STOL-Grasshoppers DS1 wins thriller from Binnenland in last second

Until the half of the 4th quarter, it looked like a losing battle. That would mean a short article – every disadvantage has it’s advantage. But then…….

Last Tuesday was the chance for DS1 to perform for their own supporters. After the sudden disappearance of Lauren Beckley, a false start in Den Helder, and a nice win in Tubbergen, the question was how STOL-Grasshoppers would hold up against Binnenland (traditionally one of the title candidates).

In a well-filled Cleijn Duin (for a Tuesday night), the home team starts well with scores from Karin Kuijt and Rianne Philippo. The answer takes a while, but then the match begins. Until the last minute of this quarter, both teams score pretty equally, with Ingrid van der Plas making most of the points. But then the whole Katwijk’s team seems to doze off and Binnenland quickly score 6 points, including 2 in the buzzer and the period ends at 16-21.

The difference goes to 8 points at the beginning of the second quarter, and it’s time for STOL-Grasshoppers to play catch up. A far-away 3-pointer from Karin does the team good, followed 5 minutes later by a strong action from Julia Dijkman and a nice assist from Karen to her sister Sonja. After taking a time-out, the visitors make another run and STOL-Grasshoppers can start again. Four points in the row from Ingrid help out, but Binnnenland still finish at halftime with a 7 point lead (32-39).

In the second half, it’s time for Corine Manuputty to interfere with the scoring. She scores 7 points and, with 2 free throws from Julia, Grasshoppers come a bit closer, but not enough. Binnenland manages to keep scoring, and now the margin is getting serious. They take a maximum lead of 15 points, and it seems to be hopeless for STOL-Grasshoppers. With 5 points by Randell van der Lee and a strong offensive rebound plus score from Ingrid, the damage control is working, but Binnenland still ends the period with a big lead (51-61).

The fourth period starts, and it’s now or never. Binnenland realizes this also, and after 5 minutes it looks like STOL-Grasshoppers are defeated. The difference is 14 points and the manner of play is not really demonstrating selfconfidence. But then, has Binnenland fallen asleep or has STOL-Grasshoppers lulled them? Rianne raises to the challenge, Ingrid makes another good action, and an unhappy coach Kodde van Binnenland takes a time-out to wake up his team. But it’s too late, Grasshoppers smells bloed and go for it. Two bombs from Rianne and Corine bring the scores close, and although Binnenland seems to recuperate, Grasshoppers don’t give up. Coach Bo Melis takes a timeout, and then scores from Rianne and 4 free throws from Corine bring the home team in the lead for the first time: 74-72. A second time-out with 48 seconds of play doesn’t help Binnenland. The next time-out with 32 seconds on the clock doesn’t help Grasshoppers either. With 4 seconds to go, Binnenland takes their last time-out. They take the ball out at the baseline, everyone’s nervous, please no 3-pointer, a lot of shoving and switching, and suddenly Eline Kasius stands free under the board to make the score – 74-74, so it’s overtime.

Jantine Kraak brings the visitors in the lead again, but Miss Manuputty is unstoppable. With 2 3-pointers and 4 free throws, she ties up Binnenland. Launa Hochstetler fires in a far-away 3-pointer with 5 seconds to go. The last attempt is for Corine who rushes through the Binnenland defense to find Randell free under the basket. A real buzzer beater by the forward brings an explosion in Cleijn Duin. STOL-Grasshoppers win by 88-86, and everyone who supports yellow goes crazy.