Air Strikers win PBL season opener on last second shot, beat Charleston



Air Strikers and Gunners get ready for showtime

      The Dayton Air Strikers pulled out a dramatic 104-103 victory over the Charleston Gunners in the PBL opener for both teams. The Air Strikers have now won 8 straight contests (dating back to last season in IBL and preseason in PBL) . The Gunners and Air Strikers played a tense first half with Charleston contorolling the tempo and holding a slim lead at half...From from the 3rd quarter on, it was all Air Strikers as they controlled the second half.
 


     However with 2 minutes to go the Strikers lost a 7 point lead, as Gunner guards Will Collins, Mike Armstead and Vince Goldsberry dropped key buckets to make it look like Charleston would sneak a road victory in its opener. Down 102-97 after a Will Collins 3 pt dagger, the Strikers would get a free throw by William "Bo" Harris, and after the Gunners made 1 of 2 FT's the Air Strikers G Leonard Mitchell dropped a huge 3 to pull the Air Strikers within 1 (102-101); After a quick foul with 2 seconds left, the stage was set for the amazing finish (which should someday soon make it to ESPN TOP 10)

      After the Gunners missed the second attempt, "Bo" Harris grabbed the rebound, slid past two defenders and shot a 55 -foot heave from just past halfcourt that was a prayer - and was answered with a back rim swish as the Air Strikers had pulled out the come from behind victory. The Gunners team, coaches, and fans watched in shock while the Air Striker players, coaches, fans -and even the mascot -  in Trent Arena went crazy...Dayton Air Strikers 104, Charleston Gunners 103.

     After the game I was able to talk to former Trotwood High hooper and now Gunners Assistant Coach Kalan Smith, and he was also in disbelief. He did say that him and his troops will be looking forward to the next game, which will be a rematch on Sunday. He also felt like it was a great game.

    Mike Troll, Aaron Perry, Brandon Hassell and Daquan Walker were key players in the game while Harris will wear the hero tag. The shot was incredible, and if its any indication on how this season will go for the Air Strikers in the PBL, you might want to buckle up. Could be a wild ride.



Walker was a impact player on Friday