Despite some issues early, Ramaz remained in the game throughout, forcing the game to overtime, then winning 52-49. Julius Rubinstein’s late three-pointers sealed the deal for Ramaz, giving the Rams enough to head to the Tier II finals.
Frisch began this game looking great. Their shots were landing, they were moving the ball around, and showed some great finesse on offense that translated into points. Ramaz did not look too good from the outset and only began making their shots late in the first quarter. The Cougars exited the quarter on top 15-9.
The game became more competitive in the second quarter as Ramaz cut into Frisch’s lead. Although never gaining a lead, the Rams stayed only a bucket or two behind the Cougars for much of the quarter. The half closed with Frisch on top 26-24.
Ramaz quickly tied things up to start the third quarter. However, both teams began executing their defense nearly perfectly. Ramaz applied the pressure, and it worked, but Frisch did as well and they kept hold of a narrow lead until Ramaz took the lead with a couple of minutes to go in the quarter. Frisch then tied up the game at 34 right before the buzzer.
The lead went back and forth by a couple of points for the first few minutes of the fourth quarter, but then Frisch landed a huge three-pointer to take a four-point lead. Rubenstein then took charge of the game. After he kept the Rams in the game with a three-pointer ensuring that his team was only down by three, Rubinstein landed another three with a minute to go making it a tie game and sending the game to overtime.
After Rubinstein began the overtime with another three-pointer, all Ramaz had to do was to cushion and protect their lead. Their coach's advice: expect the press and, “be careful with the ball.” The Rams heeded his advice, and with a Caleb Rosenfeld two-pointer for insurance, the Rams came out on top.
As mentioned, Rubinstein was key for the Rams in this game with his late baskets. He drained three three-pointers, along with one two-pointer. Rosenfeld was also important as he drained five two-pointers, and Cy Aminzadeh had four two-pointers of his own along with one three point shot.
Up next, Ramaz will play (12) Ida Crown in the Tier II finals on Monday in the Max Stern Athletic Center. As for Frisch, they will play a Tier II consolation game against (16) Berman on Monday in the Max Stern Athletic Center.
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