WCBL 2009-2010 PLAYOFF/REGULAR SEASON RESULTS AND STATS
With three convincing victories over Nevermore in their back pockets, it was assumed that a fourth would come along on Sunday morning for the Runnin’ Rebels in first game of the WCBL Semi-Final weekend. Trading baskets for the first three minutes, the Rebels showed early signs of rust after having a two week hiatus since their last game, whereas Nevermore appeared confident and well balanced in their attack. Breaking the ten point deadlock with a 16-6 run, Nevermore created a ten point buffer for themselves and extended to a thirteen point halftime lead. Frustration boiled over for the Rebels as the deficit mounted to as many as twenty-six points midway through the final twenty minutes. After a poor start and a struggle for almost thirty minutes not only with their opponent, but with themselves, the Rebels managed to get on the same page and picked up the intensity with a full court press that baffled Nevermore. With an incredible 32-10 run, the Rebels tied the game at 83 points, before closing the match out and completing an amazing comeback effort, 91-85. With only five active members, all of which hitting for double digits, the Rebels return to the championship game for the first time since the 2000-01 season. Steve Lee and Mio Kovacevic led the Rebels offense with 31 and 25 points respectively and combined for 19 rebounds. Hunter Jordan and Jim Taylor finished off their impressive rookie season’s with 19 points apiece to go along with 14 points from both Dexter McKnight and Tom Selak.
Redemption. That was the sole goal on the minds of many of the Nielsen Golgis in their Semi-Final meeting with the Falcons, a team that defeated the Golgis 106-102 in the 08/09 WCBL Championship Game. Jumping out to a controlling 12-2 run to start the game, the Golgis were able to attack the Falcons in transition and from the free throw line, during a first half in which both teams were in desperate need for a secondary scoring source. Highlighted by another battle between two of BC’s finest pg’s, the Golgis Randy Nohr and Aman Heran added another chapter to their epic battles. With 24 first half points, Nohr led the Golgis to a slight 40-37 advantage at the break, while Heran countered with 13 points. The script flipped in the second half as the Falcons used a 16-10 run to gain their first lead of the game 53-50 before the two teams see-sawed the scoreboard back and forth for the remainder of the second half. Just as the Falcons chased the Golgis towards the end of the first, the Golgis found themselves down six with under two minutes on the clock. A trio of free throws and a basket latter, the Golgis were able to close the game to within a single point before falling short 76-75. Whereas Nohr was on fire in the first half, he cooled in the second hitting 14 of his team high 38 points, while Heran returned the first half favor with 25 second half points to match the 38 point effort. Dalbir Dosanjh and Jason Leslie provided that required secondary scoring role with 16 points and 2 blocks for the Falcons forward and 11 points, 13 boards for the Golgis big man.
WCBL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
MARCH 17th 7:30pm – (2) Runnin’ Rebels vs. (5) Falcons
Regular Season: Runnin’ Rebels 14-3, Falcons 8-9 (seeding based on defaults)
Head to Head: Runnin’ Rebels 4-0
Preview – The semi-final games proved that the head to head regular season has very little impact on the result of a do or die playoff game as the Rebels needed a spectacular comeback and the Falcons upset the number one seed. Both teams have the ability to work the ball inside, or hit from deep for a three ball, so it will come down to defense and a lot of what if’s. The Rebels will need to keep their composure and consistency, while making sure that there is a hand up on the Falcons guards once they cross the halfcourt line. On the other hand, the Falcons will need to control the boards and have someone step up to provide an inside scoring source to counter the Rebels inside attack. After a long season, fatigue, injuries and mental errors have started to take their toll, but all will have to be put aside for forty more minutes on Wednesday evening as the Falcons look to “threepeat” (thanks Mr. Riley) and join the Golgis and Meralomas as four time champs, while the Rebels (Planet Fitness 98-01), who have been to the final three times, hope to stake their claim as the WCBL Champions.
