Durangos vs. Green Dot Ballers typically ends with a furious rally by one of the teams and the outcome is determined by a play in the final minute of the game. Week three saw this storyline play out once again. Durangos were looking to re-establish their momentum after falling to Monstars in week 2. Green Dot was trying to sustain their strong start to the season, while having to overcome a short staffed roster, relying on call-up LJ Bowling just to give them a sixth player for this contest.
The pace of the game started slow with the teams combining for just 10 points in the first nine minutes. Green Dot would soon pick up the pace with a trio of three pointers that preceded an 11-3 run to close the half. Kyle Welty led the way with 14 of his game high 20 points in the half, including a fast break basket that just beat the buzzer. The 10 point lead the GDB took into the half would turn out to be short lived as a halftime adjustment by the Durangos would prove key in quickly surging back ahead.
With the Durangos featuring a full complement of players, they employed a full court press to use their depth to their advantage against the six Ballers playing on this night. The strategy paid immediate dividends as Durangos sprinted out of the halftime break on an 11-0 run in the first three minutes. They forced multiple turnovers and rushed shots to take the lead 27-26. A whirling drive by Ryan Demagistris finally broke the spell and seemed to settle the Ballers back into a groove. Ed Reddick served as the foundation for offense in the second half registering 9 of his 14 points on a series of drives and foul shots. He would save his biggest basket for the end of the game.
With a minute left and holding on to precarious one point lead, Reddick once again made a foray to the basket, but was met with a double team and kicked it out to Larson. An errant shot led to a fast break basket and the Durangos looked like they would once again steal one at the finish line from the Ballers. On this night however, Reddick would not be denied. On the ensuing possession he beat his man off the dribble and scored the basket and the foul. Reddick was not able to convert the free throw, but Danny Abatemarco snuck in for the offensive rebound that led to more free throws. The sequence repeated itself again , this time with Demagistris once again in the right place to make a play and get the ball back into Baller hands. Two free throws by Abatemarco finally sealed the Durangos fate and pushed the Ballers to 3-0 on the season.
Next up:
Ballers take on the Monstars in a battle of undefeated teams.
Durangos face another tough matchup with Joy Boys.
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