Featured Game No. 3...Charleston at Dallas

 DALLAS 79, CHARLESTON 76

TREYS ABOUND AS DEMONS DELIVER

DALLAS -- The Dallas Demons (now 3-0) continue to stupify the NBA world as they delivered a 79-76 win over visiting Charleston (now 2-1) in a battle of unbeatens that witnessed one roundhouse punch after another both offensively and defensively.

Charleston lost its offensive center to injury for the game in the second as Seven Castanza went down.

This barn-burner featured 36 total 3-point attempts, with half that number settling into the bottom of the nets, twice in back-to-back-to-back succession. Neither team led by more than 4 points the entire game, and that margin was only achieved in the waning moments, which went thusly:

-- Mister Methane of Charleston buries one of his 7 3-pointers, gets fouled and converts the free throw to tie the game 73-73 with 9 ticks left

-- On the very next possession, Dallas guard Itsaka Numdrum cans his 5th 3-pointer and is fouled by Methane. He sinks the throw and the lead goes back to 4 in favor of Dallas, 77-73 with 8 left. That was a killer.

-- Sheetrock Hudson of Charleston then tries a trey on the next time unit, misses, but gets his own rebound, goes up and misses the shot but is fouled in the act. He misses the first and makes the second. It is now Dallas 77, Charleston 74 with 5 left.

-- Demons center Chochky Galumpkus hits a short jumper with 2 left to make it 79-74, sealing the deal.

-- Frog Morton of Charleston, absent the entire game, makes a meaningless bucket as time runs out. 79-76 Dallas.

PLAYER OF THE GAME

Charleston shooting guard MISTER METHANE demonstrated his potent offensiveness in this contest, going off for a game-high 34 points as he bombed away for 7 3-pointers in 15 attempts on a 11 for 20 shooting night. The fifth-year guard, who came to Charleston as a prime pick free agent from San Jose, was also 5 for 5 from the foul line. He also pulled down 3 rebounds. His was the highest scoring game of the season thus far.

Other 20-plus GVP performers

-- Third-year guard Itsaka Numdrum of Dallas, finally getting his chance to shine in his third season, had a fantastic game, scoring 19 points and bombing away for for 5 treys in 6 attempts. The 6-4 guard also pulled down 6 rebounds, stole a game-high 2 passes, had 2 assists and blocked 1 shot.

-- New Dallas center Chochky Galumpkus continues to star for the undefeated Demons. In this game he dominated the 7-2 Papa Popcorn, scoring 18 points and tying for game-high in rebounds with 9 while adding a blocked shot. 

-- Longtime Demons forward Al A. Orden came up huge in this big win, getting a team-high 22 points and snaring 6 rebounds, a few of those being key offensive boards and putbacks that were back-breakers for Charleston. He absolutely out-played last season's All-MBA forward Frog Morton.

-- 6-9 third-year forward Sheetrock Hudson, obtained in a trade by Charleston, continues to pay dividends for the Mountaineers. Hudson destroyed Bemsha Swing with 22 points while pulling down a game-high (tied) 9 rebounds.

East Division Standings

1st -- Dallas 3-0 (up from 2nd) (3-game winning streak)

2nd -- Charleston 2-1 (down from 1st) (division wins tie-breaker)

3rd -- Philadelphia 2-1 (up from 4th)

4th -- Milwaukee 1-2 (down from 3rd) (division wins tie-breaker_

Last -- Oklahoma City 1-2 (unchanged)

Next Bracket (No. 4)

-- Sacramento (2-1) at Milwaukee (1-2) in a cross-over rematch of last season's Finals...no Fiddy yet

-- Oklahoma City (1-2) at Philadelphia (2-1) in another intriguing East Division game

-- FEATURED GAME: Let's do it again as Charleston hosts Dallas in an immediate rematch

-- Gillette (0-3) at Seattle (3-0)...the surprising Stampede could be 4-0 if they can avoid the upset

-- San Jose (0-3) at Los Angeles (1-2)...the drowning Amigos looking for a life preserver...is this it?

Power Rankings

At this point there are seven pretty good looking teams but no one dominant club. Maybe eight if San Jose can ever get going. Anyway, here's my first ranking.

