Monstars win Oak Bluffs Summer League hoops title

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The Monstars, Oak Bluffs Summer League champs for 2012. — Photo by Ralph Stewart

Matt Rivers, John Swan, and Terrell Johnson played ferocious two-way games and lifted the Monstars to a 45-42 win over the Swagflu, Friday night, in the Oak Bluffs Summer League basketball championship game at Niantic Park.

Somehow, a game that was just plain ugly in the first half evolved into a suspenseful contest, the ending of which was still in doubt with a minute left to play.

The Monstars held a consistent eight to twelve point advantage until the Swagflu closed the gap to 36-31 with a 7-1 run with 5:30 remaining in the game.

John Swan hit an outside jumper to make it 38-32. The flu quickly countered, and a Derek Mayo bucket made the score 38-36 with 2:09 left.

The Swagers got within one at 39-38 but Matt Rivers scored on a putback for a 41-38 Monstars lead with 45 seconds left.

The Flu started to foul and the Monstars made 4 of 6 from the line to lead 45-40 with 12 seconds left.

The Swagflu cut the lead to 45-42 with three ticks on clock. Terrell Johnson was fouled and missed the one and one, giving the Flu a shot at tying the game.

After a long inbounds pass, the three-point attempt sailed by the boards and the Monstars were champs.