3rd FTS schools 71st STUS 'A' in hoops, 63-40

  • Published
  • By David Poe
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  The 71st Student Squadron 'A' basketball team (7-1) didn't even have to wear their brightly colored jerseys, Feb. 25, because the 3rd Flying Training Squadron (8-0) saw them coming.

Jayhawk Rob Rogers scored 18 points as the 3rd FTS handled their hardwood rival, 63-40, at Bradley Fitness and Sports Center in a rematch of the 2014 base championship.

Before the game, the STUS' Tim Martinelli (8 points, 9 rebounds) said his squad's game plan would be the same loose, offensive "push and attack" that had won them seven straight.

The 3rd FTS' Charlton Coats (11points, 10 rebounds) said his Jayhawks were glad to be back at Bradley versus the STUS for the first time since their 2014 championship loss.

"With some [players on] leave and some illness going around, we're down three players, but we're very excited to be back and we're ready to have some fun," he said.

The teams traded shots in the opening minutes as Martinelli and Kyle Green squared up against Coats and Graham Davis (12 points.). Davis shot an impressive 66 percent from the field for the night.

The Jayhawks first run was their last and all they needed when Rogers hit his first of four three-pointers (4-8 3 PT) and put big blue up 11-8 at the seven-minute mark. The shot started a 25-7 run that took up the rest of the half.

The STUS lost Green to injury in the first half, but not before his unimpressive 1-7 shooting start. Also, Martinelli seemed out-of-step without his fellow big man, shooting 2-8.

Coats and Davis netted 19 for the Jayhawks, leaving the reigning base champions stunned at the half, 36-15.

The STUS players found some footing in the second half with five three-pointers and 25 points that kept pace with the 3rd FTS' 27, but their first-half woes, combined with their opponent's smart, ball-control offense seemed to be too much to handle.  Rogers scored 12 of his 18 points in the second half and the 3rd FTS never looked back, winning 63-40.

After the game, Greg Allori, who was on last year's second-place 3rd FTS team, said his squad is keeping the Feb. 25 win in perspective.

"It's definitely good to win," he said, "but the regular season and the post season are two totally different seasons. This was great - we got to see what we can do as a team, but we're looking forward to the post season."

With the victory, the 3rd FTS leapfrogged the STUS and became the only undefeated basketball team at Vance. They also welcomed the 71st Medical Group (7-1) into the mix as the med ballers now share second place with the STUS, and the 71st Operations Support Squadron is also now in the mix at 6-1. 

Editor's Note: All team records current as of March 4.