LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --
The 56th Civil Engineer Squadron battled the Army team for bragging rights July 15 during an intramural basketball game at the Luke Air Force Base Bryant Fitness Center. CES defeated Army 62-33, jumpstarting their record to 1-0.
CES started strong with a 9-0 lead. Army tried to fight back and close the gap in the first half but was woefully behind 34-22 after the first half.
"Team ball is what we need in order to win this game," said Ricardo Vera, 56th CES. "If we work on our defensive end, I know for sure we will leave the game with a win."
At 10 minutes to go in the second half, CES held onto the lead with the score 42-29. Army tried to narrow the deficit to single digits, but CES continued making easy baskets to keep the double-digit lead. Army suffered from lack of communication during the game in while CES used the weakness to their advantage to keep the momentum on their side.
Due to a mercy rule, CES ended the game victorious with the score 64-33.
"They came back during the beginning of the second half, but then we locked down our defense and was able to win the game," said Jaren Etheridge, 56th CES. "For the next game it's all about hustle. We need to focus and make smarter plays. That's the key for us to win games."