The Green Dot Ballers knew they had the opportunity to sweep the other three contenders and virtually guarantee a number one seed for the playoffs by by winning a third consecutive game to start the season. However, Self Check took advantage of a shorthanded Ballers squad (missing three of their usual starters) and used a balanced attack and stout defense to pull out a nail biter 48-44 on Thursday night.
GBD knew they had their work cut out for them when Ed Reddick became a late scratch, joining Chris Harris and Will Harris as unavailable for the game. The game started out as a defensive clash and would prove to be a fitting start for the game between rivals. The Ballers led 4-0 at the six minute mark, at which time Self Check responded with a 12-5 run. Later in the first half, co-captain Chris Larson scored 7 in a 14-4 Baller run that led to a tight score at halftime 23-21.
The second half would provide more of the same nip and tuck basketball, with the largest lead by either team standing at 3. Self-Check held such a lead in the final minute 45-42 when they made a critical error by fouling Logan Seacrist (Game high 12 points) on a basket with 15 seconds left. Unfortunately for the Ballers, the newcomer could not convert the free throw and GDB immediately could to preserve the clock.
When Self Check missed the front end of the one and one opportunity, it looked like the Ballers would get a chance to win on the final possession, but Self Check fought for the rebound and went back to the line. The Ballers received yet another chance to win the game when Self Check split the free throws, but a tip out by Self Check, allowed them to secure the rebound once again. This time a pair of free throws would prove to establish the final margin of four points in the 48-44 loss.
The Ballers (2-1) will face last place Bullets (0-3) on Thursday next week with an eye on securing one of the top two seeds (and the associated bye into the semi-finals) in the post-season tournament.
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