SHERIDAN 87, HUMBER 84 (FINAL)

BRAMPTON, Ont. - It can be amazing how one or two moments -- when timed perfectly -- can stand so vividly among a group of other equally exceptional points.

But that's exactly what happened for the Sheridan Bruins men's basketball team (10-3, 2-0 OCAA) as a pair of Khalid Abdel-Gabar three-pointers in the final 30 seconds propelled them past their rivals from Humber, 87-84 in what can only be described as a thriller from start to finish.

"The key to beating a team that's as good as they are is that different guys at different points in the game have to carry it, when the momentum slows," head coach Jim Flack said. "Allan Anderson was incredible in the first half; Orlando Palmer was steady throughout and made some big plays; [Denmark McDonald] was big; Benson [Kumi] had a bunch of blocks; and Khalid Abdel-Gabar saves the best for last. We had some great bench performances too, so it can't just be one guy. [Humber] is a really good experienced team, I think they only have one freshman, and so we're happy to get the win but it's only step two of the process."

The Bruins opened the contest with a lot of energy and sparked by Anderson -- who had 14 first quarter points -- jumped out to a quick 8-3 lead. They managed to push their advantage as high as 12, but a 12-3 run from Humber late in the first quarter narrowed the margin to six, 28-22 at the end of the frame.

The second quarter was all about the ebb and flow of the run, as Humber opened the frame with a 9-0 run to take the lead; Sheridan answered with a 16-4 run of their own to lead by nine; and Humber closed the half on an 8-0 run to narrow Bruin edge to one (44-43) at the half.

In the second half, Humber slowly began to take control of the game and led by four heading into the final quarter.

With just over 30 seconds remaining in the game, Khalid Abdel-Gabar drilled a three-pointer to pull level, 84-84.

On their ensuing possession, Humber was able to get a good look at a three from the corner by their bench but it hit front rim and McDonald was able to haul down the rebound.

With less than 20 seconds remaining, the double-blue was able to hold out for a last shot and it was Abdel-Gabar once again providing the heroics, draining another three-pointer from 27-feet with 0.5 seconds remaining.

A large and exuberant crowd thought the game was over and stormed the floor, which resulted in a technical foul on the home team.

Humber missed both free throws and while they were able to get a shot off prior to the final horn, it was wide of the goal.

"I know I had a pretty off game today, but I just knew I was going to hit that shot," said Abdel-Gabar. "That's what it came down to, I had the ball and my vision was that all I wanted to do was put the ball in the hoop."

Anderson had a game-high 24 points, while Abdel-Gabar (16), McDonald (15) and Palmer (15) were all in double-figures.

While certainly relieved to get the win, Flack knows and has cautioned his team that it's only a small part of the big picture, so they will immediately turn their focus to their next game on the road against Mohawk on November 10.

"We'll just do the same thing we always do," he said. "We've been talking since the first practice that this is a long term project and process this year, it's not something where if we win or we lose is going to decide our fate one way or another on any given night. This is great, a big crowd, an exciting win and we'll just march forward after this."

Blue notes: The Bruins 12-point first quarter advantage was the biggest lead for either side. In fact, in the second half neither team was able to get more than two possessions -- six points -- clear of the other. There were nine lead changes, including six in the second half. Prior to win, the Bruins had lost nine straight conference games (and 10 overall) against their rivals. Their last win (81-54) was on January 18, 2008.

Source: Sheridan I.T.