By: TBT Staff

On the brink of an epic collapse in the Elam Ending, Blue Collar U buckled down once again and put aside the doubters to stay alive in the tournament.

Nick Perkins tapped in a rebound to hit the Target Score and send Blue Collar U, a first-time TBT entrant, to the semi-finals after an 84-81 win over The Money Team. Perkins finished with game-highs with 23 points (on 9-for-16 shooting) and 11 rebounds in the win for the University of Buffalo alumni squad. 

“Blake [Hamilton] made a good baseline drive, and I was able to get a hand on it and put it in,” said Perkins. “If you crash that glass at the end of the game, good things are going to happen.”

Hamilton finished with 18 points and picked up the scoring load for C.J. Massinburg (10 points on just 3-for-11 shooting) and the injured Wes Clark. 

“That was a gutsy, gutsy win,” said coach Adam Bauman. “We still found a way to gut it out and win. That’s a testament to the guys and how hard they play. I’m really proud of their effort.”

The Money Team went on a 10-0 run during the Elam Ending to take the lead briefly before missing two chances to win the game. 

“Obviously, that Elam Ending is like nothing I’ve ever experienced in my life,” said Bauman. “Man, what a gutsy win. So proud of our guys. 

Jordon Crawford had 16 points in the losing effort for The Money Team, which was undone by making just 28% of its three-point attempts.

Blue Collar U vs. The Money Team Box Score