1. Charleston

2. Sacramento

3. Milwaukee

4. Seattle

5. Dallas

6. Philadelphia

7. Oklahoma City

8. San Jose

9. Los Angeles

10. Gillette

Featured Game No. 2...Philadelphia at Charleston

Charleston 102, Philadelphia 58 (slaughter rule enforced)

MOUNTAINEERS DEMOLISH PHOBIA

CHARLESTON -- The Charleston Mountaineers (2-0) gave notice that they are in the championship hunt tonight, following up their victory over preseason favorite Milwaukee with a 102-58 whooping of epic proportions against the highly regarded Phobia of Philadelphia (1-1).

Charleston came out strong with a 26-point first quarter and seized total control of the contest by halftime, where they led by 17, 46-29. 

What little hope Philadelphia might have harbored was sunk in quarter three, when the home team continued to press their point with a 27-point quarter to just 9 for Philly. All that was left was to see if Charleston could hit the century mark, which they did with 3 ticks remaining. 

Every single starter on Charleston dominated the opposite player on Philadelphia.

As you can tell, the Mountaineers were relentless defensively, stopping 21 Phobia points, including a trio of 3-pointers.

POINTS PREVENTED BY QUARTER

Philadelphia...2...4...0...0  Total=6

Charleston.....5...4...7...5   Total=21

TURNOVERS CAUSED BY QUARTER

Philadelphia...0...0...1...2  Total=3

Charleston......1...2...2...3  Total=8

TOPS IN POINTS PREVENTED

1. Barzini, Charleston...5

1. Hudson, Charleston...5

TOPS IN TURNOVERS CAUSED

1. Barzini, Charleston...6

PLAYER OF THE GAME

Veteran All-MBA forward FROG MORTON of Charleston was the unquestioned victor in this first match with highly-rated rookie forward D. Fenestration of Philadelphia. While Fenestration was limited to 7 points, the 6-9 Morton went off for a game-high 24, going 11 for 14 from the field, missing only the trio of 3-pointers he took. He took Fenestration down under for three slams and was 2 for 3 from the foul line. The 6-season star also pulled down 6 rebounds and blocked 1 shot. 

Other 20-plus GVP performers

-- A vast amount of credit for the Mountaineers' dominance must go to new point guard Don Barzini, who was all over Philadelphia's pride Dick Papers to the tune of 5 points prevented and  six turnovers, both game-high defensive totals along with Barzini's 2 steals. Additionally, Barzini did his usual assisting on offense with a game-high 6, grabbed 3 rebounds and contributed more than his share of points with 15.

-- The other half of the new Charleston guard tandem, Mister Methane, who was injured for half of the game against Milwaukee, showed off his offensive skills with 21 points that included four 3-pointers. He added 2 rebounds.

-- Getting his first start of the season at center for Charleston, Seven Castanza took it strong to Dupa Yashu with 17 points while coralling a game-high 7 rebounds and adding 1 assist.

-- After earning POG honors in the Milwaukee win, Charleston's newly acquired forward Sheetrock Hudson followed up with a splended 16-point game that included 4 rebounds, 4 assists and a game-high 4 blocked shots. 

NEXT UP: Another big game on the schedule as Milwaukee (0-1) visits Oklahoma City (0-1). Both teams were expecting big seasons, especially the Greyhounds. But someone is going to come out of this game in an 0-2 hole. 

 

Featured Game No. 1...San Jose at Sacramento...

SACRAMENTO 91, SAN JOSE 82

R-DOGS CONTINUE TO SUPRESS THE WEST

SACRAMENTO--The defending champion Sacramento River Dogs added to their West Division winning streak with a knockabout, boisterous, entertaining 91-82 victory over arch-rival San Jose in a game befitting of the first Featured Game of Season 49.

R-Dog fans howled and barked their way through the high-scoring affair, which saw shockingly welcome performances by new Sacramento heroes, two key injuries (one prolonged) and a thoroughly entertaining and satisfying win. It was the 13th consecutive regular season win against West foes for Sacramento, dating back to Season 47.

