The Milan Big Reds let their defense do the talking against the Airport Jets Friday night. They played aggressive and determined; allowing only 15 points in their second rout in as many games. The Big Reds won 56-15.
Airport got the opening basket of the night on a layup, but was not allowed to score again in the opening period. Milan pressured all the way down the court, trapped and created general havoc for the Jets as they scored 12 unanswered points to finish the period. The run was highlighted on the last bucket by Andre Duffin, who stole the inbounds pass and slammed it home.
The Big Reds came out much the same way in the second; they knocked down two three-point shots on their first two possessions, the first by Duffin and the other by Julian Robinson. Both ends of the court kept rolling for Milan, and they went in at half up 23-8.
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“This is easily the best defense we’ve played all year. I think we’re really pressuring the ball, but we’re also helping out. We’re making them kick the ball out and still contesting the shot. We’re not really giving up a ton of open shots,” said head coach Josh Tropea.
Milan came out at halftime as fired up as they began the game. The third period was the crowning touch for the Big Reds; they outscored their opponents 24-3 and they did so while utilizing a full-court press and trap defense without committing a single foul in the period.
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The game’s final period went much the same as the rest of the game. Milan’s defense, even with the reserves in, refused to bend, allowing only four points. The team committed only three fouls, one of which was an offensive charge, and one of the others gave Airport their only free throw attempt of the night on an and-one opportunity. The period also saw senior Spencer Dennison score his last bucket as a Big Red at home, a pull up jumper from the top of the key.
“It’s bittersweet. I’m moving on, but this is my home court. I’ve played here for four years and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it,” said Dennison.
Milan was led offensively by Duffin, who had 13 points. CJ Turnage and Jiles Neely contributed 10 each for the Big Reds.