It’s becoming such a common occurrence, Keith Bike should introduce a practice drill replicating the situation: the game clock is winding down and Memorial’s boys basketball team is fighting a backand- forth scoring battle with the opposition.

It’s when Sam Shelby finds his groove from behind the arc to keep the Crusaders in the game and sophomore Loick Muyuka follows up with the game-winning shot.

It was the scenario for the third time in 10 days as Memorial pulled off a nifty 50-49 win over crosstown rival Trinity on Friday, Jan. 19.

In front of a packed Kevin McHugh Gymnasium, the squads kept the score tight throughout, with Memorial posting the game’s biggest lead – five points.

It lasted one possession.

“These close games are fun for the kids and fans, not us coaches,” said a relieved Bike after the game. “Thank goodness for Sam and Loick because this was another close one that they came through on.”

Trailing, 37-33, Shelby found the net for the first of his three treys to pull Memorial within one point with 4:29 remaining. The senior guard sank another, this time from the left corner, good for the lead, after Trinity missed a free throw.

The Pioneers retook the lead, 41-39, before Shelby connected from the top of the key for a 42- 41 lead. Teammate Arjok Guguai displayed his long-shot skills too, as he made Memorial’s fourth consecutive three-pointer in as many possessions.

With 35.3 seconds left, Bedford’s Ryan Bourgeois made one of his two foul shots for a 49-47 Trinity lead.

Attempting an in-bounds pass underneath Memorial’s basket with 18.8 seconds left, Muyuka grabbed a loose ball, pivoted on his right foot, banked one off the glass and was fouled in the process.

Muyuka delivered on the pressure-filled free throw, giving the visitors another one-point edge.

Bourgeois put the Pioneers in front six times en route to a 27-point performance, including five treys.

“I love these kinds of games,” said a smiling Bourgeois. “When the score’s close the whole time, the opposing fans are all over you and it’s a hostile place. I love playing under pressure … Well, sometimes, not all the time.”

While the Class L powerhouse, Central, comes from another part of the Queen City, both Trinity and Memorial are emerging as contenders come playoff time.

“I knew these were the most well-coached guys in the state,” said Bike of Trinity. “But I have all the confidence in the world in any of my guys who wants to take a last-minute shot. Three of our last four games have been like this.”

The Shelby-Muyuka combo proved itself in Memorial’s 61-59 wins over Alvirne and Keene on Jan. 9 and Jan. 17, respectively. While the Crusaders have relied on final-play heroics, Bourgeois opts for other motivating factors.

“Everyone thinks we’re the outcast because we’re the private school,” said Bourgeois. “I like that everyone hates us. Well, not hates us, but doesn’t take us seriously. It’s fun playing that way.”