With determination and hard work, Ala Rack Bar dominated the Dead James Browns 21-2 in a fast-paced match Wednesday.
Prior to the game, Ala Rack Bar captain Mark Munninghoff offered up the team's strategy.
"We're going to try to get up and down the court, play good 'D,' and get out of here quickly," Munninghoff said.
With numerous fast breaks by Munninghoff, and outside shots by Dan Bertao, Ala Rack Bar was able to hold The Dead James Browns to only one point in the first half. Chris Wodicka was the only Dead James Brown player to score in the first half. His outside jump shot left the halftime score at 11-1.
Ala Rack Bar continued to dominate in the second half, allowing the Dead James Browns to score only once more. The tough defense by Dan Myers combined with the team's stellar offensive ball movement from Ala Rack Bar led to the final score of 21-2.
The Dead James Browns seemed to have high expectations for this game.
"It was disappointing because this is a sport we die for," The Dead James Brown player John Siegel said. "We went into this game with a two-game, no-points-allowed winning streak - one was a bye and one was a forfeit. We had high expectations for this game, but we just didn't turn on our hibachi."
Munninghoff had some final words on the team's plan for its next game.
"If you beat the Georgia bulldog, you're gonna feel that bulldog might," he said.
Hide the Women and Children 21, Team 327 4
The off-campus team formerly from Knott, Hide the Women and Children, had a simple strategy that allowed it to dominate Team 327 in a 21-4 victory Wednesday.
"Our plan is easy," Hide the Women and Children's Jack Arkins said. "Score more points and allow less."
Team 327, however, entered the game with a more complex plan.
"We're going to drive it down the lane and use a zone defense," Team 327 player Brett Thomas said. "Oh, yeah, and lots of dunks."
From the first play of the game, fast breaks from Arkins put his team into the lead. Kyle Meade's outside jump shots combined with Eamonn Bahnson's top of the key baskets to push Hide the Women and Children into the early lead. By halftime, Hide the Women and Children's superior defense allowed Team 327 just one basket, bringing the score to 11-1.
Team 327 decided to change its tactics in the second half, switching from zone to man-to-man defense. While the change in strategy allowed 327 to gain a few more points, it was still unable to stop Matt Levering, who dominated the lane for Hide the Women and Children.
Hide the Women and Children also had a commanding defense led by Meade and Doug Mahoney, who intercepted the ball and gained several points off fast breaks.
"Our legs were really fresh after that long weekend," Mahoney said. "We had some raw defense."
Hide the Women and Children hopes to continue its winning streak into the next round and deep into the tournament, all while using the same simple strategy - score more points and allow less.
Smush Parker: The Prequel 21, Wabruda's Freedom Fighters 15
This intense match-up of two highly skilled teams was framed by a large and enthusiastic crowd of dedicated fans that created an intense atmosphere.
Once the game began, it took awhile for players on both teams to acclimate to playing on a slippery court with a wet ball. Many players missed passes and slid out of bounds as a steady rain fell.
"It looks like they're playing on ice," Smush Parker fan Bobby Polish said.
Smush Parker made the initial point before the momentum of the game shifted back and forth. The Wabruda team put on an impressive show with their "in-your-face" style of defense. Floyd Rose, of the Wabruda team, was an especially strong presence on the court.
In the end, Smush Parker used their height to prevail over the Freedom Fighters. Much of Smush Parker's success late in the game could be attributed to the play of Ryan Winiarski and to Mike Wakim.
After the heartbreaking loss, Wabruda team member William David William kept a positive outlook.
"We're freedom fighters," he said. "Tonight we were fighting for injustice through athletics. We're going to continue fighting politically."
