FINALS -- GAME FIVE--- SAN JOSE AT CHARLESTON
San Jose Fighting Amigos 92, Charleston Rebels 82
In honor of the team's name, fans hugged and punched each other in the streets of San Jose.
This one was for Doug Fresh.
And Johnny Fartpants.
And Pumpkins Galore.
And Otto Titzling.
And Allan Toid.
And Tinky Winky.
And Saban T. Hawk.
And Crazy Guggenheim.
And Kip Robinson.
And Lex Lugar.
And Slip Pearson.
And Mike Pics.
And Jim Zeck.
And all those Fighting Amigos who toiled for five consecutive last-place teams from Season 12 through Season 16.
The last shall be first, just as Season 25's edition of San Jose's club became the first team in MBA history to rise from the cellar to the championship from one campaign to the next.
The franchise lacks even one Hall of Famer. Well, you can count Rip Slamjam if you like, who played two of his 14 campaigns on the West Coast.
But now they have Sagittal Occlusal, who, as a 6-8 power forward, became the first player ever to capture the maximum of six awards in this, his rookie campaign (All League, All Star Team, Rookie of the Year, Regular Season MVP, Playoff MVP and a championship ring) while leading the Amigos to their first title in history.
It was Occlusal who led the Amigos to a wild and wooly Game Five victory, a 92-82 win over the Charleston Rebels. Occlusal had 27 points, 7 rebounds and 7 blocked shots. His first blocked shot of the game set a new playoff record for one season, eclipsing the mark of J.D. Jedreat for Charleston way way back in Season 8. It wasn't until Occlusal's 12th shot of the game that he finally missed from the floor.
Ten of his game-high points came in the first quarter. He would score just four more in the second quarter, but the shot-blocking machine, helped by guard Felipe Jazzman (17 points in the game) blitzed the Rebels in the second frame and the Fighting Amigos seemed assured of the championship at halftime, secure in their 57-40, 17 point lead.
But Charleston came roaring back in the third quarter right out of the gate.. Kippy ("As if we had to tell you") Kinski (15 points), Benny Gumm (20 points) and Hall of Fame center Jonny Cockaroo (20 points) began hitting three-pointers. When Rupert Ritzik, plucked just two games earlier from the cut pile to replace injured starter Newty McNewtsalot, hit yet another trey, the Rebels actually grabbed the lead, 66-65. The fourth frame began with San Jose clinging to a 2-point advantage, 72-70, thanks to a 3-pointer from longtime Amigos guard Hacksaw Rooney at the third-quarter buzzer.
But the fourth was all San Jose, and the freakin' title for the freakin' perennial losers.
Losers of the world, take heed, and be of hope.
P.S. Almost unbelievably, every finals game was won by the visiting team.
PPS Nine-year veteran Cuba Chance was huge off the bench for San Jose with 14 points
PPPS The title was the first ever won by a West Coast team. Seattle and Sacramento are still waiting.
Game MVP--Sagittal Occlusal, San Jose
Top Scorer--Sagittal Occlusal, San Jose, 27 points
Top Rebounder--four tied with four
Top Assists--Ed Masterson, San Jose, 4
Top Steals--Ed Masterson, San Jose, 2
Tops in Blocked Shots--Saggital Occlusal, San Jose, 7
Score by Quarters
San Jose 29--57--72--92
Charleston 24--40--70--82
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
MBA Season 25 Finals Game Four Report
FINALS --GAME 4--CHARLESTON AT SAN JOSE
Charleston Rebels 96, San Jose Fighting Amigos 58
Everything seemed set up for the Fighting Amigos of San Jose to win it all. Needing just one more victory in this best of five series, they were playing at home against a team that had lost a starter (forward Newty McNewtsalot).
But, strangely enough, like every other game in this series, it was the visiting team that won...resoundingly...to send the finals to a one-game championship back to Charleston.
After an extremely competitive opening quarter that saw both squads play high-octane basketball, Charleston led 24-21. But while the Rebels kept up the pace to register a 96-58 victory, San Jose found the going rough against the stalwart defense of the visitors.
The Rebels went early and often to Hall of Fame center Jonny Cockaroo, as the All-Leaguer scored 12 of his game-high 26 points in the first quarter. Fellow All-Leaguer, guard Benny Gumm, finally got untracked with a 23-point performance, and Jim Linzy, starting in place of the injured Newty McNewtsalot, grabbed a game-high 8 rebounds while scoring 19.
Only Saggital Occlusal shined offensively for San Jose, with 19.
It now comes down to a single game to see which of these franchises captures its first title
Game MVP--Jonny Cockaroo, Charleston
Top Scorer--Jonny Cockaroo, Charleston, 26 points
Top Rebounder--Jim Linzy, Charleston, 8 rebounds
Top Assists--Kippy Kinski, Charleston and Felipe Jazzman, San Jose, 5 assists each
Top Steals--Five players tied with one each
Tops in Blocked Shots--Jonny Cockaroo, Charleston and Saggital Occlusal, San Jose, 3 each
Score by Quarters
Charleston 24--43--68--96
San Jose 21--32--46--58
.
Charleston Rebels 96, San Jose Fighting Amigos 58
Everything seemed set up for the Fighting Amigos of San Jose to win it all. Needing just one more victory in this best of five series, they were playing at home against a team that had lost a starter (forward Newty McNewtsalot).
But, strangely enough, like every other game in this series, it was the visiting team that won...resoundingly...to send the finals to a one-game championship back to Charleston.
After an extremely competitive opening quarter that saw both squads play high-octane basketball, Charleston led 24-21. But while the Rebels kept up the pace to register a 96-58 victory, San Jose found the going rough against the stalwart defense of the visitors.
The Rebels went early and often to Hall of Fame center Jonny Cockaroo, as the All-Leaguer scored 12 of his game-high 26 points in the first quarter. Fellow All-Leaguer, guard Benny Gumm, finally got untracked with a 23-point performance, and Jim Linzy, starting in place of the injured Newty McNewtsalot, grabbed a game-high 8 rebounds while scoring 19.
Only Saggital Occlusal shined offensively for San Jose, with 19.
It now comes down to a single game to see which of these franchises captures its first title
Game MVP--Jonny Cockaroo, Charleston
Top Scorer--Jonny Cockaroo, Charleston, 26 points
Top Rebounder--Jim Linzy, Charleston, 8 rebounds
Top Assists--Kippy Kinski, Charleston and Felipe Jazzman, San Jose, 5 assists each
Top Steals--Five players tied with one each
Tops in Blocked Shots--Jonny Cockaroo, Charleston and Saggital Occlusal, San Jose, 3 each
Score by Quarters
Charleston 24--43--68--96
San Jose 21--32--46--58
.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
MORE FINALS RESULTS
FINALS --GAME 2--CHARLESTON AT SAN JOSE
Charleston Rebels 71, San Jose Fighting Amigos 68
The Charleston Rebels knotted up the MBA finals at one game apiece with a 71-68 hard-fought road victory.
