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A Hot Time See also: More photos
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Basketball Results and Real
Video clip at One of the hotly contested venues, 3-on-3 Basketball, took place Thursday and Friday evenings August 6 and 7. |
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| Conducted in four gyms of the Rec Sports Larkins Hall complex, the competition involved divisions for Youth, CoRec, Men's Recreation and Men's Open. Although spectators could surround the courts in the Blue, Yellow and Red gyms, the Finals for each Division were held in the Exhibition gym which could accomodate close to 1,500 fans. |
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| The heat and humidity inside the facility led to steamy competition. 3-on-3 Basketball is, arguably, the most highly competitive venues in the Games. Although the officiating was very good, minor disagreements the the official's call were commonplace by fans and coaches. The participants played through it all and provided entertainment, disappointment and jubilation throughout the event. |
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| After a day of hard fought games on Thursday, teams battled for the Gold in the quarters, semi's and finals Friday evening. In the CoRec Consolation Finals Utah overwhelmed Ohio; Illinois' Spare Parts crushed Utah in the Men's Open Consolation Finals; and, Philadelphia was triumphant in the Youth Division. Michigan earned a berth in the Men's Open Division versus Ohio with a couragous comeback over Philadelphia in the semi's. Behind 36-31 with four minutes remaining, Michigan hit two free throws, a layup and a 3-pointer to score eight unanswered points for the lead they never relinquished. |
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| In the main event of the evening and in front of 1,200 screaming fans and numerous media, the age old rivalry between Michigan and Ohio once again unfolded. Ohio had first possession and quickly scored. Michigan tied the score on a jumper. The lead exchanged hands until five minutes remaining in the first half when Ohio hit a 3-pointer to take a 15 -12 led. With Ohio dominating the outside game and Michigan battling underneath while missing five free throws, Ohio led at halftime 17-12. |
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| Beginning the second half with ball possession, Michigan missed their first shot and Ohio retaliated with a layup to take a commanding 19-12 lead and never looked back. Driving layups, 3-pointers and command of the boards along with the heat and humidity spelled the end for the Michigan team. With Ohio continuing to score and Michigan scoring hitting only two free throws in the last ten minutes, Ohio cruised to a 42-17 win and the Gold Medal. (see audio below) |
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Only three teams ended the competition overjoyed with winning the gold while the other teams were disappointed in their performance yet happy to be able to compete. All, however, were winners in the eyes of the spectators present and the nation. Another great competition for Organ Donation.
AUDIO:
Listen to Team Michigan coach Joseph
Maiuri, following Team Michigan's victory over Team Philadelphia in the
semifinals