By Dave Topp @Topper18

The Bay Area Shuckers (4-2) rang in their New Year, on Saturday, with a 128-124 overtime win over the visiting Winchester Storm (2-3).

With the victory, the Shuckers return to the win column, after falling to the Beltway Bombers on December 15, and take a one and a half-game lead over the Storm in the American Professional Basketball Leagues’s Colonial Division.

“We had a good practice two days before, focusing on the problems we had been facing recently,” Shuckers coach Bob Topp said. “I thought we brought a good preparation and spirit into this game.”

Bay Area saw three players eclipse the 30-point mark, as Terry Hosley led the way with a game-high 38 points. Rocky Coleman hit for a season-high 33 points and Gus Chase added 31 points for the Shuckers.

Hosley put in 13 of his 38 in the first quarter, as the Shuckers held a 33-32 edge after one.

Despite 10 second-quarter points from Chase, the offense slowed down for the Shuckers, who found themselves trailing 60-59 at halftime.

Defensive rebounding hurt Bay Area, as the Storm connected on several second-chance opportunities.

"The players recognized that and took responsibility to shore that up," Topp said. "We will continue to work on being tenacious for the ball."

Danny Thompson turned in a 14 point, 13 rebound effort for the Shuckers, once again leading the team in rebounding.

Bay Area took a 6-point advantage into the final quarter of play, but could not hold off their visitors. The Storm were led by Oniye Onukanu’s 32 point performance.

A timeout by the Shuckers, put Bay Area with an opportunity for some late-game heroics, but were unable to get off a game-winning shot attempt.

A pass to Coleman at the top of the three-point line was ultimately foiled by a strong Storm defense, as the two teams headed to overtime.

“He was one of two guys coming off screens.  He caught the ball deeper than necessary,” Topp said about the end-of-game play. “I could have done better in preparing them for that situation.”

With 3:44 left in overtime, Chase hit a turnaround jump shot from the left baseline to give Bay Area a 120-119 lead that would not be relinquished.

Solid free throw shooting helped the Shuckers hold onto the lead in overtime and walk away with a 128-124 victory.

Next up, The Shuckers will take to the road where they will take on the Rockville Victors.