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In a game that will be etched in the annals of local basketball history, the Carolina Thunder pulled off a jaw-dropping comeback to defeat the Queen City Vipers 119-115 in the Conference Championship held at Waxhaw this past Saturday. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing the resilience of the Thunder and the heartbreak of the Vipers. The first quarter set the tone for a fiercely competitive game, with the Thunder taking a narrow lead at 33-31. As the teams headed into halftime, the intensity only heightened, culminating in a dramatic half-court shot by Eli Smith (6'3''-SG) that tied the game at 64 just before the break. The stage was set for a thrilling second half. However, the momentum shifted dramatically when Thunder's key player, Titus Gary, was ejected early in the third quarter for arguing a call with the referee. With two quick technical fouls, the Thunder lost their dynamic combo guard, and the Vipers seized the opportunity. They capitalized on the Thunder's misfortune, extending their press and outscoring them 32-18 in the quarter, taking a commanding 108-91 lead. The Vipers appeared to be in control, with reservations for a trip to Washington, D.C. seemingly secured. But the Thunder had other plans. Led by Scheraun King (6'5''-SG-1987, college: Albany St.), who exploded for 31 points, including three critical three-pointers in quick succession, the Thunder began to chip away at the lead. King's sharpshooting ignited a spark in his teammates, and the Thunder defense, bolstered by veteran playoff experience, went into overdrive. In a stunning turnaround, the Thunder unleashed a relentless 27-6 run to close out the game. DJ Mason (6'6''-PF-1994, college: Campbell) contributed a formidable 12 points and 15 rebounds, while James Richardson (6'2''-G-1994, college: SC State) added 15 points, 10 rebounds, four blocks, and five assists, proving pivotal in their defensive efforts. Deon Berrien (6'6''-PF-1999, college: UNCP, agency: Interperformances) also shone with 14 points and eight assists, helping to orchestrate the Thunder's offense in the absence of their starting point guard, Demetrius Knox (5'7''-PG-1998, college: Morris). As the final buzzer echoed through the arena, the Thunder celebrated their hard-fought victory, spoiling the Vipers’ plans and showcasing their championship pedigree. The Vipers, who had moments earlier looked poised for a trip to the finals, were left to grapple with the sting of inexperience in high-stakes situations. “Basketball is a game of runs, and you have to play until the final horn,” said Thunder coach, reflecting on the dramatic shift in momentum. “Our guys showed heart and determination, and I couldn’t be prouder.” With this victory, the Thunder now advance to face the DC Heat in a highly anticipated rematch at Bowie State University this coming Saturday. As they prepare for this next challenge, the Thunder will carry the momentum of their thrilling comeback, while the Vipers will need to regroup and learn from the lessons of this unforgettable game. As the dust settles on this exhilarating championship clash, one thing is clear: in basketball, anything can happen, and it’s never over until the last whistle blows.
Courtesy: ECBL

ECBL: Thunder Surges into Conference Championship Game with Strong Victory Over Crusaders