Thank you keiman and kei and daisygirl101 for beta reading and helping me improve!
I do not own Chicken Little. Chicken Little is owned by Disney. I only lay claim to Chauncey Cheetah.
Chapter 16
"First, the starting lineup for the Spud Valley Taters!" the Dog Announcer announced over the microphone.
Taters fans cheered and clapped while Acorns fans did the opposite. Spud Valley cheered the loudest for Fred Fox, while Oakey Oaks booed the loudest for him.
"Now, the starting lineup for your Oakey Oaks Acorns!" the Dog Announcer stated.
Acorns fans cheered and clapped for their team as each player was announced. No one, however, got a louder ovation than Chauncey Cheetah. He had been their hero, and they all hoped he would shine brighter than he had ever done before.
After the teams' starting lineups and coaches were announced, tip-off was underway. Chauncey was to jump with the Taters' starting center, Jim Jaguar. He was not quite as tall as Chauncey or as lengthy, but he seemed to be the only guy on the court who could have a legitimate chance at contesting the tall cheetah's shots.
The cheetah easily won the tip, and the Acorns started the game with the ball.
"We are underway for this boys' basketball championship game. Will it be a three-peat for Spud Valley, or can Oakey Oaks avenge last year's loss?" the Dog Announcer said.
Unfortunately, the game did not start out too well for Oakey Oaks. They turned the ball over on their first possession, and Chauncey was plagued with foul trouble early on. Behind the backs of Fred Fox, the Taters took a ten-point lead at the end of the first quarter, 18-8.
"With Chauncey Cheetah plagued by two quick fouls to start the game, Spud Valley has gotten off to a fast start. Can the Acorns respond?" the Dog Announcer wondered.
The second quarter was no better with the cheetah picking up his fourth foul just two minutes into the quarter. Spud Valley took advantage of this, and the lead ballooned to twenty points by halftime, 38-18. Oakey Oaks fans were stunned at what they saw in the first half. Spud Valley fans, on the other hand, were delirious as they hoped their team would achieve a three-peat.
"What a sluggish start for the Acorns. It seems the Taters may have this one in the bag folks. Is there any hope of a furious rally?" the Dog Announcer said, a little sadly.
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For some reason however, the Taters began to lose ground. The Acorns came out of the halftime break with a newfound determination, especially Chauncey Cheetah. With four quick three-pointers to start the second half, the cheetah brought Oakey Oaks to within eight in less than two minutes. Not only was he on fire, but he was also able to stay away from picking up a fifth foul.
Fred Fox, however, was able to weather the storm somewhat with a barrage of his own. At the end of the third quarter, the lead was cut in half, 52-42. Oakey Oaks fans began to feel hopeful, while Spud Valley fans began to grow anxious.
"Just like that, the lead has been cut in half. Work remains to be done, however, as Oakey Oaks is still down by ten," the Dog Announcer stated, determination rising.
The fourth quarter was tense, with teams trading baskets during the first three minutes of the quarter.
By the time there were three minutes left in the game, Oakey Oaks found themselves trailing by five points, 75-70.
"I don't think they're going to do it," Runt stated shakily.
"They'll do it!" Abby exclaimed.
"Let's go Acorns!" Chicken Little shouted.
Fish tried to say the same thing.
Soon the Acorns fans were cheering their team on, chanting, "Let's go Acorns!"
The Acorns continued to fight valiantly, and with one minute remaining, they were still down five points, 83-78. Chauncey then hit a deep three-pointer with twenty-four seconds remaining to bring Oakey Oaks within two, 83-81.
Due to the amount of time left, however, the Acorns were forced to foul Fred Fox, the best free throw shooter on Spud Valley. If he made both free throws, it would put the game on ice.
The Acorns fans booed loudly, trying in any way to distract the male fox. As he dribbled three times and breathed, he shot the first free throw.
Nothing but net.
Now the score was 84-81. If Fred were to make the second one, Oakey Oaks' rally attempt would have been in vain.
"First free throw is good. One more coming," the Dog Announcer anxiously stated.
The star of the Taters went through the same dribbling routine and shot the second free throw, confident he would secure a three-peat for Spud Valley.
To everyone's surprise and shock, the free throw attempt caught a piece of the back rim and rattled out. Chauncey Cheetah grabbed the rebound and immediately called a timeout.
"Second one rattles out! Chauncey Cheetah with the rebound! Acorns call timeout!" the Dog Announcer exclaimed, excited.
3.3 seconds were left on the clock. Chauncey knew his team needed a three to tie the game. Otherwise, they would suffer the same heartbreak of last year. Shoving those thoughts aside, he listened to what his coach had in mind to get a clean look at a three.
Doug Donkey drew up a play he hoped would get Chauncey an open three. What he drew on the whiteboard was to set up a triple screen and pass the ball to the cheetah for the shot.
When the game resumed, the Acorns inbounded the ball to the tall cheetah. Chauncey unleashed a three-pointer from the left wing, right in front of the Taters' bench. A hush fell upon the gymnasium as the ball sailed toward the rim and the buzzer sounded as the ball started to float downward.
Swish!
Acorns fans went into a frenzy, while Taters fans went dead silent. The game was all even at 84. Chauncey's teammates were all over him, rubbing his head, embracing him, and giving him high-fives. The tall cheetah knew, however, it was not over yet.
"Chauncey Cheetah with the long three to tie the game! After trailing by twenty points at halftime, we have an extra period folks! This could be our year!" the Dog Announcer happily exclaimed.
They had overtime in Oakey Oaks.