Terminator 51, Delta Force 36

As we've all seen happen before, when you get hyped up for big games, it's easy to come out flat. And that's exactly what happened at the start of this game. A slow start for both teams, after eight minutes had gone by, Terminator led 14-8. Enter Dan Gladstone. Trying to live up to the hype as part of the key matchup, Dan G. was doing his thing from beyond the arc. But what about the Battle of the Dans? For almost the whole half, Dan Cherry wasn't even in the building.

Trying to get things going for Delta Force, it seemed like any and all baskets were coming from Kelvin Coffey. But helping out his man was Myorr Jahna, who's good health has been a big addition to have back. But as good as these two were playing, Terminator was digging in on the defensive end. And that's where you win games.

What started on the defensive end, Omar Grant seemed if anything to be trying too hard. For a unique talent such as his, it's important in this league - especially with the small court - to keep it simple. Ask Damian Bulluck. This guy seemed to be grabbing every rebound that came his way, but as the point-man, he was calmly bringing it up the floor to try and get things going.

Note to the GMs/Coaches: Terminator scores most of their point in transition, in the paint. So if you get back on D and pack it in, you should be able to stop then. Sometimes all it takes is a hand in their face for them to miss layups. (Sorry Gladstone.)

At halftime, the score was 27-17 in favor of Terminator. And the second half showed why we can't count them out just yet from championship contention. If they can get Al Reyes going like he was for the All-Star Break, then Terminator could make a run to the Garden. Making two shots in a row to start the second half, his confidence level is key to their NRF future. But at the end of the day, Grant is the cog that makes it all work.

To Delta Force's credit, they never quit. With Bulluck leading the charge and Coffey scoring (what appeared to be more than half of his team's points), you can see that this team has something, but just needs to find a second scoring option. Who's it going to be is the question though.

Final score: Terminator wins, 51-36.

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