Simpson Beats the Buzzer in Cliff Hanger Win Over Fisher
Basketball players dream about sinking a game winning shot as time expires. Nick Simpson can say he actually did it. The Green Knights pulled out a tough win against four time Sunrise Conference Champion Fisher College on Saturday when Simpson grabbed a rebound in the final second of play, then faded back to lift a shot over the outstretched arm of Fisher’s Casey Pursell. The ball swished through the net as the buzzer sounded. Vermont Tech defeated Fisher College 96-94. The Knights extended their unbeaten record to 12-0.
“This was a great win for us,” said Coach John Dyer after the game. “I’m really proud of our players. They were down late in the game but they just never quit.”
Fisher opened a fourteen point lead, 86-72, with eight minutes remaining in the game. That’s when Kevin Carr and Nick Simpson teamed up to bring the Knights back into the game. Simpson hit a shot from the key. On the next possession, Simpson and Carr teamed up on a fast break, resulting in a Carr lay-up. Carr then hit a three point shot and four consecutive free throws to complete an 11 point VTC run.
Fisher fought back to take an eight point lead. Again, the Knights proved resilient. Freshman Kwei General-Vanderpuije hit two consecutive three point shots. Then Alex Tyrrell took over. Alex hit a three point shot with 3:38 remaining to cut the lead to four, 92-88. On the next two possessions, Alex hit four consecutive free throws to tie the score at 92 with 2:26 remaining.
The Knights took their first second half lead, 93-92, with 55 seconds remaining on a foul shot by Kwei General-Vanderpuije. Nick Simpson added a foul shot with 26 seconds left to make the score 94-92. Fisher’s Dennis Norford hit two foul shots with 22 seconds left to tie the score. The Knights held the ball until 8 seconds remained, then called time out to set up a last shot. Alex Tyrrell broke free for an open three point shot that was slightly long. Nick Simpson grabbed the rebound and put the ball in the air. The rest will be a sweet memory.
Five Knights hit double figures. Nick Simpson led the way with 26 points. Kevin Car hit for 20. Trent Roleau had 17. Alex Tyrrel scored 15 and Kwei General-Vanderpuije had 13. Chistaan Hammond led the way for Fisher with 24 points. Louis Williams had 20 points and Dennis Norford scored 17.
“This was just a fantastic game,” commented John Dyer afterwards. “It was a pleasure just to be here. At one point, with about a minute left, one of the officials said to me on the sideline, ‘Now THIS is what college basketball is all about. These kids are playing their hearts out.’ I agree. This was special.”
