By: TBT Staff

A fast start and a strong finish.

Team 23 scored the game’s first eight points and used a 9-0 fourth-quarter run to reach its first semi-final since 2015 courtesy of a 78-71 win over defending runner-up Sideline Cancer. 

Eric Washington took over in the second half and finished a team-high 16 points on perfect 7-for-7 shooting.

“I’m just glad that I was able to deliver for my team,” said Washington, a University of Miami-Ohio product who returned to the state in which he starred as a collegian. “It was a team effort. I just wanted to be a piece to this puzzle.”

A true team effort it was, as Team 23 played 13 players. The Team 23 bench outscored Sideline Cancer’s, 46-14.  

“It’s a great mix,” said coach Marc Hughes. “The guys have bought in. I believe in each and every guy.”

Washington was tasked with guarding Sideline Cancer star guard Marcus Keene. Keene followed up a two-point first half by scoring 17 of his game-high 19 points in the second half, but Team 23 held on when it mattered most.

“It’s a game of runs,” said TBT veteran guard Marcus Hall, who carried Team Colorado to the 2016 title game. “When we get down to the Elam [Ending], we know it’s time to throw our punches.” 

Team 23 outscored Sideline Cancer 21-11 in the fourth quarter.

“They got tired at the end,” said Washington of Sideline Cancer. “That’s where our depth came in.”

Team 23 now stands just two wins away from its first TBT title.

“We believe in each other,” said Hall. “We have one goal, and that’s to take the money home.”

Team 23 vs. Sideline Cancer Box Score