The Rebs fired out of the gate and led 25-13 after one quarter. The only thing working for the Fighting Amigos at that point was the strong game of Rookie of the Year/MVP Saggital Occlusal, who kept his team within striking distance.
Behind the efforts of the 6-8 "Sag Man" and his 22 first-half points, San Jose had whittled the lead to nine by halftime. As the Amigos continued to slowly come back, the saving grace for the Rebels was their tenacious defense, which accounted for eight steals in the game, just one shy of the playoff record set by Oklahoma over Milwaukee in Season 18.
Time ran out for the home team, but the Fighting Amigos came close when Zlatko Korkovics' desperation three-quarter court shot just missed at the final horn.
Game MVP--Saggital Occlusal, San Jose
Top Scorer--Saggital Occlusal, San Jose, 28 points
Top Rebounder--Hacksaw Rooney, San Jose, 9 rebounds
Top Assists--Newty McNewtsalot, Charleston, 4 assists
Top Steals--Sho Ca Toa, Charleston 4 steals
Tops in Blocked Shots--Saggital Occlusal, San Jose, 2
Score by Quarters
Charleston 25--43--61--71
San Jose 13--34--54--68
FINALS GAME THREE--SAN JOSE AT CHARLESTON
San Jose Fighting Amigos 72, Charleston Rebels 65
It was a madman, scream-job of a contest, another hard-fought, knock-down drag-out contest by the two teams who finished 1-2 in defense during the regular season. Points were at a premium. For the third straight contest, the winning team scored in the low 70s and the loser failed to crack the 70 mark.
Charleston roared out of the gate with an 18-11 lead, but foul trouble by Kippy Kinski and Soh Ca Toa and a crippling injury to the league's leading rebounder Newty McNewtsalot early in the second quarter had the Rebs playing with three bench players as San Jose surged back into contention.
McNewtsalot suffered a caved-in face when he caught an inadvertent elbow and he will be out for the remainder of the playoffs. Jim Linzy, who has been superb off the bench for Charleston (and at after-game get-togethers playing guitar in the hotel lounges) will start in McNewtsalot's place. But Linzy is more of a big forward and will be forced into a ball-handling position at small forward.
With the score 50-49 in the third quarter, Benny Gumm of Charleston and Funsy VanSlochum of San Jose went at it at mid court and both were assessed technicals. Saggital Occlusal again sparked the Amigo comeback in the third and helped secure the game in the fourth. He followed his 28 point performance of game two with a 26-pointer in game three.
A fourth-quarter technical foul on coach Bill Rustler of Charleston proved too much for his team to overcome as the visiting squad won for the third time in the finals.
The Amigos now return home leading the best of five series 2-1. They have a superb a chance to win their first MBA title before their adoring, sombrero-wearing fandom. Should they win it all, the tequila will flow, for it will mark the first time in MBA history that a team finished atop the heap after coming in last the previous season.
Game MVP--Saggital Occlusal, San Jose
Top Scorer--Saggital Occlusal, San Jose, 26 points
Top Rebounders--Benny Gumm and Jonny Cockaroo of Charleston, 7 rebounds each
Top Assists--Jonny Cockaroo, Charleston, 3 assists
Top Steals--Saggital Occlusal and Felipe Jazzman of San Jose, 1 steal each
Tops in Blocked Shots--Saggital Occlusal, San Jose, 4
SCORE BY QUARTERS
San Jose 11--35--58--72
Charleston 18--37--52--65
Charleston Rebels 71, San Jose Fighting Amigos 68
The Charleston Rebels knotted up the MBA finals at one game apiece with a 71-68 hard-fought road victory.
The Rebs fired out of the gate and led 25-13 after one quarter. The only thing working for the Fighting Amigos at that point was the strong game of Rookie of the Year/MVP Saggital Occlusal, who kept his team within striking distance.
Behind the efforts of the 6-8 "Sag Man" and his 22 first-half points, San Jose had whittled the lead to nine by halftime. As the Amigos continued to slowly come back, the saving grace for the Rebels was their tenacious defense, which accounted for eight steals in the game, just one shy of the playoff record set by Oklahoma over Milwaukee in Season 18.
Time ran out for the home team, but the Fighting Amigos came close when Zlatko Korkovics' desperation three-quarter court shot just missed at the final horn.
Game MVP--Saggital Occlusal, San Jose
Top Scorer--Saggital Occlusal, San Jose, 28 points
Top Rebounder--Hacksaw Rooney, San Jose, 9 rebounds
Top Assists--Newty McNewtsalot, Charleston, 4 assists
Top Steals--Sho Ca Toa, Charleston 4 steals
Tops in Blocked Shots--Saggital Occlusal, San Jose, 2
Score by Quarters
Charleston 25--43--61--71
San Jose 13--34--54--68
FINALS GAME THREE--SAN JOSE AT CHARLESTON
San Jose Fighting Amigos 72, Charleston Rebels 65
It was a madman, scream-job of a contest, another hard-fought, knock-down drag-out contest by the two teams who finished 1-2 in defense during the regular season. Points were at a premium. For the third straight contest, the winning team scored in the low 70s and the loser failed to crack the 70 mark.
Charleston roared out of the gate with an 18-11 lead, but foul trouble by Kippy Kinski and Soh Ca Toa and a crippling injury to the league's leading rebounder Newty McNewtsalot early in the second quarter had the Rebs playing with three bench players as San Jose surged back into contention.
McNewtsalot suffered a caved-in face when he caught an inadvertent elbow and he will be out for the remainder of the playoffs. Jim Linzy, who has been superb off the bench for Charleston (and at after-game get-togethers playing guitar in the hotel lounges) will start in McNewtsalot's place. But Linzy is more of a big forward and will be forced into a ball-handling position at small forward.
With the score 50-49 in the third quarter, Benny Gumm of Charleston and Funsy VanSlochum of San Jose went at it at mid court and both were assessed technicals. Saggital Occlusal again sparked the Amigo comeback in the third and helped secure the game in the fourth. He followed his 28 point performance of game two with a 26-pointer in game three.
A fourth-quarter technical foul on coach Bill Rustler of Charleston proved too much for his team to overcome as the visiting squad won for the third time in the finals.
The Amigos now return home leading the best of five series 2-1. They have a superb a chance to win their first MBA title before their adoring, sombrero-wearing fandom. Should they win it all, the tequila will flow, for it will mark the first time in MBA history that a team finished atop the heap after coming in last the previous season.
Game MVP--Saggital Occlusal, San Jose
Top Scorer--Saggital Occlusal, San Jose, 26 points
Top Rebounders--Benny Gumm and Jonny Cockaroo of Charleston, 7 rebounds each
Top Assists--Jonny Cockaroo, Charleston, 3 assists
Top Steals--Saggital Occlusal and Felipe Jazzman of San Jose, 1 steal each
Tops in Blocked Shots--Saggital Occlusal, San Jose, 4
SCORE BY QUARTERS
San Jose 11--35--58--72
Charleston 18--37--52--65
Monday, September 7, 2009
MBA FIRST AS PLAYOFFS CONTINUE
CHARLESTON AT SEATTLE--Round 1, Game 2
Charleston 86, Seattle 72
The Charleston Rebels advanced to the MBA finals for the first time since Season 8, sweeping the Seattle Stampede 86-72 in the second game of the best of three series on the road.
