Wow, what an amazing weekend! Top 8 teams, incredible plays, a few surprises, and unbelievable finishes! It was amazing to feel the Playoff atmosphere in the air and it was good to see some old friends who came out to support their favorite teams. Let's get to it!
ATR vs Bula
From the jump you knew ATR was serious. They played with just 5 players... again, but Bula didn't care; Bula was out to seek and destroy. Corey Scott for ATR had a breakout game, picking up the slack by scoring and playing tough hard defense. He ignited his team and created easy buckets for his teammates. The usual suspect, VJ Santos, dazzled us with a spinning assist to Edwin and off the dribble threes from beyond he arc, but it was Edwin who sparked his team with offensive rebounds and put backs. It came down to the superstars in the last quarter; Christian and Deejay for ATR shot well from the field and gave their team a double digit lead in the closing minutes. VJ, Ryan and Vinh for Bula gave all they could to keep the game in striking distance but ATR's team defense closed the door shut in the final minutes of the game. ATR advances to the Championship Round!
Spartans vs New Team
There is a reason why the Spartans finished on top of the league this season; incredible chemistry, excellent defense and YOUNG LEGS! The New Team was the Dark Horse of the Playoffs with Chris and Taylos on the floor, who knows and upset may happen. Fast, fast and fast was the tempo of the game. Both teams got out running early but it was the BIG men, Eric and William for the Spartans, that carried their team in the first half of the game. Chris and Drew for the New Team kept the game in striking distance and created havoc in the paint with penetration and finishes at the basket. The second half Chris and Taylos continued the attack the basket much of the second half but Masato caught fire and there was no looking back. Spartans advance to the Championship Round!
Meier Co vs Dragons
This was a much anticipated rematch from the regular season. We had our stars out on the floor that night with Dwight and Joey headlining the game. Dragons got ou early with good defense and Rob finishing those plays with layups. Dwight came back with a few tough buckets to get Meier Co back in the game. Ralph and Jordan controlled the boards for Meier Co and Mike "the Beast" made plays for his teammates and got in the paint to get to the free throw line. Joey for the Dragons started the game getting his team involved but he got himself going hitting from beyond the arc. One of those threes was well beyond the NBA three range. Dwight took on the challenge to guard the best shooter in the Bay and made it tough for Joey to get a shot off while he sliced, diced and shot the ball well throughout the game. Unfortunate bad things can happen during games. Herv and Daryll for the Dragons suffered a severe ankle sprain and and nagging Achilles injury. Those key players out hurt the Dragons in the closing minutes of the game. Dwight Led Meier Co to the Championship Round!
Filipinas vs Primetime
GAME of the WEEK! How lucky we are to have been honored to watch these two great teams play their butts of from start to finish. This is what basketball is about! Leave everything on the floor, give it all you have and let the cards fall where they may... Primetime did not waste anytime with their signature press but Filipinas kept their poise. Pao for Filipinas showed us why he is a star in this league, working with Elmer and Jonver to break the press and score tough buckets in the paint. Alex, Ryan and TJ shot well from the field shooting threes and attacking the basket, but it was the whole Primetime team that played with high energy throughout the game. In the closing seconds Elmer made a clutch layup off the glass. Primetime calls timeout and takes the ball out at half court. Alex in bounds the ball to Marko. Marko sees an opening and attacks the basket... gets a shot up off the glass and.... basket interference on Filipinas. EJ for Filipinas tried to block the shot but got a finger caught in the net. Basket good! It was the GAME of the SEASON so far! Primetime advances to the Championship Round!
