With the first place and undefeated G-Men on the docket, it was a chance for a proud franchise to brace its shoulders, stand its ground and send a message that "reports of their demise are greatly exaggerated." The Green Dot Ballers did just that with a resounding 62-52 win that keeps their playoff hopes alive. Down 45-43 with just under seven minutes to play and staring down the barrel of a fourth loss that would have eliminated their chance to defend the title, the Ballers put together 15-3 run over the next 5 minutes to secure the victory behind the stellar play of Mike Reamy.
As he has proven time and again over the course of this season and his career, when the Ballers need a big game or a big shot, Mike Reamy is there to answer the call. After a scoreless first half (0-2 from the floor), the Baller co-captain found himself alone at the top of the key to knock down the three pointer to start the GDB run to victory. An Ed Reddick 3 pointer built the momentum, which then featured a Reamy fast break and then a transition 3 pointer. A fast break basket by Chris Larson on a great feed by Reddick, was then followed by a Reamy post up that had the Ballers in full command of the game at 58-48 with less than 2 minutes to play. Reamy finished with 18 points in the second half to pair with 22 points by Ed Reddick.
Reddick himself played an incredible two-way game throughout the contest adding double digit rebounds and an incredible 6 blocked shots to go along with his game high scoring. Reddick's ability to stuff the stat sheet proved vital as the Ballers played short handed missing regulars Will Harris and LJ Bowling, amongst others. Dave Ben and Chris Miller stepped up to the challenge of big minutes combining for 13 critical points. Five of those points came on back to back possessions in the first half as G-Men threatened to build a cushion going into halftime, but Ben points featured in a 7-2 closing run to the first half that ended tied at 29.
The game featured a loss of composure and possible suspension for the G-Men. The G-Men drew 2 technical fouls and a post-game press conference was marred by an argument between the officiating crew and the mercurial point guard for the G-Men. Still awaiting word from the league office as to whether a suspension will be issued.
The win gives the Ballers momentum headed into a 10-day break, prior to facing two of the bottom dwellers in the league. If they are able to take care of business in those games, it will likely setup a play-in game with the Durangos in the final game of the season. Still a long way to go, but at least for now, the Ballers can still dream of going back to back to make it three titles in four year.
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