KANSAS CITY, Mo. — JHX Hoops, the Kansas alumni team saw its run at The Basketball Tournament (TBT) end in the round of 16 Wednesday night in dramatic fashion at Municipal Auditorium.
With the Elam Ending target score set at 71, JHX Hoops led by three after a clutch 3-pointer from Zeke Mayo. But a costly turnover by David McCormack allowed Heartfire a final chance, and Eric Washington capitalized, sinking a baseline jumper to lift his team to a 71-70 win.
“We let it slip through our hands,” Collins said. “We had multiple chances to put them away and didn’t. It was the little things, boxing out, getting back on defense, holding them to one shot, that cost us.”
Despite the heartbreak, Collins cherished the experience of coaching a roster full of former Jayhawks and other high-level talent.
“It’s been amazing. That’s why it hurts, being around the guys, sharing dinners, meetings, just vibing. It’s what made it so special,” he said. “We learned from each other. Sometimes I had to step back and let them do what they saw. I’m a players’ coach, and I grew from this, too.”
Mayo’s late triple gave JHX Hoops a momentary lead, but Heartfire clawed back with grit and timely plays.
“Very frustrating,” Mayo said. “We felt like we had it. Some 50-50 balls didn’t bounce our way. But playing for Sherron, that was the most special part for me. Watching him growing up and now playing for him — it meant a lot.”
Heartfire now advances to face the Aftershocks, the Wichita State alumni team, in the TBT quarterfinals at 8 p.m. Sunday at Koch Arena. The game will air on FS1.