry immediately responded as Mark Ivy scored on a layup and a baseline fade, increasing their lead to 71-51. Point guard Mike Juco followed with an assist to Ivy and guard Ben Ilegbodu knock down two free throws.
Allan McIntosh at the free throw line
The Warriors countered as Rafael Cuevas made an assist to Allan McIntosh, who slammed the ball with aggression. After a Sports Ministry basket, Jahkeem Stokes-Gullen buried a three from the top of the key and Mike Franklin scored on a put back to decrease their deficit to 77-60.
However, the Warriors could not stop Ilegbodu from scoring 10 second-half points and 41 overall. “I felt good. I felt like I could hit every thing going up,” Ilegbodu said after the game. “I love coming out here to play and have fun.”
Center Ted Hahs finished with 20 points for the Sports Ministry
He said, “I tried to play hard. They worked me hard inside. I just wanted to get a win.”
Hahs played for the Masters College in Europe.
Forward McIntosh finished with 31 points for the Warriors.
