This was the marquee matchup of the week for the East. 24/7 begins their title defense against the team many say would be the team to win it all this year. Very bold statement seeing as they have yet to play a game in the SABL as a team, but nonetheless this was an excellent game. The two teams traded leads all game as it was the interior game of PrimeTime vs. the excellent guard play of 24/7. Captain Yassine from 24/7 has built an excellent team around Jon Roman and has provided him with the key pieces to go to in times of need. PrimeTime on the pounded the ball in the paint with the play of Stanley and Khurram. In the end, the champs reigned supreme as 24/7 beats Primetime in a great game, 65 to 52
Outlaws vs. Wolverines
The two rookie teams noone knows about. But soon enough, they will be heard. Outlaws came our firing as they built a huge lead on the Wolverines. Second half, Wolverins chipped away and drew closer but were unable to lock in and gain any more ground. Both teams showcase very evenly matched players and teams, and no huge star has yet to emerge. But one thing is for sure, the Outlaws are no joke. Their combination of size and athleticism will prove to be a problem for any team in the East. Outlaws win this one 64 to 47.
DE vs. A-Team
Looked to be a huge game based on their week 1 contest last season. But DE was unable to field a team this week and get the forfeit loss. A-Team did show up with some scary players. Lets wait and see how that translates on the court.
Force vs. Red Jags
Captain Prince talked up a big game over the summer, claiming his Force team was going to be a problem. Instead it seems he has picked up where he left off last season as they suffer a huge blowout loss at the hands of the Red Jags. RJ showcased much of the same lineup from last season, with all-star PG Dennis and welcome new big man to the East, Ceon. He was getting to the basket at will and Force simply had no answer. Solyman is known for putting together great teams and wins his games with precise and articulate game plans. He laid the groundwork for West champs, SWAT years ago and is looking to do the same with RJ. Lets see if they can keep it up. RJ over Force 71 to 50.
Opening day Western Conference Recap
Tuesday, 01 November 2011
West
Hi Rizerz vs. Strong Island
SABL kicked off with a fantastic game 1. Hi Rizerz vs. Strong Island. After their early playoff exit last year, Captain Vish decided they needed to retool to win it all this year, and game 1 was certainly representative of that. Hi Rizerz showcased a lineup of Vish, Rahul, Ditar, Jasjit, Ivan and co. The offensive firepower was simply way too much for the undermanned Strong Island team that only showed up with 6 players. HR means business this year and looks to be one of the teams to beat yet again. Although they dont show any real size in the paint as they let Neil from Strong Island get tons of interior buckets, their guard play is simply excellent and can carry them for the time being. The star studded lineup seems to be meshing well as evident by the even scoring all around. Doesn't seem like ego will play much a role here, for now at least. Hi Rizerz took this one very easily in a blowout 82 to 54.
Ballers vs. NYC Warriors
Nothing like a real nailbiter in week 1. Everyone in the league thought Ballers would walk right over the Warriors and gain an easy win. That was not the case with this one. The game was close from tip off as both teams traded leads throughout the game. Warriors revealed their talented guard Haron, who cut through the Ballers defense with ease and got his team easy shots and layups. Ballers on the otherhand, played their usual team ball anchored by Joe and Manjot. They hustled and worked hard for every basket. The game came down to the wire with the Warriors up 3. Ballers inbound the ball and dash upcourt to get Manjot a contested 3 pointer at the buzzer and it rims out. Warriors steal this one in a very very very hardfought win. Warriors over Ballers 87 to 84.
SWAT vs. Panthers
The defending champs started their season against a brand new Panthers team. Panthers only returned 3 players from last years roster and boy were they poised to pull off the major upset. SWAT on the other hand suited up only 6 players from, and only 2 starters from their championship season. They were undermanned and outsized as the revamped Panthers team ran up the score for the high score of the day. Panthers hit the record books by scoring 91 points, the highest score in a week 1 game in SABL history with some huge 3's by Juggy. The previous record of 81 was actually held by this same SWAT team 2 seasons ago.The high score came at the hands of a SWAT defeat, who oddly enough was up most of the game even though they were undermanned. Rey and Usama dropped 34 points each and continue to remind the league why they are the defending champs. With a Cire, Tariq and Farhad in the lineup, the champs will play like champs again, but for now they start their title defense with a loss to the new look Panthers. 91 to 86.
