The Albany Patroons underwent major changes this year, with new ownership, coaching staff, and players. However, they unfortunately ended their season in a familiar fashion to last year – a close loss at home in a do-or-die playoff game.
In Game 3 of The Basketball League’s East Regional finals, the St. Louis Griffins emerged victorious with a 95-93 win over the Patroons. Timmy Goodwin, guard for the Griffins, hit a clutch mid-range jumper with 2.2 seconds left, securing the victory. The Patroons were devastated by this loss, especially considering their aspirations of reaching the finals. Reflecting on the defeat, Patroons guard Ed Dyson III expressed his disappointment at falling short once again.
As a result, the St. Louis Griffins advance to The TBL finals, where they will face off against the Potawatomi Fire, the champions of the West Regional. Goodwin, who made the game-winning shot, credited the team’s togetherness and resilience for their success in the playoffs. This victory marks the second consecutive series in which the Griffins won a decisive Game 3 on the road.
Meanwhile, the Patroons were left devastated, mirroring their loss in the TBL finals from the previous season. Guard Trevis Wyche was the sole remaining player from the previous year’s roster and declined to comment after the game, clearly upset with the outcome. Similar to their previous defeat, the Patroons squandered a late lead, ultimately allowing the Griffins to make crucial shots down the stretch.
Despite the disappointment, Patroons head coach Derrick Rowland expressed pride in the team’s efforts throughout the season. Rowland returned to the franchise this year after coaching the Potawatomi Fire last season. He commended the players, fans, and sponsors for their contributions in making this an exciting year for the Patroons.
Forward Mustapha Traore led the Patroons with 22 points, but acknowledged that the team lacked focus and unity in this crucial game. Moving forward, co-owner Rebecca Clifford stated that the chances of the Patroons staying in The Basketball League are high, rather than transitioning to the new Basketball Super League. Clifford noted that currently, only Canadian franchises have signed up for the TBL, while the BSL is a more expensive league with higher salaries.
In conclusion, the Albany Patroons experienced heartbreak once again, falling short in a decisive playoff game. However, the team remains proud of their efforts and looks to the future, aiming to continue their journey in The Basketball League.
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