A Game’s Not Over

A GAME’S NOT OVER till it’s over. Nowhere is that statement truer than in college basketball’s annual March Madness tournament. And in 1995, UCLA point guard Tyus Edney’s refusal to give up gave his team an unbelievable victory.

The Bruins entered the tournament as the No. 1 seed, but in the second round a gritty Missouri Tigers squad looked to knock off the higher-ranked team. Matching UCLA basket for basket, the Tigers took a 74–73 lead with 4.8 seconds remaining as Julian Winfield wheeled inside for two points.

UCLA quickly called a time-out to set up a play. With 94 feet—the distance of the basketball court in Boise, Idaho—separating the Bruins from victory, coach Jim Harrick knew exactly what to do. He put the ball in the hands of his 5-foot-10-inch, 152-pound point guard, Edney, and told him to score. The Bruins had worked on a drill in practice where a player dribbled full court against a defender and tried to score in six seconds, so Edney knew he could do it.

Edney grabbed the inbound pass, weaved through Tigers defenders, leaped up near the basket, and lofted a half-hook, half-layup over a 6-foot-9 Missouri forward. The ball banked neatly off the backboard and swished through the basket as the buzzer sounded. UCLA won 75–74.

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POINT Tyus Edney’s shot ranks as one of the best moments in NCAA basketball history. His determination to win not only gave UCLA the victory over the Tigers but also helped his team win the national championship that year.

God wants us to show that same kind of determination in sharing his Good News with others. Sometimes it may feel like none of our friends want to hear about God. It would be easy for us to lose heart and give up. But the Bible tells us to never give up. God gave us the ministry of sharing his love with the world—and that’s worth fighting for.

GOAL! Next time you get discouraged about your faith, think about Tyus Edney’s amazing shot. He didn’t give up hope, and neither should you. Ask God to help you share his love with the people around you.