Titans vs. Storm
Lets help Storm welcome # 24, Mike, to the SABL. Another record breaking stat to add to the books as Mike drops 47 points on opening day. The most points scored by a rookie on opening day in SABL history. Sad part of this fantastic story is that Storm still lost after such a great outing by Mike. Titans showed why they are still one of the most consistent teams in the SABL. They returned most of the same lineup from last year with a few new pieces, but picked apart Storm with amazing team play. Tom Job picked up where he left off and dropped 3 after 3 after 3. Storm claims to have been missing a few pieces, all of which are as talented as Mike, and if that is the case then they are a going to be a real deal team. But until they come out to play, Storm is going to have to find a way to support Mike to get something in the win column. Titans over Storm. 84 to 69.
Rukus vs. 7th Letter Ent.
There was alot of talk about this matchup. Mike Bravo from Rukus has some experience playing against 7th Letter and knows these guys can flat out ball. But this game was a tale of two stories. It showed that experience and team ball trumps talk and talent. 7th Letter Ent. has a few key pieces and can really be a problem for weeks to come, they are a highly athletic team and as soon as they get a few games under their belt, they will be sure to cause some havoc. But for now, Rukus showed them whos boss. Captain Mo B. drained 7 3-pointers as Mike Bravo attached the rim and dominated the paint. The final score in this game is very misleading as Rukus confirmed that this was a very tough win for them and could have gone either way. But at the end of the day, Rukus comes out on top and delivers a deadly blow to the rookie team. They look forward to staying one of the elite teams in this new season. Rukus over 7th Letter Ent. 85 - 65.
Western Conference Opening day Predictions
Sunday, 30 October 2011
Strong Island vs. Hi Rizerz
Great way to kick off the new season. Hi Rizerz are one of the clear favorites this year and are taking on the original Strong Island crew from 3 seasons ago. This is going to be an offensive matchup as Hi Rizerz have confirmed they have also added Ivan Lynch and Vik Manocha to their star studded lineup. With reigning MVP Rahul, Vish and Jasjit, this team is going to be too much for Richard and co. Expect the game to be close in the first half as the new Hi Rizerz team tries to get their chemistry going, but they will pull away in the second half as Strong Island struggles to keep up. Prediction: Hi Rizerz 81 Strong Island 65
Ballers vs. NYC Warriors
Warriors look to have lost their best player from last season in Ivan Lynch. Not sure how they have decided to retool this year, but Sabba say they are looking better than ever. No better way than to prove himself right than by beating the Ballers. Ballers had a great rebound season last year and look to build on it. They now have the size they needed by getting Varun back and with the offensive power of Manjot, this team can really cause some problems. Doesnt look too promising for Warriors in week 1 unfortunately, as the talent might be just too much. Prediction: Ballers 77 Warriors 60
SWAT vs. Panthers
The champs start their season against a brand new Panthers team. Commish Ahmad against his right hand man Mandeep is going to be an entertaining one. Noone really knows what to expect of the Panthers who is going to be playing with a ton of new faces of which noone is really familiar with. But based on how the champs ended last season and on such a high note, its tough to have them losing this one. Might be a walk in the park for SWAT as Panthers get their gears going. They will probably need some time to mesh before they can beat the champs. Prediction: SWAT 89 Panthers 74
Titans vs. Storm
Storm has a ton of off season buzz going already. They are rumored to be big, fast and a defensive minded team. But the Titans are one of the most consistent teams and we already know what they can do. Captain Sim is going to have his hands full as he tries to make a splash with his brand new team this season. But their is one question about this game - will the Titans have a full squad? That has been their achilles heel the last few years and always gets them in the end. Will Lejoe and Tom be there to start the season off right? Lets hope so. Prediction: Titans 79 Storm 71
RUKUS vs. 7th Letter Ent.
Mr. Bravo. Thats all we can say at this point. Some say he was robbed of an MVP award for the second straight season. Say what you want, but this kid dominates the court when he plays. Now add Mehdi and Shehan into the mix and you have some serious problems. Unfortunately for 7th Letter Ent. they get to start the season off by playing a real contender. RUKUS was in the finals last year and barely missed the championship, lets see if they can rebound from that loss and start the season by taking on a team that claims to be the most dangerous team to ever hit the SABL. Without a clear scouting report on 7LE, we cant really say if its true. Prediction: RUKUS 88 7LE 74
Eastern Conference
