Mark McCarroll of 1.3/The Champs at the free-throw line. Photo: Trevor Kapp

When it started, it was a bright late afternoon in lower Manhattan. By the time it was finished, it was a chilly night. The playoffs have begun at West 4th St. (3rd St., 6th Ave.), and 1.3/The Champs has started its title defense. But when you’re the champs, it doesn’t come easy and nothing proved that more than 1.3’s first-round scare from Diamond.

In a close game with countless lead changes, 1.3 edged Diamond 93-90 in overtime Friday night. Rashad Bell led 1.3 with a game-high 26 points and former Pitt Panther Mark McCarroll added 14.

This game was close throughout and was tied at 63-63 after the third. 1.3 looked to have the game won when it led 82-75 with five minutes left. But Diamond scored the next eight points and took an 83-82 lead on a Sean “Murda” Simpson’s running bank-shot with 2:50 left.

Former Syracuse guard Allen Griffin drilled a three-pointer to give Diamond an 87-85 lead with 35 seconds left, but two 1.3 free throws tied the game on the ensuing possession.

Bell single handedly outscored Diamond in overtime, four-to-three, and 1.3 advanced to next week’s second round.
Simpson led Diamond with 19 points and Mookie Thomas, who had a great all-around season, chipped in 16, 13 coming in the second half.

Sean “Murda” Simpson at West 4th. Photo: Trevor Kapp.

Contributed by Trevor Kapp