Free throws again played a major role in the Rebel's success, as Charleston tied the playoff record for most free throws made in a game that they had set the previous contest (23).
Hall of Fame, All-League center Jonny Cockaroo was outrageous in the series clincher for Charleston, leading both teams in scoring (22) and pulling down 12 rebounds, six in the final quarter. Hell, the entire Seattle team had 14.
PHILADELPHIA AT SAN JOSE---Round 1, Game 3
San Jose 85, Philadelphia 77
The San Jose Fighting Amigos will be playing for the MBA championship for the first time in their history!
The Amigos, coming off a last-place season the previous campaign, advanced to the title round in the do-or-die Game 3 contest with three-time defending champion Philadelphia Phobia with a 85-77 victory.
Small forward Ed Masterson led the way for San Jose witha 22-point effort that included three treys, 3 assists and a steal. Center Zlatko Korkovic also came up huge with his best game of the year, a 20-point, 7-rebound performance.
The win puts San Jose (10-3 on the year) into the finals against Charleston (11-1), the first time two Dave Masterson-owned teams have ever faced off for the coveted title.
I believe this is one of the seven signs of the apocalypse.
FINALS -- San Jose at Charleston
San Jose 73, Charleston 68
The San Jose Fighting Amigos, trailing by five 58-53 entering the fourth quarter, held the home-team Charleston Rebels to just 10 fourth-quarter points on the way to an opening game 73-68 road win in this best of five series.
Point guard Felipe Jazzman came up huge for the Amigos with 24 points, 2 assists and 2 steals, but San Jose received excellent efforts by numerous players to pull off this game one steal. Charleston was unbeaten at home this season.
With Ed Masterson in foul trouble most of the game, 6-11 rookie forward Tug Hershorts contributed a huge 10 points off the pines while fellow rookie Saggital Occlusal blocked five Rebel shots.
But it was still the aforementioned Masterson who closed out the game with nine time units left and his team up by six. Masterson stole a pass, drove the length of the floor and slammed in the decider.
One of the keys to the game was holding Jonny Cockaroo of Charleston to just three shots and eight points.
Game MVP--Felipe Jazzman, San Jose
Top Scorer--Felipe Jazzman, San Jose
Top Rebounder--Zlatko Korkovic, San Jose and Benny Gumm, Charleston, 7 each
Top Assists--Hacksaw Rooney and Ed Masterson, both of San Jose, 4 each
Top Steals--Felipe Jazzman, 2
San Jose 15-31-53-73
Charleston 17-37-58-68
Charleston 86, Seattle 72
The Charleston Rebels advanced to the MBA finals for the first time since Season 8, sweeping the Seattle Stampede 86-72 in the second game of the best of three series on the road.
Free throws again played a major role in the Rebel's success, as Charleston tied the playoff record for most free throws made in a game that they had set the previous contest (23).
Hall of Fame, All-League center Jonny Cockaroo was outrageous in the series clincher for Charleston, leading both teams in scoring (22) and pulling down 12 rebounds, six in the final quarter. Hell, the entire Seattle team had 14.
PHILADELPHIA AT SAN JOSE---Round 1, Game 3
San Jose 85, Philadelphia 77
The San Jose Fighting Amigos will be playing for the MBA championship for the first time in their history!
The Amigos, coming off a last-place season the previous campaign, advanced to the title round in the do-or-die Game 3 contest with three-time defending champion Philadelphia Phobia with a 85-77 victory.
Small forward Ed Masterson led the way for San Jose witha 22-point effort that included three treys, 3 assists and a steal. Center Zlatko Korkovic also came up huge with his best game of the year, a 20-point, 7-rebound performance.
The win puts San Jose (10-3 on the year) into the finals against Charleston (11-1), the first time two Dave Masterson-owned teams have ever faced off for the coveted title.
I believe this is one of the seven signs of the apocalypse.
FINALS -- San Jose at Charleston
San Jose 73, Charleston 68
The San Jose Fighting Amigos, trailing by five 58-53 entering the fourth quarter, held the home-team Charleston Rebels to just 10 fourth-quarter points on the way to an opening game 73-68 road win in this best of five series.
Point guard Felipe Jazzman came up huge for the Amigos with 24 points, 2 assists and 2 steals, but San Jose received excellent efforts by numerous players to pull off this game one steal. Charleston was unbeaten at home this season.
With Ed Masterson in foul trouble most of the game, 6-11 rookie forward Tug Hershorts contributed a huge 10 points off the pines while fellow rookie Saggital Occlusal blocked five Rebel shots.
But it was still the aforementioned Masterson who closed out the game with nine time units left and his team up by six. Masterson stole a pass, drove the length of the floor and slammed in the decider.
One of the keys to the game was holding Jonny Cockaroo of Charleston to just three shots and eight points.
Game MVP--Felipe Jazzman, San Jose
Top Scorer--Felipe Jazzman, San Jose
Top Rebounder--Zlatko Korkovic, San Jose and Benny Gumm, Charleston, 7 each
Top Assists--Hacksaw Rooney and Ed Masterson, both of San Jose, 4 each
Top Steals--Felipe Jazzman, 2
San Jose 15-31-53-73
Charleston 17-37-58-68
Sunday, August 23, 2009
POST SEASON UPDATE
THE EXTRA GAME
In the first extra game in MBA history, the Seattle Stampede absolutely massacred the Oklahoma City Lariats 95-61 to earn the fourth and final playoff spot for Season 25. Zooch Managoogie was the MVP of the game for Seattle with game-high totals in points (27), rebounds (7) and assists(5) in the first triple double of his career.
We in the MBA front offices are actually glad that Oklahoma City did not make it to the post season. The Lariats were totally unworthy, especially with such a putrid effort.
ROUND 1, GAME 1 (BEST OF THREE)
San Jose Fighting Amigos 71, Philadelphia Phobia 69 (at San Jose)
A legend is born. League MVP and Rookie of the Year Saggital Occlusal of the Fighting Amigos hit the winning short jump shot with two time units remaining, then denied fellow rookie Ricket E. Rack a shot at the buzzer, giving San Jose it's first post-season win in the team's 21-season history.
The game was nip and tuck throughout with neither team leading by more than five points at any time.
Occlusal led his team in scoring with 18. The game MVP award went to Ross "Cement Head" Harris of Philadelphia, who led the three-time defending champs with 25 points off the bench in his first game back from a 5-game injury.
ROUND ONE, GAME ONE
Charleston Rebels 94, Seattle Stampede 89 (at Charleston)
The Charleston Rebels, 9-1 during the regular season, used a 32-point third quarter to propel them to their first playoff win since Season 8. Newly-elected Hall of Fame center Jonny Cockaroo, the league's all-pro pivot, led the way with 24 points while teammate Kippy Kinski ("as if we had to tell you") added 21 from his guard position.