The one dark aspect of the game was the early first quarter injury to Sacramento's Hall of Fame center and last season's All-MBA pivot, Tree Fiddy, who was lost for the remainder of the game and the next three, thanks to a recurring hurt. It is the 6th major sidelining of Fiddy's career. He was replaced on the roster by Pat "Bubkis" Moore.

The MBA gods evened things up for Sacramento when San Jose center Sabado Gigante went down for a rest of the game injury halfway through the third quarter. Gigante was the leading scorer and rebounder at that point. Sacramento, the numbers bear out, had the better backup center to fall back on.

The teams combined to make 25 of 26 free throws.

POINTS PREVENTED BY QUARTERS

San Jose........6...4...0,,,0...Total=10

Sacramento...4...0...2...0...Total=6

TOP PLAYERS IN POINTS PREVENTED

Wardy Joubert III, Sacramento...4

Lupalin Greenbeard, San Jose.....4

PLAYER OF THE GAME

Two-time All-MBA guard and last season's league-leading scorer JESSE SHERSHOT played most of the game from the two guard position and demonstrated he could put points on the board wherever he plays. Shershot, who did play a fair amount of point guard due to Cremeofsum Yunguy's foul trouble, tied for game-high in scoring with a 25-point outburst. The third-year star was 8 for 14 from the floor and 4 for 10 from beyond the arc. He was 5 for 6 from the foul line and also slammed one home in the fourth quarter. The 6-5 Shershot also pulled down 2 rebounds and added both an assist and a steal.

Other 20-plus GVP performers

-- Sacramento point guard Boney Skelletrino was a last-minute add to the squad in the cut draft, but played like a champ in his River Dogs debut. The former Gillette player actually dominated Cremeofsum Yunguy with a 17-point game that included a trio of 3-pointers and tying for game-high in both steals (2) and assists (4). The 6-2, third-year lefty added 1 rebound and was cheered wildly by the more-than-pleased fans.

-- The stalwart, reliable Doo-rag Dripp of Sacramento was basically the only returning starter in the lineup from last season's  championship run, and the 9-season veteran led the way with a game-high (tied) 25-point game. Dripp was marvelous from the small forward spot, just killing Lupalin Greenbeard all game long. He also pulled down 3 rebounds.

-- Fifth-year veteran Buddy Flakes came off the bench for the River Dogs due to constant foul trouble by starting guard Freddy Chepuzzo. The 6-3 Flakes immediately hit his first three shots, including a pair of treys in the first quarter on the way to a stunning 22-point effort that included a third trey. He also had 2 rebounds and an assist. River Dog fans who have always loved the name, now treasure the player.

-- Sacramento's new backup center, Taco Toosdae, acuired in a trade with Milwaukee, was a game-saver with his 12-point effort that included a team-high (tied) 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 1 blocked shot. He'll be starting the next three games.

-- San Jose's newly acquired starting center (from Milwaukee in a trade) Sabado Gigante was playing a nigh-perfect game, with no shots missed from either the field or the foul line when he was felled by a game-ending injury in the third. The 8 rebounds he accumulated up to that point were still high in the game, and his 18 point-effort included a game-high (tied) 2 steals. 

-- San Jose power forward Eddie "the Milkman" Creamer was solid with 14 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal. 

WEST DIVISION STANDINGS

1st -- Seattle 1-0 (points differential tie-breaker)

2nd -- Sacramento 1-0

3rd -- San Jose 0-1 (points differential tie-breaker)

4th -- Gillette 0-1 (points differential tie-breaker)

Last -- Los Angeles 0-1

UPCOMING BRACKET (NO. 2)

-- Featured Game: Philadelphia (1-0) at Charleston (1-0)... Early contest between unbeatens, with Charleston coming off big upset of Milwaukee.

-- Milwaukee (0-1) at Oklahoma City (0-1) ... Both teams were earmarked for the playoffs for the second straight season, but somebody will exit this game with an 0-2 record.

-- Seattle at Sacramento...Two West teams at the top of division standings, both playoff clubs last season. Sacramento favored despite loss of Hall of Fame center Tree Fiddy.

