By: TBT Staff
Below is the TBT 2024 Semifinals recap, which featured two exciting games at the Daskalakis Athletic Center in Philadelphia.
(2) Forever Coogs (Houston) 76, (6) Eberlein Drive 73
The Forever Coogs are a first-time TBT entrant. On Friday night in Philadelphia, they punched their first ticket to the $1 million, winner-take-all championship game.
Rob Gray hit a pull-up jumper, and the University of Houston alumni squad staved off a furious comeback from Eberlein Drive to advance to Sunday’s final with a 76-73 victory in a game that featured five ties and eight lead changes.
Terrell Brown led the scoring attack for Eberlein Drive with a game-high 19 points.
But, it was Gray who once again stole the show in the end.
“I realized that I could attack a gap and change direction,” said Gray, who finished with a team-high 18 points. “Just trying to get off a good shot that I’m confident in.”
Fabian White scored 17 points, and Justin Gorham chipped in with nine points and seven rebounds in the win for the Forever Coogs, who led by 15 late in the third quarter before seeing the lead dwindle down to just two points headed into the Elam Ending.
White scored the Forever Coogs’ first four points in the Elam Ending, setting the stage for Gray’s game-winner.
“[My teammates] keep me going and keep my confidence high,” said White, who like Gray is a former Cougar.
Despite the shrinking lead in the final quarter, Forever Coogs’ head coach Lawrence Paye wasn’t concerned.
“These guys are battle-tested,” said Paye. “We’ve been in big games.”
The Forever Coogs have won three of their five games this summer by five points or fewer.
After the tight win, Gray credited University of Houston coach Kelvin Sampson and the team-first environment down in the Lone Star State.
“We’re all a family,” said the sharpshooting guard. “There’s a certain way we practice and do things.”
On Sunday afternoon, the Forever Coogs will have one more chance to do their thing, this time with $1 million on the line.
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Carmen’s Crew captured the 2019 TBT title. On Sunday, the Ohio State alumni squad will get its shot at taking home another $1 million.
Jamel Morris hit a three-pointer, and Carmen’s Crew survived in a 76-70 semi-final victory over La Familia. Morris finished with 11 points in the win for Carmen’s Crew, which battled back from a 5-for-17 first quarter to come away with the win.
“You want to play smart,” said Morris of his game-winner. “I took a shot that was comfortable.”
Jared Sullinger led Carmen’s Crew with 16 points and seven rebounds, and Desonta Bradford tacked on 15 points on 6-for-11 shooting.
“We couldn’t have played any sloppier in the first half,” said Carmen’s Crew coach Leon Rodgers. “In the second half, we just stuck with it.”
Carmen’s Crew has now won 22 games in its six TBT appearances. Rodgers credited the family atmosphere with the winning culture that has been established over the years.
“Everybody at Ohio State has really bought in,” said Rodgers. “It’s a heck of a ride. This year, we added some guys that haven’t traditionally played with us. They all buy in.”
On Sunday afternoon, Carmen’s Crew will face its biggest test yet, with the $1 million prize on the line.
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