Veteran Jim Linzy was outstanding off the bench, putting down his guitar and getting 16 points for the foul-plagued rookie Soh Cah Toa.
Zooch Managoogie was high scorer for Seattle with 21.
The Stampede pulled to within two points with 2 time units remaining, when Charleston's Newty McNewtsalot, the league's top rebounder, grabbed a key offensive rebound on teammate Benny Gumm's miss, scored and was fouled. He made the charity toss to account for the final margin.
Charleston set a playoff record in this one with 23 made free throws in 27 attempts, besting (ironically) a mark of 22 the Rebels had established in Season 8. Oklahoma City had tied that mark in Season 13.
ROUND 1, GAME 2
Philadelphia Phobia 81, San Jose Fighting Amigos 58 (at Philadelphia)
This dragon refuses to be slain. Or is that slayed?
The three-time defending champs, led by Ross "Cement Head" Harris' 21-points, turned a tight game into a blowout, outscoring San Jose 27-8 in the final quarter. Harris' running mate at guard, the longtime cut pile resuscitee "Spit Can" Sammy Sampson, the league's smallest player at 5-9, added 21. Together, the Philly guards refused to let San Jose ball handlers penetrate, either dribbling or passing, racking up five steals between them. Rafe Hollister, the back woods moonshiner from Mayberry, North Carolina, had 18 from his center position, manhandling opposing center Zlatko Korkovic of San Jose.
Guard Felipe Jazzman of San Jose continues to have a rough post-season. After averaging 16 a game during the regular season, he has shot a horrendous 4 for 18 (22.2 percent) and scored just nine points in two games.
The Amigos managed just one assist in the game, in this, only their third loss of the year. It will now come down to a final contest to see who advances to the title series.
In the first extra game in MBA history, the Seattle Stampede absolutely massacred the Oklahoma City Lariats 95-61 to earn the fourth and final playoff spot for Season 25. Zooch Managoogie was the MVP of the game for Seattle with game-high totals in points (27), rebounds (7) and assists(5) in the first triple double of his career.
We in the MBA front offices are actually glad that Oklahoma City did not make it to the post season. The Lariats were totally unworthy, especially with such a putrid effort.
ROUND 1, GAME 1 (BEST OF THREE)
San Jose Fighting Amigos 71, Philadelphia Phobia 69 (at San Jose)
A legend is born. League MVP and Rookie of the Year Saggital Occlusal of the Fighting Amigos hit the winning short jump shot with two time units remaining, then denied fellow rookie Ricket E. Rack a shot at the buzzer, giving San Jose it's first post-season win in the team's 21-season history.
The game was nip and tuck throughout with neither team leading by more than five points at any time.
Occlusal led his team in scoring with 18. The game MVP award went to Ross "Cement Head" Harris of Philadelphia, who led the three-time defending champs with 25 points off the bench in his first game back from a 5-game injury.
ROUND ONE, GAME ONE
Charleston Rebels 94, Seattle Stampede 89 (at Charleston)
The Charleston Rebels, 9-1 during the regular season, used a 32-point third quarter to propel them to their first playoff win since Season 8. Newly-elected Hall of Fame center Jonny Cockaroo, the league's all-pro pivot, led the way with 24 points while teammate Kippy Kinski ("as if we had to tell you") added 21 from his guard position.
Veteran Jim Linzy was outstanding off the bench, putting down his guitar and getting 16 points for the foul-plagued rookie Soh Cah Toa.
Zooch Managoogie was high scorer for Seattle with 21.
The Stampede pulled to within two points with 2 time units remaining, when Charleston's Newty McNewtsalot, the league's top rebounder, grabbed a key offensive rebound on teammate Benny Gumm's miss, scored and was fouled. He made the charity toss to account for the final margin.
Charleston set a playoff record in this one with 23 made free throws in 27 attempts, besting (ironically) a mark of 22 the Rebels had established in Season 8. Oklahoma City had tied that mark in Season 13.
ROUND 1, GAME 2
Philadelphia Phobia 81, San Jose Fighting Amigos 58 (at Philadelphia)
This dragon refuses to be slain. Or is that slayed?
The three-time defending champs, led by Ross "Cement Head" Harris' 21-points, turned a tight game into a blowout, outscoring San Jose 27-8 in the final quarter. Harris' running mate at guard, the longtime cut pile resuscitee "Spit Can" Sammy Sampson, the league's smallest player at 5-9, added 21. Together, the Philly guards refused to let San Jose ball handlers penetrate, either dribbling or passing, racking up five steals between them. Rafe Hollister, the back woods moonshiner from Mayberry, North Carolina, had 18 from his center position, manhandling opposing center Zlatko Korkovic of San Jose.
Guard Felipe Jazzman of San Jose continues to have a rough post-season. After averaging 16 a game during the regular season, he has shot a horrendous 4 for 18 (22.2 percent) and scored just nine points in two games.
The Amigos managed just one assist in the game, in this, only their third loss of the year. It will now come down to a final contest to see who advances to the title series.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Extra game to detrmine final playoff spot
Almost unbelievably, aside from division winners Charleston (9-1) and San Jose (8-2), getting two other teams to EARN playoff spots for Season 25 has been a near impossiblity.
Case in point -- the final game of the regular season. Seattle just needed to stay within shouting distance of San Jose in order to get the fourth and final playoff spot. So what happens? They get blown away 91-70.
So when it comes to calculating the third tie-breaker for the final West Division playoff spot (all but San Jose finished 4-6 in the West) a first occurred.
The first tie-breaker is division wins, of which Seattle and Oklahoma City each had four. The second is head to head competition, with Seattle and Oklahoma City splitting their two regular season meetings. The final tie-breaker is points differential over the entire season...the number of points per game compared with points per game yielded. The 21-point win by San Jose over Seattle, amazingly, resulted in an exact tie in points differential between Seattle and Oklahoma City, with both the Stampede and the Lariats giving up exactly 38 points more than they scored over the 10-game season.
This unprecedented situation necessitates a playoff game between the two teams to determine the fourth playoff team. The stats from the game will not count toward regular season totals, but any injuries that occur in the game will.
Unbelievable. One more point either way in the final game of the regular season and this situation would have been resolved. Instead we will have, for the first time in MBA history, an extra game prior to the playoffs.
Neither Seattle nor Oklahoma City deserves it, although the Lariats actually won their last game (89-75 over hapless Sacramento) to help set up the extra contest.
Case in point -- the final game of the regular season. Seattle just needed to stay within shouting distance of San Jose in order to get the fourth and final playoff spot. So what happens? They get blown away 91-70.
So when it comes to calculating the third tie-breaker for the final West Division playoff spot (all but San Jose finished 4-6 in the West) a first occurred.
The first tie-breaker is division wins, of which Seattle and Oklahoma City each had four. The second is head to head competition, with Seattle and Oklahoma City splitting their two regular season meetings. The final tie-breaker is points differential over the entire season...the number of points per game compared with points per game yielded. The 21-point win by San Jose over Seattle, amazingly, resulted in an exact tie in points differential between Seattle and Oklahoma City, with both the Stampede and the Lariats giving up exactly 38 points more than they scored over the 10-game season.
