The Founders Cup lives up to the excitement, RBC wins late
Ever since 2017, CBA and RBC have played the Founders’ Cup game, which proves to be a classic Shore Conference matchup each and every year.
On Saturday, another chapter was written in the history of the two teams. With a full capacity crowd on hand at the Academy, RBC outlasted CBA, 59-47, in a game that was closer than the final score indicates.
A better part of 200 Colt Crazies gathered for the highly-anticipated game, and their enthusiasm did not disappoint. The RBC faithful also had a nice turnout, making the game not only the battle of the teams, but also a battle of the fan sections.
The Colts made their entrance, saluting the Crazies as the pep band played their rendition of “Crazy Train.” One thing was for certain, the atmosphere was certainly electric.
Truly a back and forth first quarter, RBC held a 14-7 lead as the quarter ended. Freshman Justin Fuerbacher hit a clutch buzzer-beating three to keep the CBA deficit at seven.
The Colts continued to fight on in the second quarter, as they kept trying to cut the deficit. Going into halftime they were down 25-21. Baskets by RBC senior Alex Bauman hurt CBA in the first half, and they had to find an answer for him in the second half.
After a traditional Colt Crazies “Icky La Boomba” chant to end halftime, sophomore Peter Noble did his best to keep this game close. The first-year varsity player hit clutch threes that kept the Colts within striking distance. Noble was the top scorer for the Academy, finishing with 15 points.
Down four heading into the final quarter, CBA closed the deficit to three on a Noble three with six minutes remaining, but RBC would go on an 8-2 run to put a stranglehold on the game.
“This afternoon, I could literally feel the noise. I remember coming into the locker room at half and my ears ringing and barely being able to hear coach in front of me” Noble said. “We brought our guys, they brought theirs, and the energy was just unreal. Even though we lost, I will always remember this game, and I’m thankful for all the Crazies that made it that way.”
CBA fell to 10-1 on the season with the loss and RBC improved to 11-1. Junior Will Bradley added 11 on the day. Top scorers for the Caseys were Zach Meeks and C.J. Ruoff who each with 12.
The Colts hope to rebound on Monday at Long Branch.
