POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
Charles Funches III
A weekend filled with intense basketball ended much like the 2015 championship. Defending champion New Jersey Thunder needed a late basket to win the APBL title, this time it was a one-point victory over Hudson Valley Kingz.
In a wild back-and-forth affair, New Jersey took a slim 22-21 lead after one quarter. Hudson Valley played much more confident in the second to lead at halftime 52-46.
Both teams made runs in the third quarter with the Thunder first. After the home team build up a six-point advantage 67-61, the Kingz stormed back and by the end of the quarter led 76-74.
A close fourth quarter followed with Hudson Valley building a five-point lead with 4:57 to play. New Jersey would not go down easy, but still trailed by five with 1:38 left. That margin was cut to one with :14 remaining. A foul was called on the next play and after two free throws New Jersey led 98-97!
Hudson Valley did not panic, taking possession with :09 to play. A drive to the paint by Shereef Taylor resulted in a pair of free throws for the Kingz, who led 99-98 with just :04 on the clock. After a timeout the Thunder inbounded the ball from half court and found a streaking Charles Funches (6'8''-F-88, college: Hampton) under the basket. Although contested Funches easily scored to make it 100-99. Hudson Valley called timeout, but threw the ball away and their shot at the championship.
Past APBL champions
2011: Tru Hope Blazers
2012: Beltway Bombers
2013: New York City 524
2014: Metropolitan All-Stars
2015: New Jersey Thunder
2016: New Jersey Thunder
