WPRB announcers top 'Prince' writers in annual spring game

In what could potentially be the lowest scoring game ever between these two titan teams, the sportscasters of WPRB defeated the sports writers of 'Prince' sports in The Daily Princetonian-WPRB classic held last Wednesday, May 7, in Jadwin Gym. WPRB came out ahead by a one-point margin, 32-31.

The shock-rockers of the airwaves were the 22-point favorite coming into the event, and their saving grace turned out to be an 80-foot football toss by senior guard Ryan Brown at the end of the first half that put WPRB ahead. Though the shot was highly contended, since there was no referee to make the call of whether or not it was after time had expired, it was decided that the shot would count on sheer merit — even though instant replay showed otherwise.

"In all honesty, I didn't think he got it off," senior 'Prince' standout Ramesh Nagarajan said after the game. "Unfortunately, that wound up costing us the game."

When WPRB marched into the gymnasium that evening, there was no doubt as to why they were the favorite. With their made-to-order uniforms and precision warm-up drills, it appeared that the intimidation factor was on their side. And with their senior trio — Brown, post Paul Haaga and forward Bill Dunnigan (all club basketball stars) — it looked like the sportscasters would make easy work of the writers.

"They looked good in warm-ups," junior captain Joe Falencki said. "But I told the guys that that was just warm-ups and as long as we hustled, we would be fine."

Plus, the surprise return of sophomore all-around Zack Pierce, who had been questionable due to a job conflict, helped spark 'Prince' sports into action.

From the get-go, hustle was the name of the game for the writers. Sophomore guards Adam Farren and Zack Faigen kept WPRB on its toes, running the floor and pushing the ball. Along with the scrappy play of sophomore forward Thad Hartmann, the sportscasters never pushed ahead by more than three or four points.

Meanwhile, in the middle, freshman phenom Arthur Plews managed to keep Haaga somewhat under control. At six feet, seven inches, Plews helped keep the ball alive with his rebounding as well as chipping in points from the paint.

Even with a lead at the end of the first half, WPRB could not put 'Prince' Sports to rest in the second half, and the writers fought to a two-point lead in the closing minutes. Assisting in that lead were bench points from junior guard Nick Wimbush and freshman forward David Baumgarten.

However, sharpshooting from sportscaster Brown from downtown gave WPRB a one-point lead with time for only one play. The writers went to Pierce to seal the victory, and on an isolation post play, the sophomore tried a turnaround jumper that bounced around the rim only to fall off. The sportscasters grabbed the rebound and ran the clock out while trying not to call any fouls.

"After last year's win, we were hoping to start another dynasty," Nagarajan said. "But that's something for next year's crew to start."

Well, Nagarajan certainly has nothing to worry about. 'Prince' sports still leads the series 82-4.