Summary of 11th February Games
Soul Crashers- 88s
Expected this game to be a bit closer, but it was never a contest. Soul Crashers started the game stron gand never looked back. It wasnt even close, which is kind of surprising since team ratings are similar and HCA was on 88s side. It's perfect example that individual matchups often are more important than ratings.
Player of the game:
It was close between two bigs from Soul Crashers, but I will give a nod to Jorge Boet. He did grab less rebounds and scored less points, but it was during less game time, and also 5 turnovers didnt help Ku Jzeng's case.
Cerebreal Assasins- Montreal Visoders
The biggest upset of first round. Cerebreal are expected to be among favourites for a top spot in this league, but first game turned out to be a cold shower. Extra effort and HCA was enough to put Visoders on top in this game. Both teams managed to get some impressive team ratings, but I think it is still evident that Cerebreal are stronger and they are going to take heavy revenge on their home court.
Player of the game:
Very hard choice since noone stood out, but I choose Shaun Byrne to be player of the game. After all, he scored the most points , grabbed 13 rebounds and 4 steals with only 2 turnovers. The only thing that kind of hurts the eye is his shooting from 2 point range.
Haylors- Keyes
This game was surprisingly close until middle of 3th quarter, but then Keyes shifted to a 2nd gear and pulled away.
Player of the game: Diez de Arellano
It was never really a contest PF from Keyes Kops had incredible game with high percentage shooting that earned him 26 points, 14 RB (6OR!!), and a whooping 15.0 rating on respectable game shape!
Pszczyna- Ottawa
A game without history. Ottawa didnt complete a team yet for first round of games, but they should be better starting tuesday.
Player of the game: Liu Tong Tam
Playing out of position he managed to score 27 points and earnd double- double with 11 rebounds. Very efficient game with 11-17 shooting. 6 assists and 4 steals just add to his overall performance.
Webfoots- We Are Legends
Another clash of 2 very strong teams. Looks like red conference will be very interesting this season. And another case in which game ratings didnt play much role. They were better on Legend's side, together with HCA and with an equal effort Webfoots were still able to win after a tight game.
Player of the game: V.Tsampouris
No contest here. 31 points, 25 rebounds including 11 offensive rebounds and 12-22 shooting with 13.0 rating. That says it all.
Ruffian- The Syndicate
Expected that game to be close, but it never was. Comfortable win to the home team. Intersting tactical choice though. Turns out that patient works even if one player doesnt stand out much compared to others. Will have to look more into that.
Player of the game: M. Yingde
A go to man in patient tactic. He was very efficient. 50% shooting and 20 made FG, very impressive. Only 1 TO show that he rally put himself out there and there was no stopping him this day.
Sherbrookers- Scarborough
If I have to keep doing the write-ups, I will ask managers to change those team names. Try spelling that!! The result was pretty obvious after 3rd quarter so I would lie if I said it was an interesting game. Stampede has put up impressive ratings and showed that they will also take part in championship race.
Player of the game: Jose Maria Ayala
depsite 6 turnovers (I really hate that on a players), 30 poitns and 15 rebounds was enough for me to overlook turnovers.
The Dream Shakers- Soaring Eagles
Now that was an interesting game. It was tied with 20 seconds to go, but the free throws by Loic Artaud and missed 2 pointer by Promrat sealed the deal.
Player of the game: Constantin Petre
Very efficient game. in just 24 minutes of play this SF scored 21 points on 13 Fg, and dished 4