By Nazaret Jarekian
The Mirror
Sports Editor
The game went downhill for the Wolves from there. The Wolves couldn’t stop the Spartans from scoring in the final period.
Feb.8 Away
Van Nuys vs. San Fernando
JV: 5 p.m. | Varsity: 7 p.m.
SPORTS
Wolves Come up Short Against Sylmar
BASKETBALL:Despite the return of star guard Tyree Winborn, the Boy’s team falls apart in the final period for a 64-60 loss.
Even with the return of star guard Tyree Winborn and Kevin Hurlic, the 17-8 Varsity Wolves lost 64-60 to the 13-11 Sylmar Spartans on Fri., Feb 3 in front of a home crowd.
Van Nuys came into the match with a better record, winning 17 of the last 25 games, while the Spartans were 13-11.
The Wolves offense started off clicking, scoring 22 points in the opening period. Defensively, the Wolves repeatedly forced the Spartans to turn the ball over and miss contested shots.
The Wolves struggled to score in the second quarter, only putting up ten points in the quarter, giving up 19 points and the half-time lead. The Sylmar Spartans ended the half with a 33-32 lead.
The offense sparked again for the Wolves in the second half, as the team outscored the Spartans 17-12 and regained the lead to start the fourth and final period 49-44.
The game went downhill for the Wolves from there. The Wolves couldn’t stop the Spartans from scoring in the final period.
During the last minute of the game, the Wolves were down 62-60, with Anthony Daniels on the free throw line for a chance to tie up the game.
Daniels missed both free throws, giving the Spartans the ball back and forcing the Wolves to play a desperate and sloppy defense, ending with a turnover.
Star guard Winborn then put up a valiant effort to regain momentum as the clock wound down. Off a sideline inbound play for the Spartans, Winborn immediately stripped the ball, giving the Wolves a chance to regain possession and possibly tie, or even take the lead with a little over 30 seconds remaining.
As the tension in the crowd rose, Windborn tripped and lost the ball to the Spartans, allowing them to score in the last 30 seconds.
The Spartan lead was too much for any sort of miraculous comeback. Over the last six minutes of the game, the Spartans went on a 17-4 run.
Van Nuys fell 17-9 on the season after the game against the Spartans. With two games left, the Wolves look will meet San Fernando High, a team they easily beat 104-62 at home on Jan. 18.
The Wolves will play on the road against the San Fernando Tigers Wed. at 4 p.m.
NEXT GAME: Wolves @ San Fernando High School on Wednesday, FEB. 8. at 4 p.m.