This unprecedented situation necessitates a playoff game between the two teams to determine the fourth playoff team. The stats from the game will not count toward regular season totals, but any injuries that occur in the game will.
Unbelievable. One more point either way in the final game of the regular season and this situation would have been resolved. Instead we will have, for the first time in MBA history, an extra game prior to the playoffs.
Neither Seattle nor Oklahoma City deserves it, although the Lariats actually won their last game (89-75 over hapless Sacramento) to help set up the extra contest.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Not This Year
In answer to Tyler's question, only three times in MBA history, has there been a playoff shutout for one of the two team owners.
In Seasons 19, 20 and 23, no Dave Masterson teams made the playoffs.
With Philly making it this season, there will be no addition to that trio of shutouts.
In Seasons 19, 20 and 23, no Dave Masterson teams made the playoffs.
With Philly making it this season, there will be no addition to that trio of shutouts.
AAAAAAAAAAAArrrrrrrrrgh!
With the Milwaukee Greyhounds building up an 11-point lead half-way through the fourth quarter, members of the Chicago Gale team broke open a case of champagne to prepare to celebrate their first playoff berth in eight seasons.
Then Philadelphia, the three-time defending champion, mounted a comeback for the ages, with the lowest-scoring team in the league racking up 35 fourth-quarter points on the way to a stunning 90-86 victory that clinched the second Eastern Division playoff spot.
The comeback began with a 3-point bomb from Philly point guard Paul Reed-Smith, who was fouled by Othos Wives of Milwaukee. Wives, who had scored 20 in the game, fouled out on the play, a record eighth time this season.
From then on, Philly dominated, led by Hall of Famer Cam Bodia (19 points), Smith (20), center Rafe Hollister (18) and the 5-9 "Spit Can" Sammy Sampson (21).
Sampson continues to be unbelievable. After spending four years in the cut pile, he was added to the Phobia roster but saw little action this season until Ross "Cement Head" Harris was injured in game five. Since then, Sampson has averaged 17 points.
This was a contest that was supposed to be low scoring, pitting the two most inept scoring teams in the league. Instead, neither team could miss, with both shooting over 60 percent for the game.
Every time the MBA attempts to drive a stake through the heart of the Phobia, this resilient team wiggles out of the way and triumphs.
Prior to the start of the year they lost Curly Hogbottom, the best player in league history, to retirement, and future Hall of Famer Mamadou Zongo in the draft. Then Harris goes down. Then in this last game power forward Shoo-Shing Wine is badly injured (out for seven playoff games) and the team is down by 11. But somehow, they come back.
Philadelphia ends the regular season 6-4, while Milwaukee finishes with its worst record in history at 2-8.
Then Philadelphia, the three-time defending champion, mounted a comeback for the ages, with the lowest-scoring team in the league racking up 35 fourth-quarter points on the way to a stunning 90-86 victory that clinched the second Eastern Division playoff spot.
The comeback began with a 3-point bomb from Philly point guard Paul Reed-Smith, who was fouled by Othos Wives of Milwaukee. Wives, who had scored 20 in the game, fouled out on the play, a record eighth time this season.
From then on, Philly dominated, led by Hall of Famer Cam Bodia (19 points), Smith (20), center Rafe Hollister (18) and the 5-9 "Spit Can" Sammy Sampson (21).
Sampson continues to be unbelievable. After spending four years in the cut pile, he was added to the Phobia roster but saw little action this season until Ross "Cement Head" Harris was injured in game five. Since then, Sampson has averaged 17 points.
This was a contest that was supposed to be low scoring, pitting the two most inept scoring teams in the league. Instead, neither team could miss, with both shooting over 60 percent for the game.
Every time the MBA attempts to drive a stake through the heart of the Phobia, this resilient team wiggles out of the way and triumphs.
Prior to the start of the year they lost Curly Hogbottom, the best player in league history, to retirement, and future Hall of Famer Mamadou Zongo in the draft. Then Harris goes down. Then in this last game power forward Shoo-Shing Wine is badly injured (out for seven playoff games) and the team is down by 11. But somehow, they come back.
Philadelphia ends the regular season 6-4, while Milwaukee finishes with its worst record in history at 2-8.
Monday, July 13, 2009
MBA Season 25 Home Stretch
STANDINGS
EAST
Charleston 7-1
Chicago 5-4
Philadelphia 4-4
Houston 4-5
Milwaukee 2-7
WEST
San Jose 7-2
Sacramento 4-4
Dallas 4-6
Seattle 3-5
Oklahoma City 3-5
Most recent games
* San Jose Fighting Amigos behind super rookie Saggital Occlusal's 20 points, 4 rebounds and 4 blocked shots, down Dallas at home 73-63.
* Sacramento River Dogs beat Oklahoma City Lariats with a 83-73 home triumph behind center Beer Keg Carlisle's 18 points and 9 rebounds, both game-high marks. Guard Jebediah Wacknut gets triple double for the victors.
* Only one team coming into this game had scored 100 points in Season 25, and that same team, the Chicago Gale, did the same again against the same vanquished opponent, the Milwaukeee Greyhounds. Chicago scored 102 earlier in the season and pounded home 113 this time around. Mamadou Zongo and Achilles Heel each had 28 points for the winners.
*The Seattle Stamped hurt the Dallas Demons playoff chances with a 93-80 win, with small forward Zooch Managoogie scoring 27, popping in six treys in the process. Major Hassle led the losers with 19.
*In a low-scoring defensive contest, Charleston continued it's winning ways with a 61-58 win against the Houston Iguanas. Benny Gumm, the league's leading point guard, led the way for the winning Rebels with 20.
*The Chicago Gale put their old rivals the Houston Iguanas out of the playoff hunt with a 77-65 road win. Eighth-year center Achilles Heel, having his best season since his rookie year, led the way for Chicago with 25 points. Teammate Tub O'Gutz, a shooting guard, led both teams in rebounds with 6, while scoring 17, as Chicago stayed alive for the post season.
*The San Jose Fighting Amigos, enjoying the best season in franchise history, edged perennial division champs the Dallas Demons 73-72. San Jose trailed 18-7 after the first quarter but came roaring back behind Hacksaw Rooney and Ed Masterson, who both finished with 18 points. It was the final game of Hall of Famer Shooter Flatch's career for Dallas, as well as longtime center Buzzy Bazinski, the game MVP with 22 points and 7 rebounds, both game high marks.
* Lowly Seattle rises up and smites the Philadelphia Phobia 69-63, seriously wounding the loser's playoff hopes. Peepers Pupswell is the game MVP for Seattle and teammate Othos Wives, a rookie, adds 18.
EAST
Charleston 7-1
Chicago 5-4
Philadelphia 4-4
Houston 4-5
Milwaukee 2-7
WEST
San Jose 7-2
Sacramento 4-4
Dallas 4-6
Seattle 3-5
Oklahoma City 3-5
Most recent games
* San Jose Fighting Amigos behind super rookie Saggital Occlusal's 20 points, 4 rebounds and 4 blocked shots, down Dallas at home 73-63.
