GALE CLAMPS DOWN ON DALLAS TO ADVANCE TO FINALS
DALLAS--The Chicago Gale, using strong defense as its main weapon, outlasted a late-game charge by the Dallas Demons to win the decisive Game 3 of this semifinal series and advance to the MBA championship round. Eight steals and 6 blocked shots did the trick for the visitors, who took the contest 63-59.
The Gale grabbed a healthy 21-14 advantage after the first quarter, increased that 7-point lead to 13 at the half, then hung on for dear life in the final two quarters. The Demons were within three points early in the fourth, and the game was still in doubt with four time units left and Chicago ahead 61-57. A missed Chicago shot gave Dallas hope, but Gale forward Art Vandelay swooped in and jammed home a put-back for the dagger that sealed the deal.
The game, and the series was all that could be expected of the league's two best defensive teams. Dallas registered 6 steals of its own, but could not overcome the defense of Chicago's Poppy Poppalucco and Hall of Fame center Max Payne, who wreaked havoc against Dallas shooters.
Chicago's 55.3 percent shooting in this third game, normally a mediocre night's work, underlined how tough the defense was for both teams in the series. That shooting percentage was high for either team all series.
Dallas leaned on All-MBA forwards Gulemon Mon-Mon (18 points) and Matthew Vanden Boogart (19) for most of their offense, while Chicago point guard veteran Ginger Vampire led everyone in scoring with 20 while thoroughly outplaying Lapiz Lapiz Boligrafo, who was 0 for 8 in the game and fouled out for the second consecutive time.
The Gale, who last made it to the finals in Season 35 (losing to Oklahoma City), awaits the outcome of the Oklahoma City vs. Philadelphia series to determine its opponent. This will be the fourth final for Chicago.
20-PLUS GVP PERFORMANCES
-- MATTHEW VANDEN BOOGART captured his second MVP of the Game honor for Dallas with a 19-point, 10-rebound performance. He led his team in scoring and everyone in rebounds, also blocking 2 shots and and dishing out 1 assist. He had a superb series.
-- Gulemon Mon-Mon, the other Dallas forward, finished up the best season of his 12-campaign career with 18 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 assists.
-- Chicago point guard Ginger Vampire led everyone in scoring with 20 points and shut his opponent out. Vampire also pulled down 3 boards, had 2 assists, 1 steal and 1 blocked shot.
-- Chicago's Hall of Fame center Max Payne was again key in this victory, leading everyone with 3 blocks and stopping Dallas star Naceg Gecan numerous times throughout the game. Payne had 13 points, 7 rebounds and 2 steals as well.
-- Chicago small forward Art Vandelay put up 17 points and led the Gale with 8 rebounds, adding 2 assists and 1 steal as he battled Boogart all game long.
NEXT UP: The Game 3 decider in the other semifinal series as Oklahoma City travels to Philadelphia to see who plays Chicago in the finals.
THE EIGHT MOST RECENT PLAYOFF MVPS
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