Area lawyers have tasted victory only once in the 13 years they have played against area doctors in the annual Jawbones vs. Sawbones charity basketball game.
They hoped the outcome of Friday night's game at Augusta Christian Schools would be different.
"We have been practicing for six weeks, two days each week, for this game," said Bill Sussman, the coach of the Jawbones, the lawyers' team. "We have our heads and hearts ready for the game. We are going to play hard, play fair, and play to win."
However, the Sawbones, the doctors' team, weren't going to make it easy for them.
The game was close throughout, with neither team able to build more than a nine-point lead.
With seconds left in the game, it became clear to the Jawbones and their fans that their wish for a second win was about to come true. They won, 39-35.
"This was a great game," Mr. Sussman said afterward. "Our guys were tired, their guys were tired. It just became a matter of who would outlast the other.
''It helped that the crowd was out there rooting for us, the underdog. What makes the win even better is that we were playing for charity."
Each year, the game raises money for Rape Crisis and Sexual Assault Services, a nonprofit organization that assists survivors of sexual assault.
"Fundraisers like this are critical for us. It's also a way to let people know we are here and what we do," said Phyllis Salyer, office manager. "In addition to that, these games are always exciting because they are usually close. And it's a chance for people to see their doctor or lawyer in a different light."
Though the teams enjoy the friendly rivalry, playing for charity got them energized, said Dr. Paul Herzwurm, coach of the Sawbones.
"We typically have tight games, so we knew we had to give it our all," he said. "When you know that you are helping to raise money for such an important organization, it makes you play harder. This event helps them a lot, and we're happy to participate."
Reach Nikasha Dicks at (706) 823-3336 or nikasha.dicks@augustachronicle.com.
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