SEMI-FINALS RECAP by SQ!

2nd Round Playoffs Recaps

DB Iso is heading to the chip once again, but will they win or stay runner up for two seasons in a row?

ISO vs HLO(50-43)  ISO had cruised in the first round versus an overmatched SMP team and had the making of possibly a let up this game.  HLO had just been through a tough game versus an undersized and scrappy RF team but also showed that they belonged in the top tier.ISO started out hot in this game building a lead but it didn’t last long as HLO would come back and always stay within reach.  Both teams would get clutch basket after clutch basket going down to the wire.  However, HLO would lose their composure with the game on the line and only down 3 pts with under 2 minutes to go.  A lane violation would lead to a technical foul and would lead to a 5 pt swing which would put ISO up by 7 and HLO having to foul.  Call it bad timing but HLO lost their composure at the wrong time.  ISO closes it out to make their 2nd OT Finals in a row.HLO, if not for some injuries and maybe the need for a few more guards could’ve made the chip and possibly won it all.  They’re just missing a few pieces and they could be right up there in the elite.

Top Performers

ISO – James Choi 19 pts 3 ast 3 stl Chris Youn 12 pts 9 reb Austen Park 14 pts

HLO – George Chan 16 pts 15 reb James Choi 8 pts 6 reb 4 ast 

NYCE vs EL8(40-33) NYCE struggled in their first round game versus a surprising UN team that took them down to the wire and expended a lot of energy in the process.  EL8 was in a dog fight with an inconsistent HTB team but had enough veterans to pull out the W and pull away at the end of the game.This game was all about defense as both teams found tough sledding for baskets.  NYCE was without their leading scorer and only had 5 guys which should’ve been good for a deep EL8 squad.  The 5 NYCE had were able to really gut out a hard fought win.  In a back and forth affair and probably the best game so far of the playoffs. NYCE was able to steal the momentum and put the game on ice in the final 3 minutes of the game.  With the chip game in reach NYCE seemed to be able to smell the trophy while EL8 looked somewhat spent.  NYCE moves on.EL8 is an elite team on paper and it’s tough to say what they’re missing, maybe it’s chemistry but they have enough talent to compete for a chip but they’ll need to figure where they went wrong if they want to make another run at it next season

Top Performers

NYCE – Ace Wan 15 pts 3 ast Mike Kim 12 pts 10 reb 

EL8 – Jake Choi 13 pts 3 reb Steve Hong 7 pts 8 reb 2 blk