TABC STORM bring the thunder in the final seconds to blow past Maimo MCATS 68-64!

Written By: Aidan Kahane

In the heart of Memphis, the 2023 Cooper Invitational began to unfold, featuring a fierce matchup between the 7th seed TABC STORM and the 10th seed Maimonidies M-CATS. The game kicked off with TABC’s Charlie Simmons scoring the first bucket, but it’s immediately evident that Maimonidies brought their A-game to Memphis. They surged out to an early lead, with the score 12-3 halfway through the first quarter. The tension went up as both teams engaged in a flurry of three-point shots in the final minutes of the quarter, adding to the already electrifying atmosphere.

As the first quarter concluded, the game transitioned into an even more intense showdown. The second quarter brought a continuation of the fierce battle, with both teams vying for control. It’s a high-stakes competition, and each possession became more crucial than the last. TABC’s Avraham Schur made a significant steal, demonstrating his defensive prowess and converting it into consecutive buckets, narrowing the gap to just 4 points halfway through the second quarter. Phenomenal ball movement by Maimonidies resulted in fantastic scoring opportunities, keeping the spectators on the edge of their seats. The game featured remarkable three-point shooting by TABC, which kicked off a spirited run, which was promptly answered by Maimo’s Avi Schwartz, who delivered a fantastic three-pointer just before the half ended. At halftime, the score was 34-30 in favor of the M-CATS, setting the stage for an exhilarating second half.

Eyal Kinderlehrer of the Storm delivered a big and-one three-pointer to kickstart the second half. The crowd erupted as he successfully converted the free throw, setting the tone for a monster sequence. This sequence spurred TABC into an 11-0 run in the first minute and a half of the third quarter, creating a surge of excitement in the arena. The raining threes from TABC only intensified the game further, showcasing their sharpshooting prowess. With a barrage of threes, TABC managed to seize the lead by 4 points, leaving the spectators on the edge of their seats.

Entering the  fourth quarter, both teams fought valiantly, with Maimonidies staging an impressive comeback, tying the game at 61 with a massive three-pointer by Raanan Gewurz. However, TABC answered with two pivotal shots, securing a 4-point lead with only 1 minute left. Despite Maimonidies’ efforts, TABC managed to maintain their advantage and emerged victorious with a final score of 68-64. The top scorer for TABC was Eyal Kinderlehrer with 17 points, while Maimonidies’ Avi Schwartz led their scoring with 18 points.