-- San Jose at Dallas (1-0) in a cross-over. Dallas stunned Oklahoma City to start the season, but San Jose is looking to even up its record.

-- Los Angeles at Gillette...L.A. took bad beating in first outing while The Humps showed they could put points on the board in their loss to Philly. 

 

SEASON 49 PREVIEW...INCLUDING DRAFT and Improvements

THE WEST

1. SAN JOSE FIGHTING AMIGOS — Last Season 5-5, 3rd place — Improvements by 13th-year guard pick-up Cremofsum Yunguy may be the key to team’s success. He replaces scoring guard Mister Methane and can also play point, giving two-time All-MBA guard and league’s top scorer Jesse Shershot option of moving to shooting guard. Amigos obtained proven scorer at center Sabado Gigante to replace retired point-getter Hunk R. Down. 

2. SACRAMENTO RIVER DOGS — Last Season 9-1 (5-3) 1st place, Won Championship —Just two starters (Hall of Fame and All-MBA center Tree Fiddy and Playoff MVP forward Doo-rag Dripp) remain from last season’s championship squad. Lost both guards from best tandem in the league to retirement and free agency. Freddy Chepuzzo has to step up. Still a playoff contender.

3. GILLETTE HUMPS — Last Season 2-8, Last place —Year two in the wilds of Wyoming promises continued improvement with the addition of the top rated rookie guard in the draft, Freddy Gooch. 

He should at least get this fifth-year franchise over the hump as far as last place goes.

4. LOS ANGELES BIG ONE — Last Season 5-5, 4th place — Only Odell Taters returns as a starter for L.A. which lost franchise favorite Dr. Marcus Brody to retirement. Will struggle to stay out of last.

5. SEATTLE STAMPEDE — Last Season 5-5 (0-2), 2nd place —From defensive-minded playoff squad to last seems likely.

THE EAST

1. MILWAUKEE GREYHOUNDS — Last Season 8-2 (4-3), 2d place, made Finals —After snagging Sacramento’s premier point guard Great Gruncle Terry in the free agent draft, the Greyhounds are favorites to win it all and bring the MBA’s longest championship dry spell to an end. The build-up from second place to first place and a finals berth last season is bringing title talk to the forefront. The front runners face the toughest schedule, but should be up to the task.

2. OKLAHOMA CITY LARIATS — Last Season 7-3 (1-2), 2nd place —After an excellent 7-3 playoff season, the Lariats lost star center Chochky Galumpkus to free agency, had the worst draft of any MBA team and replaced Galumpkus with a trade for Juji Mufu, adequate, but a definite downgrade. Rookie of the Year guard Handsy Joe Potatoe will carry a heavier load.

3. PHILADELPHIA PHOBIA — Last Season 4-6, 3rd place —After securing highly rated rookie forward D. Fenestration in the draft, look for Philly to battle Oklahoma City for the second playoff spot in the East. Front line excellent defensively. Junior Dabas at two guard is dubious.

4. CHARLESTON MOUNTAINEERS — Last Season 3-7, 4th place — Roster has talent, but this team is going nowhere with Charles “FP” Pompeo at the point. Two deprovements to guards hurt.

5. DALLAS DEMONS — Last Season 2-8, Last place —Landed Chochky Galumpkus, but Chip Battoe is gone.

AWARDS PREDICTIONS

Guard -- Jesse Shershot, San Jose

Guard -- Handsy Joe Potatoe, Oklahoma City

Center -- Quick Tink, Los Angeles

Forward -- Doo-rag Dripp, Sacramento

Forward -- D. Fenestration, Philadelphia

Most Valuable Player -- Jesse Shershot, San Jose

Rookie of the Year -- D. Fenestration, Philadelphia

HALL OF FAME WATCH

12 awards -- J.J. Gargantuan, Dallas...already in

12 awards -- Tree Fiddy, Sacramento...already in

8 awards -- Doo-rag Dripp, Sacramento

7 awards -- Lannigan Lord Hobo, Milwaukee

5 awards -- Fatty McButterpants, Milwaukee

Game 1 of Season 49 tomorrow, Sunday, Sept. 5....

Dallas Demons at Oklahoma City Lariats