Ramstein defense falters in loss

***image2***In a high scoring affair, the Wiesbaden Eagles outlasted the Ramstein community-level basketball team 96-91 Saturday.

Ramstein jumped out to an early 12-point lead led by small forward Troy Myles and center Austin Layton.

“After we jumped on them, we lost our focus,” said Robert Batiste, Ramstein point guard who scored 16 points. “ We tried to put it on cruise control.”

The Eagles then shifted defenses forcing Ramstein into a perimeter shooting offense.

Ramstein failed to crash the boards and that allowed Wiesbaden to control the tempo of the game.

“Our defense started to crumble because of lack of intensity on the boards,” said Jason Glenn, Ramstein assistant coach.

Wiesbaden continued to eat at Ramstein’s lead throughout the second half as Ramstein couldn’t stop them from scoring.

“Our defensive effort wasn’t there,” said Myles, who scored 17 points. “We definitely didn’t play up to our potential.”

***image3***The one bright spot for Ramstein was Layton, who dominated inside and led in scoring with 24 points and rebounding with 13.

Ramstein will have to play better defensively if they want to repeat as champions of this weekend’s Kaiserslautern Christmas Classic basketball tournament at Kleber and Landstuhl fitness centers.

“Defense, defense, defense is the focal point of practice this week,” said Batiste.