Baltimore • Jimmer Fredette’s team could never get over the hump Thursday night in the semifinals of The Basketball Tournament, a $2 million winner-take-all event.
Despite runs of 13-0 and 10-0 in the second half, Team Fredette could never take control and lost 80-76 to Eberlein Drive on the campus of Morgan State University.
Fredette, who averaged 32.8 points in the tournament’s first four games, had 11 points through three quarters, and finished with 24.
Fredette hit a 3-pointer with around six minutes remaining to tie the score at 67, but Team Fredette committed a pair of costly turnovers and Eberlein Drive surged ahead.
Eberlein Drive led 73-69 at the first dead ball under four minutes, and the Elam Ending went into effect, the target score becoming 80.
Fredette made a pair of free throws to cut ED’s lead to 78-76, but James McAdoo’s dunk ended the contest.
Team Fredette trailed 53-38 early in the second half, but went on the 13-0 run to get within two. Eberlein Drive answered with a 12-3 run to regain control.
Eberlein Drive will meet defending champion Overseas Elite on Friday for the championship and the $2 million check.
Follow @drewjay