On a night that featured multiple no shows, some late arrivals and last minutes call-ups from deep in the Green Dot player pool, the Ballers needed someone to step up if they were going to keep their record unblemished on the season. Thankfully for the Ballers, Captain Chris Larson answered the call to action in a big way with a career high 22 points on a sizzling 8-9 from the field, including 4-4 from long distance.
The threes were splashing the nets at both ends of the court as the G-Men's own version of James Harden launched a scoring barrage that would find him with a game high 32 points. As his threes were finding pay dirt, the Ballers countered with their usual balance as Danny Abatebmarco, Chris Larson and Mike Reamy all hit from downtown keeping the game within one at 13-12. The G-Men then went on a 7-0 run and with usual suspects Kyle Welty and Will Harris missing, the Ballers wondered who would pick up the offensive scoring load in conjunction with Ed Reddick and Mike Reamy.
The Ballers would soon get their answer as point guard Chris Larson stepped forward with an array of offensive moves that keyed a 13-0 run, including a 9-0 stretch of Larson showing off the full repertoire. After two free throw by Ed Reddick, Larson came up with an offensive rebound and nailed a three. Then Baller fast break ended with another feed from Reddick to Larson for the layup. On the ensuing possession, Larson met the G-Men point guard at half court and picked his pocket leading to another fast break lay-in. The Ballers' founder would then complete the run with a turn back the clock move, driving baseline around his defender for two more. When Yoon Ji hit a basket of his own, the run was complete and the Ballers were in control with a 25 to 20 lead.
The Ballers started off sluggish in the second half, scoring just five points in the first six minutes of the half, both on Larson baskets. They would then have to turn to one of their old nemeses, the free throw line, to take them the rest of the way, as they would not score another field goal after Mike Reamy's post up with 13:34 left to play. However, this time the Ballers would hit the free throws they needed with 6 of 7 players going to the line to knock down 12 of 15 free throws. The scores at the charity stripe proved just enough to secure the 60-56 victory and setup a battle of undefeated teams in week 8 vs. the Joy Boys.
Next up:
Ballers (7-0) take on Joy Boys (6-0) on Tuesday 3/3
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