08/08/2025
SPORTS NEWS | SMCC Survives Overtime Thriller vs EVRSHS, 56–55
In a game filled with adrenaline, passion, and unforgettable moments, the SMCC basketball team edged out EVRSHS in a heart-pounding overtime victory, 56–55, on August 7 at the Bliss Covered Court.
The game started with SMCC asserting dominance early in the paint. Team captain Kyle Obong led the charge with aggressive drives and sharp playmaking, helping SMCC build a sizable lead in the first quarter. Their offense was smooth, their defense tight, and it looked like the game might be a runaway.
But EVSRHS had other plans.
Capitalizing on a string of turnovers by SMCC in the second quarter, EVRSHS clawed their way back into the game. They tightened up their defense and punished every mistake SMCC made with fast breaks and clean ex*****on. By the end of the half, the game was knotted at 24–24 and the Bliss Covered Court was electric.
The third quarter was a tug of war, but EVRSHS began to heat up from deep. Back-to-back three-pointers gave them a 37–34 lead heading into the final frame, shifting the momentum once again.
The fourth quarter became a showcase of grit and determination. SMCC's trio Obong, sharpshooter Carnacite, and the powerful center Yohan Velasco worked in rhythm, breaking through the EVRSHS defense. Still, EVRSHS didn't back down. Each basket from SMCC was answered with one of their own, keeping the crowd on their feet.
With the score tied 45–45 at the end of regulation, overtime was inevitable and the intensity only grew.
In overtime, both teams fought tooth and nail. Players pushed through fatigue, with every possession carrying the weight of victory or defeat. With just seconds remaining, EVRSHS managed to sn**ch the lead, 55–54, after a clutch drive to the hoop.
But SMCC wasn’t done.
With only 11 seconds on the clock, SMCC burned their final timeout. As the game resumed, Carnacite quickly launched a three-pointer and missed. But Velasco, a relentless force in the paint, grabbed the offensive rebound. His first put-back attempt bounced off the rim. But he wasn’t giving up. He snagged his second rebound and buried the final dagger off the glass to give SMCC the win, 56–55.
The crowd erupted.
It was a victory defined by heart, hustle, and teamwork. Velasco’s heroics in the dying seconds sealed the win, but it was the collective effort of Obong’s leadership, Carnacite’s shooting, and the team’s resilience that carried SMCC through.
Via Mark Matic | The Horizon
