All Kutz defeats Altus, 88-84, in MLK opener

  • Published
  • By John Ingle
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Ike Hawkins said his team, All Kutz from Wichita Falls, takes pride in their defense.

They needed it in the opening game of the 2008 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. basketball tournament's opening game Jan. 18 as they defeated Altus Dream Team 88-84.

"We didn't show up to play," the All Kutz coach said. "We got lucky."

But, the team, led by Lloyd Murray, showed up to play when it mattered in the final minutes. Murray began a 9-4 run to put All Kutz ahead 85-84 and never looked back.

He scored six of the team's last 12 points to seal the win.

"They fought through," Hawkins said. "Plenty of fight."

Altus kept it close in the first half despite having only six members of their team available at the tip. The teams went into half with All Kutz ahead 42-39. The arrival of a couple more players on the Altus bench put a little energy into the lineup.

"We finally got our squad here," Coach Chris Skinner said.

All Kutz took the lead early in the first half, but they couldn't create a comfortable lead as each All Kutz run was matched by Altus.

Altus tied it up in the early minutes of the second half when Robert Manning nailed a three-pointer, making it 42-42. Quick baskets by All Kutz's Maurice Jordan and Kenny McKinney pushed the score to 46-42.

After the teams traded scores, the effects of fresh legs for Altus showed when the team when on an 8-0 run to take a 53-50 lead. The teams battle back and forth, with neither able to create enough separation to put the game away until Murray started to take over the game.

Hawkins said defense is the key to the team's success, but said they need a better game against Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, to continue their road to the championship.

"Hopefully we'll play better basketball," he said. "We have to get turnovers."

For All Kutz, Skinner said the opening game was an example of the best team not getting the win. But, he said the tournament isn't over yet.

"We're gonna come through the loser's bracket," he said. "We'll meet them again."

Games continue Jan. 19 at the Pitsenbarger and Levitow Fitness Centers.