Game 1 Sharks vs Panthers
The first matchup of the day was a battle between two winless teams searching for their first win of the season. The Malik Miller Sharks faced off against the Nick Manor-Hall Panthers and was a battle from the opening tip until the final buzzer. In the first game for new Interim head coach Charles Williams, the shark's energy level and team chemistry were clearly elevated. The level of basketball was raised as each team received new Cape Verdean national team players. Both teams' new players had standout games. The Panthers Nick Manor-Hall was consistent throughout the entire game pouring in 29 points, and hitting huge shots to keep Panthers alive. However, it was a huge day for the two big men on the Sharks, Malik Miller was aggressive with points and 12 rebounds asserting himself on both sides of the ball. The game came down to a last-minute run by the sharks in which Charles Boozer had 5 points that included a huge 3 pointer and clutch free throws bringing his 4th quarter total to 8. The Sharks just barely snuck by an aggressive Panthers team but because of energetic coaching and big late game plays they were able to pull off with a win 93-89.
Game 2 Warriors vs CB Cidadela
The second matchup of the day was a highly anticipated matchup between the Warriors two man show and CB Cidadelas big three. Unfortunately, game time decision Zoran Talley was scratched prior to tip off. This was number 1 draft pick Paris Collins first game back from suspension and first real full game with running mate Kobe Reaves. A slow start from both teams provided frustration for both teams. Interior presence lacking without Talley causing CB to go into a 2-3 zone, this allowed versatile big Andre “Scoop” Jackson to heat up from deep hitting six 3’s in the second quarter to add to his 31-point total. The biggest lead of the game came just before halftime as the warriors went up 17 but was quickly answered by big plays from CB. The offense otherwise was slow for the warriors as Joshua “Yo-Yo” York-Frazer couldn’t get the lid off the rim in the first half. Kobe Reaves carried the Lionshare of the point responsibilities as Collins tried to get reacclimated to game speed. Both teams came out of halftime firing off on all cylinders which brought intensity and energy to the game. The Warriors blew the double digit lead they held for majority of the game late in the fourth, thanks to huge buckets from both Collins and Reaves. With the game coming down to one possession for the CB Cidadela they looked to their leader in Collins but a costly turnover ensued within the final seconds. The Warriors Frazer iced the game with a pair of free throws bringing home the win, 85-80.
Game 3 Gorillas vs Volcanicos
In the Game of the day the Ponta D’Agua Gorillas faced off against the Achada Grande Volcanicos. In a highly touted and talented matchup of big 3’s, the game of the day didn’t disappoint. The game was a dog fight back and forth with huge games from both teams’ players. The energy and excitement from backcourt tandem Juwan Stepney and Nasir Core were evident and explosive. Gorilla big 3 of Austin, Palmer and Williams started off strong with huge plays from Palmer who poured in 29 points on the day. Running mate Allex Austin kept his strong play thus far consistent as he totaled 34 points on the day. With the addition of the Cape Verdean national team players both teams got a well needed lift which allowed the load to be lightened on the American stars. A tight game brought the halftime score to 52-49. Coming out of halftime the Gorillas played with energy and as a team which allowed Williams to put in 3 consecutive 3 pointers. The energy however, was matched by 31 point per game star Nasir Core and aggressive big Cameron Clark. Clark showed flashes of dominant post play but ball movement was his greatest asset in this game. The game quickly became all about Core as he erupts for a 60+ point performance. The Gorillas fought valiantly throughout the fourth and were competitive but Core was simply unstoppable. The Volcanicos tag another win on the season with a final score of 114-103.
Kyler "KT" Thompson
Praia League Anaylst