Fill in the blank (_) in the following sentence from the following choices.
Sentence: The team had overcome the deficit and had the lead in the 4th quarter, certain to win, as the _ was so small.

Choice 1: The team had overcome the deficit and had the lead in the 4th quarter, certain to win, as the deficit was so small.
Choice 2: The team had overcome the deficit and had the lead in the 4th quarter, certain to win, as the lead was so small.
Which of the choices is correct? Respond with only "1" or "2" and no additional text.
1
1. The team had overcome the deficit and had the lead in the 4th quarter, certain to win, as the deficit was