CHICAGO -- Every time Chicago drew close to Philadelphia in this battle of East Division powers, Phobia superstar guard Colquitt Croix would bury a 3-pointer, the result being an 81-74 win for the unbeaten visitors.
However, it was not without cost, as starting Philly center Diss Reflexia suffered a 3-game injury in the fourth quarter with 59 time units remaining. He will return for the final game of the regular season. In the meantime, second-year center Benji Ballou, who played for Philadelphia last season, will take Reflexia's place on the roster.
Carga Larga, a more than adequate back-up center, will be the starter the next three games for Philly.
Points prevented by quarters
Philadelphia 0 - 14 - 2 - 4 Total=20
Chicago 2 - 2 - 6 - 0 Total 10
Top Players Points Prevented
1. Akbar Zagobia, Philadelphia 8
2. Diss Reflexia, Philadelphia 4
2. Sloppy Dollop, Philadelphia 4
2. Yo Noid, Chicago 4
PLAYER OF GAME
As the only Philadelphia player to crack the 20-plus GVP mark, sensational fourth-year point guard COLQUITT CROIX almost single-handedly destroyed every attempt by Chicago to get within four points of the Phobia. Playing with deadly efficiency, Croix splashed home 7 3-pointers in 8 attempts, hitting his first six long-range shots. At one point in the fourth quarter, with Chicago almost back in the game, the 6-2 Croix hit three treys in three Philadelphia trips down court. And when the Gale once again worked its way back to within four points with 14 left in the game, Croix delivered yet another deep dagger. The 31 points he scored was a season high for Croix, who came into the game the league's top scorer. He was 12 for 14 from the floor with all those treys, tied for team-high in rebounds with 4, added 1 assist and 1 steal.
OTHER 20-PLUS GVP PERFORMERS
-- Scrappy third-year Chicago guard Norman Conquest managed 14 points against a top defender, pulled down a game-high 7 rebounds, and tied for team-high with 3 assists.
-- Chicago's power forward Bill Cull came into the game second in the MBA in scoring and finished this one second only to the league leader, Croix, in points scored. Cull's 21-point performance was tops on the Gale, and he pulled down 6 rebounds while swiping a game-high 3 steals (his first three of the season), adding 1 assist.
-- Despite being in foul trouble most of the game and fouling out halfway through the final quarter, Chicago small forward Pietro Destroyer made his mark on the game. The 6-8 Destroyer was a perfect 8-for-8 from the floor, including a pair from deep, adding up to 18 points. He also pulled down 3 rebounds and had 1 assist.
EAST DIVISION STANDINGS
1st -- Philadelphia 6-0 (unchanged) (6-game winning streak)
2nd -- Dallas 4-2 (up from 3rd)(division wins tie-breaker)
3rd -- Chicago 4-2 (down from 2nd)
4th -- Charleston 2-4 (unchanged)
Last -- Milwaukee 0-6 (unchanged)
Bracket 7 preview
--Chicago looks to get back on track at Milwaukee...but this could be a danger game for the Gale. Chicago bested Milwaukee 93-87 in their first meeting, with the Greyhound rookie guard Hurricane Furrwizard the Player of the Game.
-- Philadelphia puts its perfect season on the line as it looks to drive the final dagger in the heart of the defending champion Charleston team. Keep in mind Philly is without star center Diss Reflexia, Charleston is at home, and that the Mountaineers gave the unbeaten Phobia its toughest game of the season in an 82-80 contest. Charleston's Hall of Fame guard Beezow Bop-Bop was Player of Game in that one.
-- Seattle (1-5), coming off its first win of the season, travels to Sacramento (2-4), where it could move past the River Dogs in the West standings. The R-Dogs clobbered the Stampede 92-77 in their first meeting this season behind Doo-rag Dripp.
-- Los Angeles (2-4) is looking to break a four-game losing streak as it travels to Oklahoma City (4-2). The Big One actually has a chance to get back in the playoff hunt with a win. The Lariats escaped with a 73-71 road win in a previous match-up, despite a POG performance by L.A. forward Baba Brinkman.
-- Featured game: The Dallas Demons (4-2) have their work cut out for them if they want to remain in playoff position. They take on the red-hot West Division's first-place San Jose Fighting Amigos (5-1) who have won five in a row.
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