Uptempo 74, Air Force 1 54

On a 90-degree in New York, you can understand why the Uptempo vs. Air Force 1 game started with no fans in the stands. In fact, the weather was so nice, that Air Force 1 started the game with only four players (something I noted might happen in the preview). So right away, you know Scott Williams (fresh off a 41-point effort against a shorthanded team) say the green light brighter than normal. (So basically it was neon.)

Right away, Uptempo jumped out to a quick lead. But as soon as Jason Burke showed up for Air Force 1, things began to settle down. Checking in at the 15:56 mark to round out the starting five, Air Force 1 was able to take a quick 9-8 lead. But there were two things happening in this game early that you knew were going to determine the outcome of the game: 1) Brandon Smith was settling for threes; and 2) Air Force 1 needs a point guard. At this point, Paul Rivera is like Gilbert Arenas for Air Force 1. When he's there and playing, he's an All-Star point guard. When he's not, he might as well be suspended from the League.

Interestingly enough, LeBrandon was wearing LeKobes in the first half. Something that is very uncharacteristic for the LBJ fanatic. It was no surprise that he changed in the second half to some Sneaker of the Week worthy Nike Air Max LeBron VIIs. Whether you can blame it on the shoes or not, Uptempo was rolling. Even though they probably have the oldest starting five in the League, the score was 30-15 in Uptempo's favor with minutes to play in the first half.

Hilarious tweet in response to @NRFbasketball from Air Force 1's Kevin Wildes during the first half: "eeek.....never good to be reading that tweet from work."

In the second half, it was all Nick Blatchford. Cool Hand Nick was raining threes every chance he got, just showing how vital he is to Uptempo's bid at a three-peat. "I'm so glad I got traded from this team," remarked Shox's Christian Grant-Fields from the sideline. With 10 minutes to play, the score was 60-40, but you have to give Air Force 1 some credit. They didn't quit.

Couple observations: 1) Brandon Smith needs to attack the basket like Scott Williams and stop settling for threes. He pulls from anywhere on the floor - a shot he can always get - so why not start inside to make them respect you. 2) Why trade for the reigning MVP Jason Burke if you're not going to utilize him? He's Dwight Howard, not Marcin Gortat. 3) Jokingly or not, Uptempo is the oldest team in the League and predominantly only plays five guys. Let's see how they hold up come the playoffs.

Final score: Uptempo wins, 74-53.

	1	2		T
Uptempo	36	38	-	74
Air Force 1	19	35	-	54

Box Scores

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