Fall 2013 Champs: B1 5v5 League: Billy Hoyle Elite

As expected, we had a hell of a game on our hands. This is a nice little budding rivalry and now both teams have a playoff victory over the other.

As the game started, the Dads used the same game plan they did when they were the Rookies of the Year. Get out in transition for easy buckets, pester 3 point shooters and don\'t let Gary beat you. For 22 minutes it was a very effective strategy. 

Marcel didn\'t have any trouble breaking into the land of giants, Ricky threw down a fast break dunk and BHE started the game 1 for 9 from 3. The only reason they were in the game was because Lew, playing for what seems like the 14th night in a row, carried the load. He had 11 points in the first half on a variety of hesitation, step back and bank shots. 

Stat of the night, for me, was the fact that all 12 of the Dad\'s field goals were assisted in the first half, while only 2 of 8 were for BHE. Still, Khalid\'s team hung around by making a living a the free throw line to get cheap, easy points. They were only down 29-24 at the break. 

BHE came out of halftime a different team. I didn\'t hear exactly what Coach Billett said but whatever it was struck a chord. The ball movement was crisp, concise and quick. The shots taken were good, open ones that came a handful of passes into a possession instead of just hte first open look. Polansky knocked down a couple treys, Gary went to the block and Lew dropped dimes. In just 6 minutes it added up to an 18-7 run and a 6 point lead for BHE. All 8 field goals made (4-5 from 3) were assisted during the run. When this team passes well they\'re incredibly tough to beat.

Try as they might, Dad\'s couldn\'t take control of the game back. They hardly allowed any offensive boards but found like going to the hole much more difficult in the second half. Marcel battled some foul trouble and they were down double digits coming around the final bend.

During the final 2 minutes, though, the Dads rallied furiously. Mazz put home a couple 3s, Hoh followed suit and Ryo put up a couple as well. an 10 point deficit with 2 minutes to go was just a 4 point game with under a minute left. They were suddenly no longer struggling to score while playing with their back against the wall.  

Unfortunately for them, BHE hit just enough free throws to survive and advance. it wasn\'t always pretty, but then, Rivalry games never are!