USAF: Airman 1st Class Alexxis Pons Abascal U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Steven McCoy, 27th Special Operations Logistics Readiness Squadron, scores the first basket of the game Jan. 7 in the Fitness Center.
By Airman 1st Alexxis Pons Abascal: 27th SOW Public Affairs
The Cannon men’s varsity basketball team stepped onto their court Jan. 7 determined to win given their home-team advantage. They kept spectators in the Fitness Center on the edge of their seats during the close game, defeating challengers from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, 72-68 during the final seconds.
It was Cannon’s first home-game of the season, which was a tournament style event. Cannon took on Dyess Jan. 7 and 8 and came out on top during both matches.
“I want them to come together and play as a team,” said Master Sgt. William Mobley, 27th Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron team head coach prior to the start of the game. “We’ve put in a lot of hours perfecting our technique; if we focus we can win this match.”
Cannon didn’t waste any time once the game was in full swing and hit the court aggressively. Senior Airman Steven McCoy, 27th Special Operations Logistics Readiness Squadron made the first basket of the game within seconds, setting the tone for his team and supporters.
“Our speed is one of our biggest advantages,” said Mobley. “It comes down to desire; we have to want this win more than the other team.”
Desire could be felt from both sides of the court. It was a constant back and forth, evenly matched battle for the basket between both bases.
“Nobody came here to lose,” said Staff Sgt. Ryan McGovern, 20th Special Operations Squadron team captain. “We will either come out on top or not, either way we will do it as a unit. Our main goal is representing Cannon to the best of our ability.”
In the final moments of the game, Cannon’s own Staff Sgt. Adam Stevenson, 27th SOLRS team point guard scored the final basket, sealing their victory against Dyess.
“Today we showed desire and trusted each other, which is why we were able to win,” said Mobley. “I hope we continue to gain more support from our base and community.”
This victory places the team’s current season standing at 6-5. This weekend the team will travel to Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, for the Martin Luther King Tournament.
