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X-Birds 39 vs. Blazers 37
 The
1st Annual Nothing But Net (NBN) came down to the final possession.
The Blazers lead the entire game trying to make history by upsetting
the top-seed. The X-Birds came into tonight's contest as the favorites
and did not disappoint winning in a thriller 39-37.
The Blazers got off to a blazing start leading 15-4. The X-Birds started
the game playing a 2-3 zone, the Blazers quickly capitalized hitting
four treys from downtown. The Blazers dominated the first half frustrating
the X-Birds; the X-Birds trailed at the half 20-12.
The X-Birds were able to settle down in the second half, looking like
the team everyone predicted
to win the championship. Scott Gomez (12) and Ray Riveria (12) began
to set up and accept the Blazers challenge. Tory Federicks got a steal,
went the length of the floor, to cut the deficit to four points, 25-21.
The X-Birds gained the lead with Ray Riveria's three point play. Blazers'
Shamark Limehouse put the Blazers back on top with a three pointer.
After Limehouse trey the Blazers seemed to have control of the game.
When the X-Birds made a run the Blazers answered with a hoop of their
own. The Blazers began to unravel when their bench entered the game
and disrupted the team's chemistry. The X-Birds took advantage and
capitalized on the Blazers mistakes. Despite, the X-Birds run the
Blazers were still in control of the contest. At this point the game
was tied when Uche went to the line with 22 seconds remaining. He
missed both free throws, the Blazers rebounded the miss and Uche turned
the ball over. Shamark Limehouse broke the tie giving the Blazers
a 37-36 lead, converting 1 of 2 free throws.
 Tory
Federicks made a crucial turnover with 15 seconds remaining. The
X-Birds sent Uche to the line to shoot two and he missed both free
throws. Tory drove the length of the court pulled up, hit the game-winning
jumper, and gets fouled. The gym went crazy. Tory calmed down and
made the free throw to give his team a 39-37 and the Nothing But
Net Championship. John Gill led all scorers with 20 points, Scott
Gomez was crowned the Nothing But Net Most Valuable Player.
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