Beren Stars Triumph Over Maimo M-Cats 47-39 in Tier II Consolation Game

In a hard-fought Tier II consolation matchup at the Annual Memphis Invitational, the Beren Stars claimed their first victory of the weekend, edging out the Maimo M-Cats 47-39. Both teams came into the game eager for their first win and a hard-fought 15th-place finish in the tournament, but it was Beren’s resilience and clutch performances that ultimately secured the victory.

The game began with a slow pace, as both teams struggled to find their rhythm early. Beren’s Rafi Miller (#23) got the Stars on the board first, scoring the opening basket of the game. By the end of the first quarter, Beren had a slim 7-6 lead.

In the second quarter, the M-Cats picked up the pace, using their defensive intensity to force turnovers and create scoring opportunities. Their efforts were rewarded as they surged ahead to a 22-18 lead at halftime, despite some struggles with turnovers that hampered both teams’ offensive flows.

The third quarter saw the game heat up significantly. With just three minutes remaining in the period and Beren trailing by one point, Tahel Belleli (#0) hit a crucial three-pointer to give the Stars a two-point lead. Moments later, Belleli sank another three, pushing Beren’s advantage to five points. However, the quarter took a dramatic turn when Beren’s star player, Rafi Miller (#24), was injured in a collision with Maimo’s Rapalino (#20). Although the injury appeared serious, Miller was able to return after a brief absence, providing a much-needed spark for his team.

As the quarter neared its end, Maimo’s Jotkowitz (#5) drained a three-pointer to briefly give the M-Cats a one-point lead. But Miller responded with a clutch layup just before the buzzer, allowing Beren to take a 38-32 advantage into the final quarter.

The fourth quarter was a tense back-and-forth battle, with both teams exchanging baskets in the closing minutes. Beren extended their lead early on when Miller was fouled and converted a three-point play, but the M-Cats didn’t go down without a fight. With five minutes remaining, Maimo went on a scoring run, tying the game at 37-37.

The game seemed poised for a thrilling finish, as both teams fought tooth and nail. However, with just over a minute remaining, Beren pulled ahead 43-39. In a last-ditch effort, Maimo called a timeout and resorted to fouling in hopes of regaining possession. Unfortunately for the M-Cats, Miller proved unshakable at the free-throw line, sinking four consecutive shots to ice the game.

Miller’s clutch free throws and his overall performance were key to the Stars’ victory. Despite the M-Cats’ strong effort, Beren held on to secure a hard-earned 47-39 win, capturing 15th place in the Tier II bracket.

The game was a testament to both teams’ determination, with Miller finishing as Beren’s standout player, alongside Belleli, whose timely three-pointers kept the Stars ahead when it mattered most. For Maimo, Jotkowitz and Rapalino provided strong contributions, but ultimately, the Stars’ resilience and composure in the final moments were too much to overcome.

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