Jerel McNeal, Marquette's Savior
He's Mr. Clutch
by: Gregory Gethard
Times were dire for Marquette. Shockingly, they were tied with South Florida with only a few ticks left on the clock. South Florida had the ball and just diagrammed a play during a timeout.
Watching was Jerel McNeal, a dazzling point guard known for his defense and late-game heroics. He knew a big play had to be made if his team was to win the game.
The ball came to the South Florida point guard, who slowly dribbled forward, waiting for the right moment to start the play in motion. He then looked to make the pass.
Sure enough, it was headed towards the player McNeal was guarding. McNeal seemingly saw the pass before it unfolded, quickly placing his hand between the ball and his foe. He knocked the ball forward and gained position.
Now McNeal was in a race against time itself.
McNeal quickly scampered down the court, navigating his way past a South Florida team racing back to stop him. McNeal soon found himself close to the hoop with only one second remaining, and a Bull in his path.
McNeal jumped, releasing the ball right before the buzzer sounded to end the game, falling to the ground in the process. The ball bounced off the backboard, and the front of the rim and then it fell gently through the net.
McNeal watched from the floor. Then he quickly raised his hand in victory, mobbed by his jubilant teammates.
Jerel McNeal won the game. Marquette has won a lot of games with him on the court. And, in the Big East Tournament, they hope to win a few more.
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