* Sacramento River Dogs beat Oklahoma City Lariats with a 83-73 home triumph behind center Beer Keg Carlisle's 18 points and 9 rebounds, both game-high marks. Guard Jebediah Wacknut gets triple double for the victors.
* Only one team coming into this game had scored 100 points in Season 25, and that same team, the Chicago Gale, did the same again against the same vanquished opponent, the Milwaukeee Greyhounds. Chicago scored 102 earlier in the season and pounded home 113 this time around. Mamadou Zongo and Achilles Heel each had 28 points for the winners.
*The Seattle Stamped hurt the Dallas Demons playoff chances with a 93-80 win, with small forward Zooch Managoogie scoring 27, popping in six treys in the process. Major Hassle led the losers with 19.
*In a low-scoring defensive contest, Charleston continued it's winning ways with a 61-58 win against the Houston Iguanas. Benny Gumm, the league's leading point guard, led the way for the winning Rebels with 20.
*The Chicago Gale put their old rivals the Houston Iguanas out of the playoff hunt with a 77-65 road win. Eighth-year center Achilles Heel, having his best season since his rookie year, led the way for Chicago with 25 points. Teammate Tub O'Gutz, a shooting guard, led both teams in rebounds with 6, while scoring 17, as Chicago stayed alive for the post season.
*The San Jose Fighting Amigos, enjoying the best season in franchise history, edged perennial division champs the Dallas Demons 73-72. San Jose trailed 18-7 after the first quarter but came roaring back behind Hacksaw Rooney and Ed Masterson, who both finished with 18 points. It was the final game of Hall of Famer Shooter Flatch's career for Dallas, as well as longtime center Buzzy Bazinski, the game MVP with 22 points and 7 rebounds, both game high marks.
* Lowly Seattle rises up and smites the Philadelphia Phobia 69-63, seriously wounding the loser's playoff hopes. Peepers Pupswell is the game MVP for Seattle and teammate Othos Wives, a rookie, adds 18.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
MBA Update
New Standings
East
Charleston Rebels 6-1
Philadelphia Phobia 4-3
Houston Iguanas 4-3
Chicago Gale 3-4
Milwaukee Greyhounds 1-6
West
San Jose Fighting Amigos 5-2
Dallas Demons 4-3
Oklahoma City Lariats 3-4
Sacramento River Dogs 3-4
Seattle Stampede 2-5
Most recent games:
San Jose at Dallas
Oklahoma City at Sacramento
Chicago at Milwaukee
Dallas at Seattle
Charleston at Houston
Chicago at Houston
Dallas at San Jose
Milwaukee at Philadelphia
Charleston at Oklahoma City
Seattle at Sacramento
Philadelphia at Houston
Charleston at Chicago
Philadelphia at Milwaukee
Sacramento at Oklahoma City
San Jose at Seattle
East
Charleston Rebels 6-1
Philadelphia Phobia 4-3
Houston Iguanas 4-3
Chicago Gale 3-4
Milwaukee Greyhounds 1-6
West
San Jose Fighting Amigos 5-2
Dallas Demons 4-3
Oklahoma City Lariats 3-4
Sacramento River Dogs 3-4
Seattle Stampede 2-5
Most recent games:
- Charleston, behind center Jonny Cockaroo's 21 points, pounds Milwaukee 83-57
- Milwauakee gets biggest game of career from retiring Baby Backribs (26 points) and shocks the Iguanas of Houston 83-64.
- Philadelphia stays in the thick of the playoff hunt with a 81-67 win over Sacramento, with retiring Shoo-Shing Wine starring for the Phobia with 22 points.
- Dallas, like Philly, still hanging around in playoff push despite limited talent, destroying Seattle 94-77 on Buzzy Bazinski Night, despite 20-point performance from Stampede's Nipple Rings Raguski in a losing effort.
- Looking like they were done for the season, the Lariats of Oklahoma City rise up and smite the mighty Fighting Amigos of San Jose, 70-63. Longtime star guard Marcus Pettis of Oklahoma City (19 points) and diminutive guard Felipe Jazzman (21 points) of San Jose share player of the game honors.
- In big showdown game and must-win contest for Chicago, the Gale goes down to Charleston 81-73. Rebels first team to six wins seem to be emerging as league's toughest team. Great team effort from Charleston overcomes big day from Chicago point guard veteran Mamadou Zongo, who gets 22 points that include 5 of 6 from 3-point land, three steals and two blocked shots.
San Jose at Dallas
Oklahoma City at Sacramento
Chicago at Milwaukee
Dallas at Seattle
Charleston at Houston
Chicago at Houston
Dallas at San Jose
Milwaukee at Philadelphia
Charleston at Oklahoma City
Seattle at Sacramento
Philadelphia at Houston
Charleston at Chicago
Philadelphia at Milwaukee
Sacramento at Oklahoma City
San Jose at Seattle
Saturday, June 6, 2009
A Little Past Mid-Season Update
MBA STANDINGS Season 25
East
1st Charleston 4-1
2nd Houston 4-2
3rd Philadelphia 3-3
4th Chicago 3-3
Last Milwaukee 0-5
West
1st San Jose 5-1
2nd Sacramento 3-3
3rd Dallas 3-3
4th Seattle 2-4
Last Oklahoma City 2-4
Standings notes: The Philadelphia/Dallas stranglehold finally appears to be broken this season, with giant retirements (Curly Hogbottom for Philly) and team losses (All-league forward Boone Doggle to Chicago and forward Ed Masterson to San Jose from Dallas) hurting the traditional front runners. Meanwhile, San Jose the doormat of the East, is finally having its day. In addition to picking up Ed Masterson, the Fighting Amigos are enjoying the services of 6-8 rookie savior Sagittal Occlusal, a shot-blocking, rebounding machine who has sparked the resurgence and may end up the league MVP. A power forward, Occlusal is third in the league in scoring (18.8 per game), second in rebounding and is on pace to beat the single-season blocked shots record of 35 set by J.D. Jedreat of Charleston way, way back in Season 8. Occlusal has 23 with four games remaining.
If things hold up, Charleston will break the longest playoff-appearance drought in the MBA. The last time the Rebels made the post-season was in Season 15. They have never won a title.
San Jose, also without a title, last made it in Season 17 and has finished last two years running. Chicago, which has been disappointing despite picking up Boone Doggle and future Hall of Famer Mamadou Zongo, last made the final four in Season 17.
Top Scorers
Benny Gumm, Charleston 22.0
Shooter Flatch, Dallas 19.3 (Flatch made Hall of Fame this season...will retire at season's end)
Saggital Occlusal, San Jose 18.8
Horn E. Goatweed, Seattle 18.5
Jonny Cockaroo, Charleston 16.6
Best rookies thus far this season
Sagittal Occlusal, San Jose, 6-8 power forward
Soh Cah Toa, Charleston, 6-10 power forward starting for first-place Rebels
Othos Wives, Milwaukee, 6-0 starting point guard, great O, no D
Dickie "Dog Dirt" Davis, Dallas, 6-0 point guard, great passer and dribbler, who recently lost starting spot.
