Second-seeded Kickers used a key offensive run in the second half to take the lead and upset top-seeded Morgan Stanley, capturing the San Diego Hoops championship 58-56.

Morgan Stanley had previously defeated Kickers twice during the regular season, but knew they would have their hands full against the second best team in the league. Coming into the championship, Kickers handed Morgan Stanley their only loss earlier this season and the other two games were extremely close.

Morgan Stanley quickly established things and got out to an 8-2 early lead on some precise shooting. Kickers missed some early shots, but eventually warmed up and started hitting some baskets to keep the game close, eventually tying the score at 17-17.

With the score tied at 21-21, Morgan Stanley went on a 7-0 run to get out to their biggest lead of the game and led by 5 points at halftime, 28-23.

Kickers quickly sharpened their shooting in the second half and took a 31-28 lead after Robert Simmons hit a 3-point shot. Morgan Stanley’s Brandon Patchett responded with his own 3-pointer to tie the game up at 31-31, then Paul Demke hit a few baskets and free throws to help Morgan Stanley to a 37-31 lead.

Kickers turned it up a notch at this point and put a few key plays together to place them in the lead for good. Robert Simmons turned in a 3-point play after he was fouled and hit a free throw to get Kickers within 1 point at 37-36. Dwight Dunn then responded with another basket to put Kickers in the lead 38-37.

Morgan Stanley’s shooting began to break down as they missed a couple of 3-point shots. A few more layups and free throws capped off Kickers’ 12-0 run, leading 43-37 with 8:36 left in the game.

Kickers stayed ahead with a key layup from Rich Stevenson and two crucial free throws by Simmons for a 51-45 lead with 3:30 left on the clock.

After Morgan Stanley’s Demke and David Mata both hit 3-pointers, Kickers only led 53-51. A Kickers’ turnover put Morgan Stanley in position to tie the game or take the lead.

Dwight Dunn had perhaps the play of the game when he blocked a shot and Simmons broke away to hit a layup and put Kickers out in front 55-51 with less than a minute left.

Morgan Stanley missed a few more 3-point attempts, while Kickers hit most of their free throws to go up 58-53 with eight seconds left. Demke hit one last 3-pointer in the final seconds with the writing already on the wall.

Kickers’ Coach Dunn, who also scored 21 points, was satisfied with their drive and control of emotion out on the court. “Our intensity – we definitely wanted the game. We played as a team, stayed focused without being too emotional and we came out with the win,” he said.

Morgan Stanley Coach Demke reflected on the closeness of the game and their season overall. “We had a number of opportunities down the stretch to win the game but we fell just a little short,” said Demke. “We won and lost with class all year and you can’t ask any more than that. It was great just to have an opportunity to play in the championship game in front of a packed gym full of GLBT and GLBT-friendly fans.”

Demke led Morgan Stanley in scoring with 23 points while Brian Patchett chipped in 10. Simmons had a tremendous game and finished with a game-high 33 points for Kickers. Demke praised Simmons’ efforts against Morgan Stanley. “The difference in the second half... two words: Robert Simmons. Rarely do you see a player completely take over a game at any level. Robert did just that in the championship game,” said Demke.

Kickers finished the season with an impressive 17-3 record. Morgan Stanley ended their season at 18-2.

In the third-place game, AAA Mortgage edged out Brians’ American Eatery 54-48. AAA came out strong, attacking from inside and from beyond the arch, leading them to a close win.

Brians’ fought to stay close by driving the lane and using their size to their advantage. Joseph Martinez started AAA’s aerial attack by connecting with two 3-pointers. Brians’ Curt Janka and Robert Wiggins used their speed and agility to get the ball to the glass.

Janka led Brians’ with 26 points and Wiggins added 17 points. AAA’s Mike Barrow scored 19 points and Martinez had 12.

AAA finished the season at 11-8-1 and Brians’ finished at 8-12.

The San Diego Hoops Banquet Dinner will be held on Wednesday, April 6, at Martinis Above Fourth at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $26 per person. Call David Valenzuela or Steve Weathers at (619) 291-3010 or email sdiego20002@cox.net by March 30 for dinner reservations.