The 2019 Fall session seemed to be starting off on a good foot for the Ballers. A week 1 forfeit by Kearney gave the team a chance to practice and integrate newer players. A rematch of the summer semi-final then presented itself in week 2 as a good measuring stick for how much progress would be made, especially with co-captains Chris Larson and Will Harris back in the mix after missing that semi-final loss to the Stars. However, an atrocious performance at the charity stripe would lead to a similar outcome as that playoff game in a 59-51 loss.
The first half was hard fought and stayed tight at 25-20 through the first twenty minute period. It would set the stage for a another back and forth battle, one that proved tough for the Ballers to break through when they missed 12 second half free throws which brought them to a mind numbing 17 bricks for the game. Considering a late surge brought the Ballers within one point at 51-50 with 40 seconds left, just a few of those free passes going down, could have proven to be the key to a winning performance.
Even with all of those misses, the Ballers found themselves down just that single point and needed to secure the rebound to get a chance at victory, but when the Stars missed the ensuing free throw, one of their forwards was able to slap the ball back to the top of the key and the Stars hit a jump shot to take a 53-50 lead. Then the Ballers turned the ball over against full court pressure that immediately led to another score and proved to be too big of a lead to overcome in too little time.
The Ballers will need to get back on track next week vs. the Bullets, as the short season for Fall league does not provide much room for error. Only the top 4 teams in the 8 team league will qualify for the playoffs.
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