The Wildcat cagers won 50-52 on Feb. 13 in an exciting match-up with the Fenton Tigers that came down to the last two seconds.
Oxford went into the fourth after trailing 28-25 at the half and having one of their lowest third periods of the season. Coach Steve Laidlaw said the team was outshot 17-4 in the third giving Fenton a 10 point lead into the fourth.
However, the Cats came back, led by Joe Fedorinchik, Mick and Bryan Mattack, to score the first 10 points of the period and tie the game up 50-50 with two seconds left.
“This really was a tale of two periods in the second half. Casey Mick ended up with two on the free throw line with two seconds to go on the clock,” said Laidlaw. “He sunk both points right then and there.”
“It was the best fourth quarter of the year.”
A highlight for the game happened in the second period when Ryan Stull hit a desperation 3-point shot to tie the game. Laidlaw said this was just another example of how the team can either play well or simply drop the ball.
“The lack of consistency not just game to game but within the games is what’s really hurt us this season,” he added. “When they play poorly, it’s not just for a minute or two, it’s for eight minutes.”
Earlier in the week, Oxford lost their second game to Lapeer West 75-61. The Wildcats were up by four at the end of the first, but West outscored them 20-12 bringing the score to 35-31 at the half. The third period did not go much better with plenty of turnovers and open baskets.
“We made a run in the fourth and cut their lead to five points, but couldn’t get over that hump,” said Laidlaw. “We played well though overall against a good team.”
Stull led the way with 26 points followed closely by Dave Wendt with 12. Mick supported the Cats with seven rebounds, and new varsity player sophomore Allen Willar came in during the third to give the team a lift.
“He played a big part in closing the point gap,” said Laidlaw. “He’s only been playing varsity for maybe the last three games, but he’s really been working.”
The Cats faced off against one of their toughest opponents on Tuesday, Notre Dame Prep.
“They are above 500 in the standings, even though they are 2-6 in the league,” said Laidlaw. “They are in a very, very difficult league, but they do very well in none league games.”
On Friday, Oxford travels for their second competition against Linden.