This was a heated matchup between 2 fierce teams.  We were unable to see A-Team in action week 1, so not many knew what to expect from them.  Wolverines were dismantled in week 1 and one would assume this week would have a similar outcome.  Boy were we surprised.  Wolverines showed alot of heart in this matchup and were able to completely cause confusion to the A-Team and their offense was never able to get in synch.  Tempers were flaring but once the dust settled, Wolverines were able to notch their first SABL win over a true East contender.  Not much to say about A-Team at this point other than this was their week 1 in essence.  Soon as the gears get going, we should see big things from them.  Wolverines win 63 - 53

 

Many people say dont look into pre-season predictions too closely.  I think they were right with this one.  PrimeTime was predicted to be the one to win it all this year, but they are still winless.  On the other hand, who would have thought RJ would be 2-0?  This team looks legit after beating A-Team and are a true contender in our eyes.  With Ceon manning the middle and Dennis bringing up the ball, they now have every piece they need to be a contending team.  This is an excited team to watch as their offense is flying.  The second half of this game showed their long range as they shot 3 after 3 and PT was unable to close in on the lead.  PT is going to need some changes if they want to compete.  Perhaps a PG change is what they need?  Or at least thats the word on the street.  Nonetheless, RJ wins 61 - 45

 

After a forfeit in week 1, everyone was eager to see what DE was going to bring to the table this year.  They are full of new pieces, but the outcome is still the same.  The team just was unable to find a groove on offense and was dismantled by 24/7.  They were unable to buy a basket in the second half and 24/7 showcased just too much talent for this team.  Yassine and Haile had huge games for 24/7 and it shows they dont need to rely on MVP Jon for the scoring power.  This is a very balanced team and they look scary.  The little boys of 24/7 seem to have grown up a bit this season as they come to the office and do work.  Scary and early to say at this point, but after their beating of DE, 3rd chip in a row seems very possible.  24/7 wins big 61 - 42

 

Who said this was going to be a walk in the park for the Outlaws?  Sure wasnt as Force showed up to play.  Although the game showed the Outlaws up for most of the game, Force shows once again they are not to be slept on.  Just as they did all of last season, this team shows more heart than any team out there and puts in 110% each and every game.  Unfortunately for them, they suffered another close defeat against a talented Outlaws team.  Prince claims there team is still on the rise and should be locking up some wins, but until we see a win, its going to be hard to believe them.  Outlaws on the other hand look to be a solid team and remain as one of the 2-0 teams in the East.  Going to be an interesting team to keep an eye on.  Outlaws over Force 80 - 74

 Strong Island vs. Storm 

 

Game 1 of week 2 was supposed to kick off as a rivalry and it sure didn't disappoint.  Storm started the game with 4 players and saw Strong Island jump out to an early 15 point lead.  Strong Island also welcomed MING back to the league and he dominated the game by finishing with 36 points.  Second half of this game was a different story as Storm fought back and closed the lead.  Mike McDuffie was too much again this game as he brought his team back and finished the game with 30 points after his monster performance in week 1.  Strong Island needs to take a step back and make some adjustments if they want to win a few games, they have the pieces but just arent aligning.  Strong Island in a big win 90 - 74.

 

Panthers had a huge game in week 1 against champs SWAT and were looking to capitalize once again against a Ballers team that suffered a very close loss against the Warriors in week 1.  The game was very evenly matched as the army of Panthers kept up with the high intensity Ballers.  Gavin was huge this game as he got to the basket at will, and got his teammates high percentage shots.  Panthers seemed lost come second half and not the same team that knocked off the defending champs.  They turned the ball over and could not stop the Ballers on defense.  Ballers slowly pulled away and Panthers were unable to do anything about it.  Did we jump the gun about the Panthers?  Not too sure what to expect from them just yet.  Ballers in a big win destroying the Panthers 77 - 47.

