For the first time in 16 years the deciding game of the CBA Championship went into overtime, with the reigning CBA Champion Lawton-Fort Sill Cavalry repeating as CBA Champion with a 109-107 victory. For his efforts, Shawn Daniels was named CBA Finals Most Valuable Player.

The game was one of runs as both teams traded shots. The Cavalry opened up a slight two-point lead after the first period but jumped out to an 8-0 run to start the second quarter. The Patroons battled back with a 6-0 run themselves but still trailed at halftime 53-46. The Cavalry stretched the lead out to 14 with 11 minutes left in the game before the Patroons went to work. Slowly chipping away at the lead, the Patroons got to within one several time but were unable to take the lead until a Harvey Thomas dunk with 15 seconds left put the Patroons ahead for the first time, 101-100. Unfortunately, for the Patroons a foul with 5 seconds left put Albert White at the line with 5 seconds left. After White made only one of two the Patroons had a chance at the win but a Harvey Thomas three pointer rattled in and out and the game went into overtime.

In the overtime, it was Albert White time as he scored six of the Cavalry’s eight points in overtime. The Cavalry jumped out to a four-point lead but the Patroons battled back and had the ball with almost eight seconds left in the game. Shawn Fountain drove down the lane and kicked it out to Harvey Thomas who took a three pointer that again rattled out and the Cavalry won their second consecutive Championship.

Albert White led the way for the Cavalry with 27 points. Elvin Mims had 22 points and Brandon Dean had 16 points. Finals MVP Shawn Daniels had his usual all-around game with 13 points, 5 rebounds, and a team high 5 assists. JJ Sullinger had 27 points for the Patroons. Both Gabe Freeman and Harvey Thomas had 26 points. Thomas had a game high 13 rebounds for the losing Patroons.

“It was a great way to end this season,” said CBA Commissioner Dennis Truax. “Both teams had an opportunity to win the Championship and that’s all you can ask for in a deciding game. Congratulations go out to the Lawton-Fort Sill Cavalry, their players and staff on their second championship in as many years and to the Patroons organization for a fine showing all season long.

NOTES: This is the first time since the 1993-94 Finals that the deciding game went into overtime, when the Quad City Thunder defeated the Omaha Racers 132-127…Shawn Daniels and Elvin Mims both earned their third CBA Championship ring tonight... both joined Sidney Lowe and Anthony Goldwire as the only players with three CBA Championships... Michael Ray Richardson repeats as CBA Championship Head Coach, the first time since Paul Woolpert of the Yakama Sun Kings... First time ever two former CBA teammates from a Championship team faced each other as Head Coaches.