Euclid vs. South boys basketball: Panthers survive turnovers, fourth quarter Rebels run for 52-48 win
Nov. 27—Strong on-ball defense proved to be a difference-maker in Euclid and South's game at Cleveland Heights as part of the Great Lakes Classic on Nov. 27.
Despite having more turnovers, the Panthers had amassed a 12-point lead as they entered the fourth. But the Rebels cut it to a one-possession game multiple times with a 15-6 run.
Yet that was all they could muster as a late free throw by Michael Moore gave the Panthers a two-possession lead and they went on to win, 52-48.
Euclid (1-1) was fresh off of its first game of the season against St. Ignatius, when they saw the turnover bug again cause problems. Against the Rebels, Euclid had 20 turnovers.
Coach Tom Parker said that is something that the Panthers will need to work on. With their fast style of play, getting the ball up-court quickly is a priority and something that they need to focus on.
"That's been our Achilles heel so far," Parker said. "In both games, we had 20 plus turnovers. You can't win when you turn the ball over and it's not just the talk at halftime, it's the talk all the time. We need to have every possession count."
After a very close opening quarter, the Panthers saw the play of sophomore Thai Duncan help them pull ahead. He hit a pair of wide-open corner threes to begin the second quarter.
Then with the minutes winding down, he had two transition dunks that gave Euclid the decisive lead at intermission.
That versatility in his game is something that Duncan has worked on all preseason and knows it's something that will help Euclid as the season progresses.
"I was a shooting guard but the coach put me at the point because of the improvement I've been making," Duncan said. "It's been thanks to him that I was able to make those plays. I need to set the tone and was able to do that today."
After a quiet third quarter, South finally found its groove and began to eat into the Euclid lead.
Guided by the 15 points from Delond Moss, the Rebels had the game in range multiple times. But the Euclid defense inside the arc made it so that the Panthers didn't relinquish their lead.
While running a man press, Parker has put an emphasis on making teams have to settle for challenging shots with double and triple teams collapsing on the ball in the paint.
"We still need to get better defensively," Parker said. "I don't want three guys going to the ball every time. We don't want anyone in the paint and we're still working. We're going to be a defensive team and that's going to be what carries us this season."
Despite their rally coming up short, coach Doug Barber viewed the game as a good learning experience for the Rebels that came in without experience. One thing that did allow for South to go on their run was the performance by Quintin Wilson off the bench.
He recorded 11 points and 11 rebounds for the Rebels and Barber knows that performances like that will help the team down the road.
"Defensively we were pretty good today," Barber said. "We forced some turnovers and that was very encouraging. We just need to find ways to capitalize on those. They're a talented group that is used to winning at the JV level but it's a different game at the varsity level. I was happy with the resiliency of the guys."
Michael Moore scored 13 points for Euclid.
Euclid looks to be above .500 when it enters GCC play against Brunswick on Dec. 2. The Rebels also return to the court on that date when they make the trip to Rocky River.