 

The defending champs were upset in week 1 by the Panthers, and most of it was attributed to their team not showing up.  Sad to say it happened again.  The backcourt of Rey and Usama were absent in this matchup against boy wonder Haron of Warriors.  The game was a true nailbiter and one of the best games we have seen all season.  Tons of fans were in attendance to see this matchup and it did not dissapoint.  Haron was double teamed at times and was unstoppable this game finishing with a game high of 47 points.  SWAT played their heart out on defense to contain him and Farhad made his return this season in a big way finishing with 41 of his own.  The second half started with SWAT on a 10-0 run and didnt look back.  They managed to keep the lead and finish to get their first win and back on track to the championship.  SWAT wins 91 - 85.

 

The game many voted to be the game of the week was not as eventful as everyone thought.  This game showed how powerful RUKUS truly is as they managed the game from tip off.  In fairness, the Titans were missing Tom Job and Rex, their 2 integral pieces.  But RUKUS again punished them in the paint and Mike Bravo took advantage of the shorthanded Titans and finished with a game high 38 points.  Mike is on his way to another fantastic season as his first 2 games have showcased his talents like no other.  With the team he has around him including Shehan, Bear and Mo B., this team is slowly becoming the favorites along with the Hi Rizerz.  RUKUS wins this easily 76 - 62

 

What was supposed to be a blowout turned out to be closer than expected.  7th Letter showed everyone they are not to be slept on with their performance as they almost knocked off the league favorites.  In HR's defense, they spent most of their day at the IDP tourney and may have been fatigued, but excuses aren't entertained in the SABL.  7th Letter came out strong and battled with HR every step of the way.  Second half, HR managed to get the gears going and slowed the pace.  They had some key plays by Ivan and Jassi to help them stretch their lead.  Although it wasnt pretty, HR escapes in a close one.  Lets hope this showing was due to fatigue and not to 7th Letter exploiting their weaknesses.  HR over 7th Letter 59 - 50.

Everyone is eagerly awaiting to see what Muzz and his A-Team have to bring to the table this year and Week 2 will be telling. Last year they showed a great balance between an inside and outside game and this year will be no different. We all know how hungry they are to crack the 24-7 dynasty and rumor has it that their new pieces mean business! The Wolverines had some first-game offensive struggles against a speedy Outlaws team, but should match up better against the A-Team. A solid front line of Castaneda and Arvin should be able to frustrate Josh Frazier and test how much the rest of the A-Team can step up. Look for this one to be close until the 2nd half, with A-Team taking it 59-45.

With Niraj and Sultana putting up major points and Stanley and Khurram controlling the paint, this team gave 24/7 a nice test. One thing is for sure - Prime Time comes to play and can be scary this year. They might be one of the most athletic teams in the league, just ask 24/7. The Red Jaguars played well opening week as they dominated the Force and showcased great inside-outside play with Dennis and Ceon. Look for this to be one of the best tandems in the league. The Red Jaguars prided themselves on teamwork last year, and they'll need every bit of it to beat an athletic Prime Time team. Expect a close one, with PT taking this one 61-57.

The Desert Eagles were hyped up in the preseason to have added some key pieces to give them a more balanced offensive attack. Last year Walid, Andy and Harvey proved that with a supporting cast, they could match up with anyone. The seem one piece away from breaking through - lets see if they have it in them this year. 24/7 debuted a more balanced offense last week, with reigning MVP Jonathan Roman taking a backseat to Jeff Snipoglesby's aggressive attack. Look for 24/7 to show a Miami Heat-type roster with different players taking stage in different games. Prediction - 24/7 taking this one 75-58.

Last week we saw an exhausted Force team debut poorly against the RJs. Don't let that misread you, as they are expected to bounce back well. Their front line can shoot lights-out on any given Sunday with Jones, Alex, and Biju. Expect them to be more aggressive and to match up well against the Outlaws. Last week the Outlaws raised a lot of eyebrows as the new team that shows intense hustle and grind. Despite bringing only 6 players to the game, they played harder than any team and hustled on every possession. Look for this one to be a close one, with the Outlaws taking it 59-57.