Box Out stuns Grind Time

If you told me earlier in the season that Box Out would’ve beaten Grind Time in the playoffs I would have honestly laughed. At the time Grind Time looked like the #2 team and maybe even a legitmate contender for the #1 spot, but a lot has changed since that time. Box Out came into this game riding a 3 game winning streak after opening the season 0-5 and thanks to an all-around effort, they’ve pushed that streak to 4, advancing to the semi-finals and eliminating Grind Time in the process.

Box Out was clicking early on and the shots were falling. They would finish the game shooting 40% from three point range. They put themselves up big at the half 38-24. Grind Time did better in the 2nd half, but obviously not enough.

The league’s #1 pick went for 21 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists in an incredible win. Box Out also got a big performance from the ex-Grind Timer, Rahul De’Golder who scored 18 to go with 4 rebounds and 6 dimes.  Japrell Morgan had a season best 11 and every single player made an impact in the win.

For Grind Time, Penola not at 100%, wasn’t able to get his shot to fall like they would Normanly fall. Harvey did a great job leading the team in scoring shooting over 50% and finishing with 24. Mahmood stepped up also shooting north of 50% adding 16. It’s a very disappointing way to end the season for Grind Time who had championship aspirations. They’ll have to wait til next season.

Next up for Box Out is the undefeated What’s Luv.

Investment Academy upset shorthanded SWISH

The last game of the night did not disappoint with an overtime thriller between SWISH and Investment Academy. SWISH was the favourite going in, but without both Ryan Michalski and Shaquille St. Paul, it wasn’t going to be easy. Nicholas Cruz would hit a big time three pointer that would help put the Investment Academy up for good in the extra frame. Bobby Colorado did everything he could, but missed a Hail Mary shot at the end. The Investment Academy, a team that won only 2 games in the regular season is going to the semi-finals.

The game was even from the beginning to the end. It was ugly for the Investment Academy, but they grinded out +9 shots thanks in part to their +15 rebounds. SWISH also had several chances to put this game away but could not. They missed 9 free throws which I’m sure they all wish they could have back.

Trevor Mann (T-MANN) went in with 17 points and 14 rebounds (4 offensive rebounds) in the W. Cruz was clutch once again with a ice cold three pointer finishing with 12-5-3-3. Edwards added 13 and Moodie with 10-8 plus some clutch freebies. A great win for a team I think everyone counted out. They move on to face Unruly in the next round.

Tough one for SWISH. Without arguably their top two players and to lose in OT, it can’t feel good. The missed free throws and getting outrebounded by 15 probably wouldn’t have happened with those 2 players in the line-up. Regardless, they did put up a fight. Bobby Colorado who has been one of the league’s surprises with 24 points. Gabriel Ferreira making SWISH GM look like a genius with a great all-around 11-9-5-5. Not the way they wanted to go out, but a good season overall. SWISH will be back.

@megacityceo