Uptempo 53, Shox 47

While the key matchup of Mike Won vs. Justin Leonard never materialized as Won is clearly still resting with his broken nose, this game had a playoff-type atmosphere surrounding it. And with Stalley facing his old team, that just added a whole other layer to the complexity of this match. From the jump, both teams were playing tight D, as Shox led 10-8 after 10 minutes of play. I don't know if it was nerves or just lack of rhythm - as Uptempo had the bye last week and almost all of Shox was absent as well - but it seemed to take some time before each team found their flow.

But early on, you had to think that Shox had Uptempo's number. After a three by Leonard to push the lead to 15-8, Uptempo called a timeout and Scott Williams literally pulled some of his hair out of his head. One of the great things about Williams this season though, is that rather than exploding into rage when he doesn't get calls, is that he's been able to channel his rage and just keep attacking the rim.

After that timeout, Uptempo switched to a zone, which left Pat Cassidy wide open in the corner for a shot he (of course) drained. The next time down, Leonard hit another trifecta, and then on the defensive end took a charge on Williams. But despite making all the right moves, Shox was unable to build a healthy lead, going into halftime up 26-22.

Without Won, you could see that Uptempo wasn't the same team. That's why last season, I gave my MVP vote to him like Steve Nash, because he makes all his teammates better. As one of the best shooters in the NRF, Nick Blatchford was unable to look for his own shot, as he had to run the point in Won's absence.

In the second half, Christian Grant-Fields, who was locked in a battle with the larger Danny Millan, wasn't settling. And with 10 minutes left in the half, Shox was still clinging to a 36-33 lead. But Uptempo came back. Somehow, Shox forgot how to dribble the ball and Blatchford finally got a look from three. With five minutes left, the score was tied 44-44.

Looking for someone to score, there was nothing they could do. Williams had switched on to Cassidy, Millan was clamping down on Grant-Fields, and once Uptempo took the lead, they simply couldn't get it back. With 40 seconds left and down one, Shox decided not to foul, and got the tie-up. But Uptempo had the possession, and on the inbounds play, Williams converted a layup.

Down 50-47 with 25 seconds left, Shox had a look, but couldn't convert. They fouled Terrence Chin, who made one at the line to make it a four point game, but that would be it for Shox. Grant-Fields attacked the basket and got the call, but failed to make either free throw. Game over.

Final score: Uptempo wins, 51-47.

	1	2		T
Uptempo	22	31	-	53
Shox	28	19	-	47

Box Scores

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