Six days away from opening day and there alot of talk going around. This year is primed to be one of the most exciting and competitive years the SABL has had to date. SWAT and 24/7 both look to keep the gold as they will have tons of new talent to face. Teams have merged and new teams have emerged to create the most competitive atmospheres we have seen in a while.
One thing is for sure, bring your A game or else you will be sent home packing!
SWAT vs. RUKUS
Going in, everyone knew this was going to be a battle. An epic showdown between two fierce rivals. Seasons past, Rukus has owned SWAT defeating them by an average margin of 35 points. Their earlier matchup was somewhat tainted as well. SWAT came up with the win, but Rukus was missing a key piece in Sheehan. Rukus was now faced with the impossible task of defeating SWAT twice for the crown.
Game 1 looked to be in the books for SWAT. They managed a double digit lead at halftime and things were looking to be in their favor. As soon as the second half started, Cire Sene got into some foul trouble and had to sit quickly as he notched 4 early fouls. Rukus slowly chipped away and got easy baskets now that big man Cire wasnt their to clog the paint. Rukus' clutch shooting and ball movement gave them a 6 point lead with 8 minutes left in the game. At that moment, Farhad of SWAT cramps up and leaves 4 on the floor for SWAT. The second half summed it up for SWAT as it was not meant to be. Farhad managed to return but was not able to help as Rukus continued to dominate the second half and come up with huge baskets. Shehan was unreal as he knocked down 3 after 3. The margin of victory for Rukus was only 3 points, but the score looks to be very misleading as it was a dominant game by Rukus.
Game 2 was to be the final game. For all the glory and the SABL Season 5 Championship. SWAT was manhandled in the earlier matchup and looked to rebound, but all the momentum was shifting in Rukus' direction. Rukus quickly jumped out to a 10 point lead but it slowly diminished. Cire was able to stay out of foul trouble and had a huge game. Usama and Rey played their game and was the offensive firepower for the team. However, the difference make was Tariq's clutch 3 pointers in the second half that gave SWAT the commanding lead. Rukus did what they could to keep up. Bear and Bravo were pounding the paint and making it look very easy. Rukus made a late run as Shehan hit a few huge 3s and got some easy layups off of some SWAT turnovers. But the offense was clicking for SWAT and they were able to maintain their lead. Very entertaining game as the gym was PACKED and fans were cheering both teams on. This rivalry is far from over and we look towards next season as these two teams will be clear favorites once again. But this year, it was SWAT as they are the SABL Season 5 Champs.
Tune in to watch the Western Conference Finals -Live
Sunday, 13 March 2011
Tune in to the web site to watch the SABL Western Conference Finals live at 12:30pm.
(2) SWAT (4-0) vs. (4) Rukus (3-1) - It only felt like yesterday when experts were making their predictions for who would win the Western Conference championship. Many claimed it would be HUMANS in 3peat fashion. Many though it would be Rukus as they were returning a core of guys that led them to the championship game last season. However, only a few had SWAT making it to the big dance. As the season progressed, SWAT began to attract more attention. They have dominated throughout the playoffs and showcase a balanced attack. PG Reyaad is averaging a triple double in the post season. The first time that has EVER happened in the SABL. Bigmen Cire and Farhad are averaging double-doubles througout the post season and are dominating the boards. We cant forget about Usama who can score at will and notched 38 their last game. Captain Ahmad and his team are cleaning house. SWAT also won the earlier season match-up between the two teams. It was a hardfought win with many lead changes. One thing to note however, is that Rukus was missing AllStar Shehan and big man Mir for that match-up. Yet it was still a close game. Lets also not forget that it was this very same Rukus core that destroyed SWAT last season. Not only once, but twice by almost 40 points during each game. Rukus has proved that they know how to win. They faced tough competition the last few weeks in High Rizerz and Titans, both elimination games. What more can a team do to prove they are flat out clutch performers? The answer is.....beat SWAT. TWICE. Mo Begawala and MVP runner-up Mike Bravo command a very competitive group and are looking to win it all this year. They have the championship game experience and simply need to close it out this time around. Could this be the year they win it all? They have a tough task in front of them. Come out this Sunday to watch this epic match-up. See you all at 12:30pm.
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