An old adage in sports is that it is very difficult to beat the same team 3 times in a row. Human nature causes one to let the guard down, the team that lost the first two games digs down for some extra effort based on the motivation to not get swept. Then you add in the dynamic roster situation that is most prevalent in summer league and combine that with a Self Check team that had been on the cusp of another seed, losing to Titans by 1 point in a game that would have given them that #1 seed. However Self Check could not solve the Ballers this summer losing a tightly contested first game and then watching GDB pull away in the second half of the rematch.
Self Check came loaded for bear, with a new shooting guard and having won 3 of its last 4 games. Green Dot meanwhile was dealing with the absence of its point guard Chris Larson for the second consecutive game, but seemed better prepared with a great pre-game strategy session held amongst the Baller squad. This game would turn out to be an Alexandria classic as the teams traded big runs, big threes and some head scratchers along the way (A Self Check Player walking off in the middle of a play??? - leading to a free layup??? In a game that went to OT???) Yes it was all there, the Ballers tied the game in the last minute of regulation at 55 to force overtime and then used a quick run out of the gate in OT to punch their ticket to the final with a 65-60 victory.
At the time of publication, the Ballers were awaiting the results of the other semifinal, but they know they will have their work cut out for them as Baller stalwarts Mike Reamy and Will Harris will not be available for the final. Can the Ballers win their 10th title in franchise history? It will take a team effort to step up and grab the ring. We will find out on Tuesday night!!
Fun Facts - This was the first time in GDB history that the team won a playoff game with out Chris Larson. They were previously 0-6, including three of the last four summer leagues when they were a first or second seed.
Comments