Three outstanding rookie centers currently backing up big-time starters are: Heater Van Meter of Charleston, Crash D. Bordz of Houston and Trey Bon of Chicago.
This has been the year of very big rookie forwards in the MBA, with Occlusal, Toa and the following who have contributed mightily off the bench for their teams:
Tug Hershorts, 6-11, adding great depth for San Jose; Blue Danube, 6-11 backup for the Greyhounds of Milwaukee; 6-10 Power Tubes Mullard at the big forward post for the River Dogs of Sacramento. This is the tallest group of forwards to ever join the league in one season. And that's not even counting Philadelphia's Ricket E. Rack, who is a viable asset, but at 6-7 is a dwarf compared with his rookie class.
East
1st Charleston 4-1
2nd Houston 4-2
3rd Philadelphia 3-3
4th Chicago 3-3
Last Milwaukee 0-5
West
1st San Jose 5-1
2nd Sacramento 3-3
3rd Dallas 3-3
4th Seattle 2-4
Last Oklahoma City 2-4
Standings notes: The Philadelphia/Dallas stranglehold finally appears to be broken this season, with giant retirements (Curly Hogbottom for Philly) and team losses (All-league forward Boone Doggle to Chicago and forward Ed Masterson to San Jose from Dallas) hurting the traditional front runners. Meanwhile, San Jose the doormat of the East, is finally having its day. In addition to picking up Ed Masterson, the Fighting Amigos are enjoying the services of 6-8 rookie savior Sagittal Occlusal, a shot-blocking, rebounding machine who has sparked the resurgence and may end up the league MVP. A power forward, Occlusal is third in the league in scoring (18.8 per game), second in rebounding and is on pace to beat the single-season blocked shots record of 35 set by J.D. Jedreat of Charleston way, way back in Season 8. Occlusal has 23 with four games remaining.
If things hold up, Charleston will break the longest playoff-appearance drought in the MBA. The last time the Rebels made the post-season was in Season 15. They have never won a title.
San Jose, also without a title, last made it in Season 17 and has finished last two years running. Chicago, which has been disappointing despite picking up Boone Doggle and future Hall of Famer Mamadou Zongo, last made the final four in Season 17.
Top Scorers
Benny Gumm, Charleston 22.0
Shooter Flatch, Dallas 19.3 (Flatch made Hall of Fame this season...will retire at season's end)
Saggital Occlusal, San Jose 18.8
Horn E. Goatweed, Seattle 18.5
Jonny Cockaroo, Charleston 16.6
Best rookies thus far this season
Sagittal Occlusal, San Jose, 6-8 power forward
Soh Cah Toa, Charleston, 6-10 power forward starting for first-place Rebels
Othos Wives, Milwaukee, 6-0 starting point guard, great O, no D
Dickie "Dog Dirt" Davis, Dallas, 6-0 point guard, great passer and dribbler, who recently lost starting spot.
Three outstanding rookie centers currently backing up big-time starters are: Heater Van Meter of Charleston, Crash D. Bordz of Houston and Trey Bon of Chicago.
This has been the year of very big rookie forwards in the MBA, with Occlusal, Toa and the following who have contributed mightily off the bench for their teams:
Tug Hershorts, 6-11, adding great depth for San Jose; Blue Danube, 6-11 backup for the Greyhounds of Milwaukee; 6-10 Power Tubes Mullard at the big forward post for the River Dogs of Sacramento. This is the tallest group of forwards to ever join the league in one season. And that's not even counting Philadelphia's Ricket E. Rack, who is a viable asset, but at 6-7 is a dwarf compared with his rookie class.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
MBA SEASON 24 PLAYOFFS FINAL REPORT
Season 24 Playoff Summary
Champs--Philadelphia Phobia, 10 time, 3rd consecutive time (a record)
Bested Houston Iguanas in finals 3 games to 1
Bested Sacramento River Dogs 2 games to 1 in semifinals
Playoff MVP -- Dingo Dog Taylor, forward, Houston Iguanas
Top Playoff Scorer -- Mamadou Zongo, Philadelphia, 15.8 points per game
Top Playoff Rebounder -- Dingo Dog Taylor, Houston, 5.3 per game
Playoff Game Summaries
Round 1 Semifinals, Philadelphia over Sacramento 2 games to 0
Game 1 --Philadelphia 98, Sacramento 60
Game MVP -- Hall of Famer Cam Bodia, Philadelphia forward, 14 pts, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 1 block
Top Scorer -- Jeremiah “The Reverend” Wacknut, Sacramento guard, 19 points
Game 2-- Philadelphia 83, Sacramento 63
Game MVP -- Hall of Famer Curly Hogbottom, Philadelphia forward, 23 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 1 block
Top Scorer--Rafe Hollister, Philadelphia center, 24 points
Round 1 Semifinals, Houston over Dallas, 2 games to 1 (The Battle of Texas)
Special note -- Dallas had eliminated Houston from playoffs last three times they met
Game 1-- Dallas 87, Houston 80 at Dallas
Game MVP-- Ed Masterson, Dallas forward, 34 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists
Top Scorer-- Ed Masterson, 34
Special note-- Triple Double Pug Flatface, Houston forward, 15 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists
Special note -- 34 points by Ed Masterson just four short of playoff record set twice by Hall of Famer Dan Mann of Milwaukee, who scored 38 twice, once in Season 9, once in Season 12
Game 2-- Houston 81, Dallas 73 at Houston
Game MVP--Marcus Pettis, Houston guard, 22 points, 4 rebounds, 8 assists
Top Scorer --Marcus Pettis, 22
Game 3 -- Houston 87, Dallas 70 at Dallas
Game MVP -- Marcus Pettis, Houston guard, 24 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists
Game MVP--Dingo Dog Taylor, Houston guard, 22 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 assists
Game MVP--Ed Masterson, Dallas forward, 23 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal
Top Scorer, Marcus Pettis, 24
Special note-- Starting point guard “California Dan” Masterson injured early in first quarter and would not return.
Round 2 Championship Series (only second time these teams have met in finals, first time Season 5)
Game 1 -- Philadelphia 69, Houston 57 at Philadelphia
Game MVP--Pug Flatface, Houston forward, 13 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 blocks
Top Scorer-- Ross “Cement Head” Harris, Philadelphia guard--14 points
Summary-- Despite shooting just 49.2 percent for the game, an unheard-of bad marksmanship for a winning team in the MBA, Philadelphia held off Houston thanks to a red-hot first quarter where they jumped off to a 23-12 lead. Houston rallied to pull within 10, 54-44 at the end of three quarters, but could never quite catch the two-time defending champs. Philly gets a 10-point, 3 rebound performance off the bench by Shou-Shing Wine who subbed for Cam Bodia, who was in foul trouble most of the game in this defensive struggle.
