KUA ends skid with 55-51 overtime win

Holderness School came to Meriden to take on KUA’s Boys varsity basketball team today.  In a contest that was tight throughout KUA came out on top 55-51 in overtime.  Holderness, playing without Alex Francis, took the game to the Wildcats right from the start.  They pushed the pace of play constantly and gradually built a small lead at the half, 30-26. Kimball Union’s inconsistent shooting from the perimeter did not help, but Din Moore and Leslie Smith each with nine first half points helped keep KUA within range.  A three from Carlos Toussaint to jump start KUA in the second half helped close the margin but Holderness’ Manny Smith scored ten straight points for Holderness to push the lead back up to nine.  With less than two minutes to play and trailing 48-42 Carlos Toussaint again hit a three to cut the lead to three.  Din Moore  then hit a long three to tie the game at 48 all.  Both teams had an opportunity to regain the lead but failed to do so before the period ended.  A three by Moore and a midrange floater by Leslie Smith and then a few crucial foul shots from Gus Cruz and Keith Calles made the difference for KUA in overtime.  Din Moore led all scorers with 22 for the night. Leslie Smith did a nice job running the point and added 16 points, and  Carlos Toussaint had a  11 in the winning cause.  KUA brings their season record up to .500 with the win, 8-8.  They travel down to Andover, MA on Saturday to play Brooks.