GATORS TAKE DOWN ANDOVER, 52-47

Brimmer and May took on Phillips Andover, the Alma Mater to Coach Nelson, on Friday. The Phillips Andover coach, Leon Modeste, was Coach Nelson’s former coach while he attended Phillips Andover. This game had a storybook script from the start. It was a back and forth game that was determined by defensive stops. Andover was hitting 3 pointers from deep on the court. Labaron Sylvester knocked down 3 of them in the first half and Andover made 5 altogether in the first half. The Gators would not be denied with strong play from Adrian Oliveira ’13, who contributed 15 points in the first half. Adrian ended the game with a total of 23 points to lead all scorers. The return of John Powell ’13 played huge dividends for the Gators as it allowed KJ Baptiste ’13 another person to help off the glass. The Gators held on to a slim lead at the half.

In the second half, Justin Turner ’12 came out with a strong drive to the basket. He helped to turn up the defensive pressure for the Gators, which led to more fast break opportunities. The back and forth game went for the entire half. At the end of the game, the Gators had a drive to the basket with 40 seconds to go. John Powell was under the basket and powered it up for a 3 point advantage. Andover had a final shot to tie the game, but the three point attempt was no good. KJ secured the rebound and was fouled with 4 seconds on the clock. He calmly sank both free-throws to give the Gators a 52-47 victory. KJ finished the game with 13 points, John Powell with 10 and Justin Turner with 6. After the game the team jumped on Coach Nelson to show their jubilation.