THE Game stunned the Sixers in the finale of the NMI Rollers Basketball Association Men’s Tournament to claim the championship Sunday at the Koblerville gym.
The Sixers journeyed through the double-elimination format unscathed, but it was a different ballgame against The Game.
In game one of the finals, The Game slowly worked their way into control.
One of the team’s biggest assets was Eric Joe who used his height to his advantage as he shot from various levels.
With the relentless hustle of team-mates Richard McWilliams and Deal Blake creating several second chance opportunities thanks also to the spatial awareness of Joe Sablan, The Game led, 46-40, by halftime.
The lead only grew further in the first 10 minutes of the second half as The Game’s bench stepped up their game.
Power forward Bryan Bernard had his time to shine underneath the rim. His presence at the post had a huge effect as he scored eight consecutive points while team-mates McWilliams and Jeff Sagum also contributed points.
With 10 minutes left on the clock, the Sixers were not going to give up easily.
Jack Aranda and Jaymark de Guzman delivered the buckets while Jun Fidelino found his range from beyond the arc draining three straight three-pointers to reduce The Game’s lead.
The Game then used the clock to their advantage and held onto the possession long enough to kill time and secure the win, 88-85.
Game 2
In the second and decisive game of the finals, The Game triumphed by a hair, 81-80.
No matter what the Sixers threw at them, The Game had an answer on the other end.
Once again, the balanced work of Richard McWilliams, Eric Joe, Dean Blake, Greg Deleon Guerrero and Jeff Sagum allowed The Game to maintain control.
The Sixers’ one-on-one matchup worked well with de Guzman and Josh Andrew orchestrating the offense, but when it came down to the final possessions of the last few minutes of the game, The Game’s McWilliams made the crucial shots to secure the second and final win, 81-80, and the championship.
The Game’s Jeff Sagum extends for the finish as he gets fouled during the championship game of the NMI Rollers Basketball Association Men’s Tournament at the Koblerville gym on Sunday.
The Game’s Eric Joe pulls up for the shot over the Sixers’ Jun Javier during the championship game of the NMI Rollers Basketball Association Men’s Tournament at the Koblerville gym on Sunday.
