MATAWAN, NJ–In the nightcap of the GMC Hoops tripleheader at the 2015 Matawan Huskies Classic, Carteret and Manalapan played each other for the third straight year, and in the first round for the second consecutive season.
Trailing 40-31 early in the fourth quarter, Carteret went on an 11-2 run highlighted by two scores from Victor Spencer, a steal for a layup by Kahir Raymond, a bucket by Jemar Jordan, and capped by a three from the right corner by Humberto Jimenez to tie the score at 42-42 with 4:59 to play.
Manalapan, which defeated Carteret in the opening round last year, then went on an 11-0 run over the next 3:28 to take a 53-42 lead with just over a minute and a half left. The Ramblers again tried to climb back into the contest with a 6-0 run that consisted of a layup and two pairs of foul shots, but couldn’t get closer than five points as Manalapan went on to win, 55-48.
John Lugo led the Braves with a game high 16 points while Matan Zucker chipped in with 14 and Scott Scherer added 12.
Sophomore guard, Naafi Powell led Carteret with 11 points while Kahir Raymond added 10. Jemar Jordan and Humberto Jimenez also contributed with 8 and 7 points respectively. Below are game notes from the action:
First Quarter
This is the third straight year that Carteret and Manalapan are playing each other in this tourney. The Braves have won the previous two meeting.
3:17 left in the first quarter in the third GMC game at Matawan and Carteret leads 6-3 after a layup by Jemar Jordan.
0:00–After one period, Carteret leads Manalapan, 14-8. The Ramblers got a putback from Jalen Harris and this bucket by Naafi Powell to end the frame on an 8-5 run.
Second Quarter
4:47 left in the first half and there is a timeout with Carteret leading 16-13. Manalapan has scored 5 of the first 7 points in the period.
0:00–Game has gone to the half with Manalapan leading 24-20 thanks to a 16-6 showing in the 2nd.
Third Quarter
5:03 left in the third and Manalapan calls timeout after Carteret puts together a 6-1 run including this layup to close the gap to 29-26.
3:43 left in the third and Carteret pulls within three again at 31-28 on this layup by Jemar Jordan.
1:41 left in the third and Carteret calls time trailing 35-31.
0:00–End of third and Carteret trails Manalapan 37-31. Braves score 6 of last 9 points of the quarter. Game much like the first round clash between these two teams last year.
Fourth Quarter
5:29 left in the regulation and Carteret calls time trailing 42-39 after an 8-5 run to open the qtr.
4:59–CAR–Humberto Jiminez ties the game at 42-42 with a three from the right corner. Caps an 11-2 tear.
47.9 seconds left in the game and Carteret trying to rally again with a 6-0 run consisting of a layup and two pairs of FTs to pull within 53-48.
0:00–Game just ended here at Matawan with Manalapan hanging on for a 55-48 win over Carteret. The Braves advance to the semifinals for the 2nd straight year. Defeat Carteret in the tourney for the third year in a row.