A Durangos vs. Green Dot Ballers game is so evenly matched, that it tends to produce thrilling endings. The close games are are typically won by the Durangos. However, on this night, the Green Dot Ballers, changed the script and staged a rally to keep their season alive.
Both teams were missing key cogs to their squads, with Will Harris and the Durangos point guard both missing the game due to previously scheduled commitments. This game was played on a Monday due to the makeup of a snowed out game earlier in the season. That didn't stop the game from taking a similar shape to previous matchups that featured tight contests that went down to the final possession. Most memorably, the Durangos stormed back from an 8 point deficit with 2 minutes left to play in the Summer League semi-finals and survived an Ed Reddick shot at the buzzer for a one point win. This time the roles would be reversed.
The game was physical from the start with Ed Reddick and LJ Bowling forcing their way to the basket on drives and fast breaks, resulting in baskets and trips to the line. That approach would be necessary to offset a cold shooting night against the 3-2 zone defense employed by Durangos which manifested itself in the Ballers missing their first nine three pointers of the game.The 10th attempt, though, would prove to be memorable. Conversely, Durangos leading scorer (#55) was having no problem from distance and in one stretch knocked down 3 straight 3s from increasingly deeper spots. When he added a 4th one the Durangos surged ahead 21-12 with 3:32 remaining in the half.
With the game (and their playoff chances) getting away from them, Ed Reddick started a comeback with a tough hoop inside. Mid-season acquisition Chris Harris then set out to put his stamp on the game. Consecutive trips to the free throw line captured all four points. A transition opportunity at the end of the half then provided a breakthrough from down town when Harris rose up over two defenders and splashed home the first made 3 of the game for the Ballers. That lightning bolt at the halftime buzzer finished an 11-2 run that tied the game at 23.
The game was a battle the entire second half, with multiple ties and lead changes, and neither team gaining more than a four point advantage. As the game approached its climax, it was time for the newest Baller to step forward once again. Tied at 43 all with just under two minutes remaining, Harris inbounded the ball to Larson from the sideline at half court. The return pass immediately found Harris who made an escape dribble to the corner. When the Durangos miscommunicated the defensive responsibility of their 2-3 zone, Harris decided to let it fly and he was able to find the bottom of the net for the only other three pointer the Ballers would make on the night. A basket by the Durangos would be countered with another Harris free throw and setup a final possession to decide the game. This time it would be the Ballers holding their breath, as #55 launched a deep three to win the game. When the ball rimmed out, Mike Reamy secured the rebound and the Ballers would live to fight another day.
Ed Reddick led the scoring with 18 points and Harris joined him in double figures with 14. While the Ballers could not find the basket for most of the game, they put in an outstanding defensive performance holding Durangos 11 points under the season average of 56.3 points. LJ Bowling, Danny Abatemarco and Chris Larson stepped up to make the shooters work, especially in the second half. Mike Reamy and Dave Ben made strong contributions on the boards to prevent the Durangos from making any runs.
The outcome of this game sets up an exciting final day of the season, on March 21st, as the possibility still remains of a 7 way tie for first place (or seventh place!).
Kommentare