MEDDAC’s Christopher Thomas gave himself, and his team, a second chance.

With MEDDAC leading Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation 40-37, Thomas had the opportunity to put the game out of reach at the free-throw line with seven seconds remaining, but couldn’t convert on two attempts.

But that didn’t stop him from immediately coming up with a steal as WHINSEC tried to push the ball up the court for the potential tie. Thomas was fouled again and sent back to the foul line.

“I just told him that he was not focusing enough,” coach James Johnson said during the ensuing timeout. “Once I told him to just concentrate on finishing the shot, he was able to drain them, which made the difference in the game.”

Thomas made both attempts, sealing a 42-37 win for MEDDAC (2-0).

The foul line proved to be the key source of offense for MEDDAC in the second half. Before the missed attempts by Thomas, MEDDAC had made 10 of their last 12 free throw attempts.

“(WHINSEC) got into foul trouble toward the end and that helped us out,” Johnson said. “Down the stretch we hit the free throws, that was the outcome of the game.”

WHINSEC found itself playing from behind in the last minute of the game as MEDDAC gained momentum by going on a quick 5-0 run.

With 12 seconds remaining, WHINSEC had an opportunity to tie the game as Brian Foster was fouled while attempting a 3-pointer.

Though Foster led WHINSEC with 20 points, he was unable to make any of his three free throw attempts, missing the first two and having the third negated due to a lane violation.

“Certain things didn’t go our way,” coach Jose Quinones said. “The plan was for him to shoot the 3-pointer and have him make it or get fouled. We had the opportunity.”

Thomas finished second in team scoring with nine points while Jonathan McKinney led MEDDAC with 21 points.