Tensions were high in a must-win Central Conference Finals Game 2 for the Enid Outlaws Friday night.
With 6:01 to play in the first quarter, Chuck Guy dished to Ricardo Artis II cutting to the basket, and Artis finished the layup over Paul Harrison to put Enid on top, 16-14. That was a lead Enid ever would surrender, as the Outlaws blew out Shreveport 129-109
The dynamic duo of Chuck Guy and Ricardo Artis II combined for 71 points, 19 rebounds, and 13 assists.
The difference in the game however was Outlaws’ capability to work their way to the FT line, and convert at a high rate. As a team, Enid shot 30-36 from the line, Artis II shooting 14-19.
KD Moore was the player of the game defensively. He locked down All-TBL Central guard Paul Parks, holding him to 5 points, a far cry from his 23.3 average PPG. It was a group effort to contain Shreveport big man Paul Harrison. The combination of Ricardo Artis, Quantel Denson, and help defense from all Outlaws on the floor held Harrison in check to his 21 points.
Tavin Cummings was a bright spot offensively for the Mavericks. He had 20 points, with a pair of highlight-reel dunks. However, the night ended early for Cummings.
With 7:32 to play, tensions boiled over after a hard foul by Bilal Richardson on Kadavion Evans. Several players exchanged words, and squared up. Cummings was ejected for a shove on Darin Johnson, which officials deemed escalated things.
Last night’s Outlaws win set up a winner-take-all Game 3 tonight between Enid and Shreveport at 6 PM tonight in Enid. Tickets start at 10 dollars, and the Stride Bank Center Box Office will open at 4 PM.