Game 2 -- Houston 69, Philadelphia 59 at Houston
Game MVP -- Davis Mastersoy, Houston center, 21 points, 6 rebounds, 5 blocks (a triple double)
Top Scorer -- Hall of Famer Curly Hogbottom, Philadelphia forward, 24 points
Summary -- Philly again jumped out to an early lead, holding a 19-12 advantage after one quarter. Houston slowly closed the gap until they finally had the game tied 46-46 after three quarters. The Iguanas then dominated the final quarter 23-13 as the fans in The Terrarium went wild.
Both teams again played hard-nosed defense in this one, with neither team able to shoot even 53 percent.
Game 3 -- Philadelphia 77, Houston 73
Game MVP -- Hall of Famer Cam Bodia, Philadelphia forward, 25 points, 5 rebounds, 1 block
Top Scorer -- Bodia’s 25
Summary -- With Houston leading by a point, Hall of Fame forward Cam Bodia of Houston took over the closing minutes of the game, scoring the game’s final 5 points. The Iguanas had a chance to tie the contest just prior to Bodia’s last bucket, but substitute forward Kingsford Briquets inexplicably missed an easy tip try. Philly led for three quarters in this one before Houston rallied near the end of the game to take the lead prior to Bodia’s heroics.
Game 4 -- Philadelphia 84, Houston 75
Game MVP -- Davis Mastersoy, Houston center, 21 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 blocks
Top Scorer -- Mamadou Zongo, Philadelphia guard, 22 points
Summary -- A strong first-quarter by Philly staked the champs to a 22-17 lead which they never relinquished. For the fourth consecutive game, the Phobia was held to less than 53 percent in shooting percentage, but made up for it with 15 of 19 at the free throw line in a foul-plagued affair and 7 of 14 from behind the arc, with four of those treys from Zongo, who finally gets his first MBA championship ring after 10 seasons in the league.
This game also signaled the end for retiring Curly Hogbottom, the MBA’s most decorated player.
Champs--Philadelphia Phobia, 10 time, 3rd consecutive time (a record)
Bested Houston Iguanas in finals 3 games to 1
Bested Sacramento River Dogs 2 games to 1 in semifinals
Playoff MVP -- Dingo Dog Taylor, forward, Houston Iguanas
Top Playoff Scorer -- Mamadou Zongo, Philadelphia, 15.8 points per game
Top Playoff Rebounder -- Dingo Dog Taylor, Houston, 5.3 per game
Playoff Game Summaries
Round 1 Semifinals, Philadelphia over Sacramento 2 games to 0
Game 1 --Philadelphia 98, Sacramento 60
Game MVP -- Hall of Famer Cam Bodia, Philadelphia forward, 14 pts, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 1 block
Top Scorer -- Jeremiah “The Reverend” Wacknut, Sacramento guard, 19 points
Game 2-- Philadelphia 83, Sacramento 63
Game MVP -- Hall of Famer Curly Hogbottom, Philadelphia forward, 23 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 1 block
Top Scorer--Rafe Hollister, Philadelphia center, 24 points
Round 1 Semifinals, Houston over Dallas, 2 games to 1 (The Battle of Texas)
Special note -- Dallas had eliminated Houston from playoffs last three times they met
Game 1-- Dallas 87, Houston 80 at Dallas
Game MVP-- Ed Masterson, Dallas forward, 34 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists
Top Scorer-- Ed Masterson, 34
Special note-- Triple Double Pug Flatface, Houston forward, 15 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists
Special note -- 34 points by Ed Masterson just four short of playoff record set twice by Hall of Famer Dan Mann of Milwaukee, who scored 38 twice, once in Season 9, once in Season 12
Game 2-- Houston 81, Dallas 73 at Houston
Game MVP--Marcus Pettis, Houston guard, 22 points, 4 rebounds, 8 assists
Top Scorer --Marcus Pettis, 22
Game 3 -- Houston 87, Dallas 70 at Dallas
Game MVP -- Marcus Pettis, Houston guard, 24 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists
Game MVP--Dingo Dog Taylor, Houston guard, 22 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 assists
Game MVP--Ed Masterson, Dallas forward, 23 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal
Top Scorer, Marcus Pettis, 24
Special note-- Starting point guard “California Dan” Masterson injured early in first quarter and would not return.
Round 2 Championship Series (only second time these teams have met in finals, first time Season 5)
Game 1 -- Philadelphia 69, Houston 57 at Philadelphia
Game MVP--Pug Flatface, Houston forward, 13 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 blocks
Top Scorer-- Ross “Cement Head” Harris, Philadelphia guard--14 points
Summary-- Despite shooting just 49.2 percent for the game, an unheard-of bad marksmanship for a winning team in the MBA, Philadelphia held off Houston thanks to a red-hot first quarter where they jumped off to a 23-12 lead. Houston rallied to pull within 10, 54-44 at the end of three quarters, but could never quite catch the two-time defending champs. Philly gets a 10-point, 3 rebound performance off the bench by Shou-Shing Wine who subbed for Cam Bodia, who was in foul trouble most of the game in this defensive struggle.
Game 2 -- Houston 69, Philadelphia 59 at Houston
Game MVP -- Davis Mastersoy, Houston center, 21 points, 6 rebounds, 5 blocks (a triple double)
Top Scorer -- Hall of Famer Curly Hogbottom, Philadelphia forward, 24 points
Summary -- Philly again jumped out to an early lead, holding a 19-12 advantage after one quarter. Houston slowly closed the gap until they finally had the game tied 46-46 after three quarters. The Iguanas then dominated the final quarter 23-13 as the fans in The Terrarium went wild.
Both teams again played hard-nosed defense in this one, with neither team able to shoot even 53 percent.
Game 3 -- Philadelphia 77, Houston 73
Game MVP -- Hall of Famer Cam Bodia, Philadelphia forward, 25 points, 5 rebounds, 1 block
Top Scorer -- Bodia’s 25
Summary -- With Houston leading by a point, Hall of Fame forward Cam Bodia of Houston took over the closing minutes of the game, scoring the game’s final 5 points. The Iguanas had a chance to tie the contest just prior to Bodia’s last bucket, but substitute forward Kingsford Briquets inexplicably missed an easy tip try. Philly led for three quarters in this one before Houston rallied near the end of the game to take the lead prior to Bodia’s heroics.
Game 4 -- Philadelphia 84, Houston 75
Game MVP -- Davis Mastersoy, Houston center, 21 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 blocks
Top Scorer -- Mamadou Zongo, Philadelphia guard, 22 points
Summary -- A strong first-quarter by Philly staked the champs to a 22-17 lead which they never relinquished. For the fourth consecutive game, the Phobia was held to less than 53 percent in shooting percentage, but made up for it with 15 of 19 at the free throw line in a foul-plagued affair and 7 of 14 from behind the arc, with four of those treys from Zongo, who finally gets his first MBA championship ring after 10 seasons in the league.
This game also signaled the end for retiring Curly Hogbottom, the MBA’s most decorated player.
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