01/04/2006
By RICKY MOORE , Staff Writer

FLOWER MOUND - Marcus boys basketball coach Jody Bass isn't one to complain about the officiating but on Tuesday night, Bass was livid following the Marauders, 48-41, District 8-5A loss at Plano in overtime.

"We got it taken from us," Bass said. "The officials stole the game from our players. Our players played their tails off and the officials took it out of our hands."

Marcus (12-6, 1-1 in district play) led 30-25 entering the fourth quarter and thought it might get to the free line again in the game considering Plano had already tallied seven fouls putting the Marauders into the one-and-one bonus.

The Marauders, who made 6-of-7 free throws in the first three quarters, didn't shoot another free throw.

Holding a five-point lead with a minute and 38 seconds to play, Plano fought back by stealing the ball from Drew Allen. On Marcus' next possession, Plano came up with another steal.

Bass said both plays could have easily been called fouls but weren't and led to Plano tying the game 39-39 in regulation.

"They grabbed Drew Allen's hand on the first turnover," Bass said. "Then I thought we had clearly drawn a charge after that only to be called for a blocking foul. On our next possession they stole the ball under similar circumstances."

Then, in overtime, Plano attempted to save a loose ball near the sideline only to have a Marcus player gain possession. Marcus moved the ball down the court for a breakaway lay up

"We turned to make a pass and then the whistle blows by an official that's in the middle of the floor and the one on the sideline makes no call," Bass said.

The official ruled the player attempting to save the ball had stepped on the line taking an easy basket away from Marcus.

In overtime, Plano outscored Marcus 9-2 to win the game.

Marcus returns to district action on Friday night at Plano East.