The journey continues for the Ohio State basketball alumni team known as Carmen’s Crew. The collection of mostly former Buckeyes used white-hot shooting from the field to jump on Eberlein Drive and eventually hang on for a 79-71 victory in its quest to take home the $2 Million champions prize.
It looked like it was going to be a walk in the park as Carmen’s Crew went into halftime ahead 42-39. The domination continued early in the 3rd quarter, but then last year’s runner-up began to turn up the defensive pressure and made a furious rally to cut the lead to 75-71 in the Elam Ending portion of the game. But it wouldn’t be able to come all the way back.
Carmen’s Crew was able to recompose itself and used a nice pass from Aaron Craft to a cutting David Lighty to pull to within just one of the target score of 79 with a layup. Moments later, Columbus native Jeff Gibbs sank two free throws after being fouled in the lane to end the game and send the team into the semifinals.
Carmen’s Crew will next face the winner of Friday’s game between four-time defending champion Overseas Elite and Loyalty is Love.
The semifinal is set for Sunday at Noon.
