I meant to do this before the finals started but I was going to do a preview of the finals matchups for the EBBL and Div 2.
EBBLDurham Wasps Vs Optic Fibres
This looked to be a tale of 2 styles, the best defensive team against the 2nd best offensive team (based on points scored/conceded). Durham Wasps have won the EBBL title 3 times and have proved they are capable of winning it all. They came in to the playoffs with the best record in the EBBL giving them a home-court advantage. Optic Fibres topped the Big 8 conference with a 16-6 record and have the star power in Needham and Bujalska to lead the team. Optic Fibres have never won the EBBL title, and in only their 4th ever season in the EBBL they have put themselves in a strong position to claim the title as the champions of England.
Game 1 was a low scoring affair as the Optic Fibres stole game 1 on the road 77-76 on the back of 2 double-doubles from the big guys. Durham Wasps took the early lead with a 25-12 1st quarter, however, Fibres didn't give up and slowly chipped away at the lead, eventually taking the lead with 10 minutes to go in the 4th quarter. A tip in from Dallas Schafer with 2 seconds left sealed the victory for the Optic Fibres. Game 2 on Saturday where a new first time champion could be crowned.
Div II.1Bromley-By-Bow vs Falcons Heywood
Falcons Heywood were relegated from the EBBL but look to have decided keep pushing back towards the EBBL as they haven't made any significant transfers during the season. They finished the season with a 14-8 record, good for 2nd in the Great 8 conference. Bromley-By-Bow had a strong season finishing with a record of 20-2. Bromley-By-Bow are an up and coming team, only in their 8th season as a franchise, and they have made the playoffs in each of those 8 seasons.
Game 1 went to the home team in a 112-97 game. The score-line doesn't tell the tale of the game as it was a close game throughout. Bromley held only a 2 point lead at half-time. The Falcons stayed close during the 3rd quarter but Bromley were able to pull away going in to the 4th and never looked back. Game 2 should be exciting in this one.
Div II.2Pillow BC VS Porzigod
2 teams with little EBBL history with Porzigod only having 1 season in the EBBL and Pillow BC never being there! Big series for both teams. Pillow BC go in to the series with home court as they finished the season with a 20-2, although one of those losses was against Porzigod.
Game 1 was dominated by Pillow BC to retain home court in the series. Pillow BC won the game 129-78, however Porzigod gain enthusiasm in the loss so this series is far from over.
Div II.3JA Miami vs Nutwood Nets
(Not jealous in the slightest
)
Again 2 teams with little EBBL experience with only JA Miami playing in the EBBL for 1 season. JA Miami has had a perfect season going 22-0 and being comfortable in almost every game with Team Nook the only team going close. On the other hand, Nutwood Nets have battled through 2 away playoff games to make the finals so they're ready to try and cause an upset.
Game 1 went as expected as JA Miami won 95-80, dominating the 2nd quarter 28-9. Can the Nutwood Nets win gamne 2 to make it an interesting series?
Div II.4Cambois Donkeys vs MILF Hunters
The only division 2 series where both top seeds face each other in the finals. Not only did both teams finish top of their conferences, both teams finished with a record of 19-3 with the Donkeys having a better PD giving them crucial home court. Despite being in their 48th season, Cambois Donkeys have never made it to the EBBL. MILF Hunters are a much younger franchise having only being around for 7 seasons and have also never made it to the EBBL.
Game 1 went to the home team 104-88. Don't count out MILF Hunters as they were able to gain enthusiasm. Game 2 and 3 should be close