3rd Place Game sees Handsworth Top STA in 3 OT

Handsworth Royals v. St. Thomas Aquinas

Saturday, December 10, 2022

Scott Leigh

A battle of two North Shore teams who are both eager to finish off the tourney with a third-place podium finish. After a back and forth start with each team exchanging buckets, the Handsworth Royals pushed out to an early double-digit lead. The combination of a strong defensive effort and STA trying to find their legs in their second game of the day, has them struggling to connect offensively. 

In the early parts of the 2nd quarter, the Royals find themselves up 21-11 and the Saints are fighting their way back into the game. Just like that we have a two-possession game, as STA connects in back-to-back possessions and are sitting just 4 points behind. Thus far STA has not been able to establish the presence of #15 Declan Cutler inside, as the Royals big man #12 Kieran Mullen has made life difficult.  A big run for the Saints to finish off the first half has STA up 26-25 heading into the break.

Halftime Fact: #8 for Handsworth, Vittorio Fiammenghi, is an Italian international student and his favourite food isn’t pasta.

Both teams continue to defend well as the second half gets underway, with each team finding it difficult to create open looks and make the most of those opportunities when they are presented. Each squad has had moments of rhythm in the offensive end, but have struggled to put multiple possessions together in a row that would allow a team to make a significant run.  At the end of Q3, the Royals have a slight edge up 42-38. 

With one quarter left in the tourney for these teams, they will be searching deep for that last bit of energy left in their tanks. STA has been moving the ball around and giving themselves opportunities, but that has been countered with solid offensive play by Mullen. Based on everything we have seen thus far, we are in for a barnburner finish in this bout for the third place trophy (there actually isn’t one but you know what I mean). The Royals have given themselves a 3-point lead with under 5 minutes to go. Cutler is looking to take some control for STA, and make sure his team stays within reach down this final stretch. Cutler makes the tough floater over Mullen with less than 3 minutes remaining, to give his team a one-point lead. Mullen didn’t appreciate that, so he quickly countered with a fadeaway jumper over Cutler on the next possession down the court. #9 for STA, Zak Sharp, knocked down a big 3 to put his team back in front with 2 minutes to go. An over and back call with 24 seconds to go gave the Royals possession of the ball, down 2. Mullen tried to get the three ball up with a few seconds remaining, but Cutler came out of nowhere to get a piece of the ball with a clutch block! With 3 seconds remaining, Handsworth has the ball on the sideline and needs the quick bucket to stay alive. The inbound play gets Mullen the ball just inside the free throw line, and he knocks down the clutch jimmy to push this game into OT. End of regulation, 57-57.

This Cutler and Mullen big man matchup is getting spicy - buckle up fans we are guaranteed some excitement in this 5 minutes of extra time. Mullen isn’t the only Mullen making an impact, as his unrelated “brother” Jack Mc-Mullen has shown up in a big way in OT. The big block on the defensive end, then the tough finish with the foul on offense to give his team a lead at the midway point of OT. Under 30 seconds to go, Cutler hits both free throws and ties the game. Handsworth can’t complete the buzzer beater finish, and we are headed to the second OT.

Mullen fouled out at the end of the first OT, so if the Royals are going to win this game they are going to have to defend Cutler with an undersized ‘big’ man. STA has forced the Royals into a few turnovers in this overtime, and have been able to turn that into points on the other end. With one minute to go the Saints are up 2. Fiammenghi hits two clutch free throws and ties it up with 18 seconds remaining. This time the Saints have the opportunity to seal the game with a buzzer beater but they also cannot capitalize. Off to the third OT we go!

[At this point Brentwood’s ferry home after the final is in jeopardy as overtime marches on]

Here we go, who is going to be the hero today. In their second game of the day you have to imagine these guys must be getting tired, right? Apparently not, as #7 Cale Watson hits a big three from the corner to give the Royals another 2-point lead. Right on cue, STA has a man down with calf cramps looking for teammates to give him a quick stretch before he steps to the free throw line for some very important shots. 77-77 all tied up, with 2 and half minutes remaining. Mr. Watson is ready for dinner and is trying to get home before his meal gets cold - he knocks down his second triple in this OT to get the Royals back up 4. What a ridiculous game we all got to witness tonight - not very often do we see a triple OT game. Congrats to Handsworth as they were able to put together a tremendous effort, which resulted in a big win against their fellow North Shore competitors. 

Final Score: Handsworth 88 - STA 82.

No Regrets.