2nd Century AD Prevails in Defensive Duel 58-54 over 12th Century AD

Paris--It may not have been pretty, but it was certainly exciting.

Despite being frustrated all game by the interior defense of Lombard and Abelard, the 2nd Century relied on its own stingy defense and some clutch shotmaking to pull out a 58-54 victory.

Unable to get to the rim past the 12th Century’s disciplined shotblockers, the 2nd Century returned the favor by forcing their opponents into a season-high 22 turnovers. Point guard Chretien de Troyes, who has been often criticized for his tendency to over-dribble, was responsible for 6 turnovers himself.

“I think we learned today that a winner can be made elsewhere than at the basket,” said Tacitus, who finished with 15 points, many of them on mid-range jumpers.

Down 52-47 (a wide margin in such a close and low-scoring contest) with 3:01 left, head coach Marcus Aurelius called a timeout to rally his players.

“I told the guys just to think about how insignificant the whole game was, that death was inevitable and nothing to be feared, and to just go out and play,” said the player-coach.

The 2nd Century then finished the game on an 11-2 run, taking the lead for good with 56 seconds remaining when Juvenal hoisted a long three as the shot-clock expired to make the score 64-62. After an errant jumper from Bernard of Clairvaux, the 12th Century was reduced to fouling to stop the clock and the Romans sealed the deal with free throws.

Players of the Game
12th Century AD: Peter Lombard 8 points, 15 rebounds, 6 blocks
2nd Century AD: Tacitus 15 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists