BuzzerBeater Forums

Day 20 (Saturday 2 July 2022) : Performances by (https://www.buzzer-manager.com)

Night results
Mighty Moose Rockets 86 - San Dominica Warriors 96
Lion Rebels 80 - Rip City Revival 87
Seattle SuperSonicz 60 - Philly Dribble 97
War Birds 82 - Linndale 111
The Beer Bellys 98 - Gremlins 123
pintipv 113 - The Ashkickers 134
Żubr Białystok 110 - Dallas Bomskwad 89
Miami Cleo 104 - Weather Society 80

Best collective performance of the evening
Points : 134 : The Ashkickers
Rebounds : 73 : The Ashkickers
Assists : 27 : Miami Cleo
Steals : 14 : Miami Cleo, Philly Dribble, pintipv
Block Shots : 11 : Miami Cleo

Personal best performances of the evening
Points : 43 : G. Gattoni (The Ashkickers), J. Segovia (The Beer Bellys)
Rebounds : 18 : O. Reine (The Ashkickers)
Assists : 9 : G. Chiodarelli (Mighty Moose Rockets)
Steals : 5 : S. D’Annibale (War Birds), D. Komlósi (pintipv)
Block Shots : 5 : A. Varpukevicius (Miami Cleo)

Top 5 of the evening
Point Guard : T. Lagorce (Linndale) (21 Points, 6 Rebounds, 3 Assists, 1 Steals, 0 Block Shots) : Efficiency : 26
Shooting Guard : A. Varpukevicius (Miami Cleo) (23 Points, 9 Rebounds, 4 Assists, 2 Steals, 5 Block Shots) : Efficiency : 34
Small Forward : G. Gattoni (The Ashkickers) (43 Points, 13 Rebounds, 3 Assists, 0 Steals, 1 Block Shots) : Efficiency : 50
Power Forward : V. Valladares (San Dominica Warriors) (18 Points, 12 Rebounds, 2 Assists, 1 Steals, 0 Block Shots) : Efficiency : 28
Center : J. Fleurent (Mighty Moose Rockets) (24 Points, 9 Rebounds, 4 Assists, 0 Steals, 0 Block Shots) : Efficiency : 31

MVP of the evening
G. Gattoni (The Ashkickers) (43 Points, 13 Rebounds, 3 Assists, 0 Steals, 1 Block Shots) : Efficiency : 50

The bad performance of the evening
A. McGovern (Weather Society) (0 Points, 0 Rebounds, 0 Assists, 1 Steals, 0 Block Shots) : Efficiency : -10

All kinds of statistics
The player who forgot to remove his mittens : T. Aaron (Weather Society) : 8 Turnovers

Player targeted by the referees : W. Kofan (Mighty Moose Rockets), D. Muncy (Seattle SuperSonicz) : 6 Personnal Fouls

The iron-man : G. Locus (Miami Cleo), J. Fleurent (Mighty Moose Rockets), F. Cristancho (Seattle SuperSonicz), J. Rushing (Seattle SuperSonicz), K. Brown (Lion Rebels), R. Sedonio (Lion Rebels), M. Grimm (Żubr Białystok) : 48 Minutes

The shooter : G. Gattoni (The Ashkickers), V. Valeris (Gremlins), K. Brown (Lion Rebels), A. Kričković (Żubr Białystok), M. Grimm (Żubr Białystok), J. Segovia (The Beer Bellys), N. Neochoritis (Rip City Revival), D. Donlon (pintipv), O. Laks (pintipv), Q. Bailey (Dallas Bomskwad) : 4 Three points

The best performer : T. Grigoropoulos (Dallas Bomskwad) : Rating : 17.0

The worst performer : D. Muncy (Seattle SuperSonicz) : Rating : 2.0

Day 21 (Tuesday 5 July 2022) : Performances by (https://www.buzzer-manager.com)

Night results
Rip City Revival 65 - Mighty Moose Rockets 84
San Dominica Warriors 67 - Lion Rebels 92
Linndale 127 - Seattle SuperSonicz 82
Philly Dribble 119 - War Birds 104
The Ashkickers 105 - The Beer Bellys 82
Gremlins 111 - pintipv 110
Weather Society 75 - Żubr Białystok 131
Dallas Bomskwad 64 - Miami Cleo 91

Best collective performance of the evening
Points : 131 : Żubr Białystok
Rebounds : 67 : Lion Rebels
Assists : 36 : Żubr Białystok
Steals : 9 : Dallas Bomskwad
Block Shots : 9 : Lion Rebels

Personal best performances of the evening
Points : 42 : D. Santana (Miami Cleo)
Rebounds : 27 : R. Singh (Lion Rebels)
Assists : 9 : A. Kričković (Żubr Białystok)
Steals : 4 : R. Sole (pintipv)
Block Shots : 4 : W. Chan Kiew (Gremlins)

Top 5 of the evening
Point Guard : A. Kričković (Żubr Białystok) (23 Points, 2 Rebounds, 9 Assists, 2 Steals, 0 Block Shots) : Efficiency : 35
Shooting Guard : D. Donlon (pintipv) (41 Points, 2 Rebounds, 4 Assists, 1 Steals, 0 Block Shots) : Efficiency : 32
Small Forward : J. Glicas (Philly Dribble) (25 Points, 2 Rebounds, 3 Assists, 3 Steals, 0 Block Shots) : Efficiency : 29
Power Forward : R. Singh (Lion Rebels) (12 Points, 27 Rebounds, 4 Assists, 0 Steals, 0 Block Shots) : Efficiency : 31
Center : W. Chan Kiew (Gremlins) (34 Points, 13 Rebounds, 4 Assists, 1 Steals, 4 Block Shots) : Efficiency : 49

MVP of the evening
W. Chan Kiew (Gremlins) (34 Points, 13 Rebounds, 4 Assists, 1 Steals, 4 Block Shots) : Efficiency : 49

The bad performance of the evening
L. Eggleston (The Ashkickers) (4 Points, 4 Rebounds, 1 Assists, 0 Steals, 0 Block Shots) : Efficiency : -5

All kinds of statistics
The player who forgot to remove his mittens : C. Ellison (Weather Society) : 7 Turnovers

Player targeted by the referees : B. Lutz (Lion Rebels), F. Grossman (pintipv) : 6 Personnal Fouls

The iron-man : A. Gallucci (Miami Cleo), J. Pugejs (Seattle SuperSonicz), D. Muncy (Seattle SuperSonicz), F. Cristancho (Seattle SuperSonicz), B. Lutz (Lion Rebels), S. Hatch (Żubr Białystok) : 48 Minutes

The shooter : D. Donlon (pintipv) : 7 Three points

The best performer : T. Armstead (Lion Rebels) : Rating : 18.5

The worst performer : E. Hess (Miami Cleo), S. Dunlap (The Ashkickers), A. Langley (pintipv) : Rating : 5.0

Day 22 (Saturday 9 July 2022) : Performances by (https://www.buzzer-manager.com)

Night results
Mighty Moose Rockets 21 - Lion Rebels 133
San Dominica Warriors 76 - Rip City Revival 93
Seattle SuperSonicz 96 - War Birds 105
Philly Dribble 80 - Linndale 91
The Beer Bellys 102 - pintipv 117
Gremlins 82 - The Ashkickers 97
Żubr Białystok 80 - Miami Cleo 92
Dallas Bomskwad 124 - Weather Society 120

Best collective performance of the evening
Points : 133 : Lion Rebels
Rebounds : 68 : Lion Rebels
Assists : 37 : Lion Rebels
Steals : 13 : Linndale, Weather Society
Block Shots : 13 : Lion Rebels

Personal best performances of the evening
Points : 43 : E. Rutledge (Rip City Revival)
Rebounds : 25 : R. Singh (Lion Rebels)
Assists : 9 : R. Singh (Lion Rebels), B. Lutz (Lion Rebels), Q. Bailey (Dallas Bomskwad)
Steals : 6 : T. Lagorce (Linndale)
Block Shots : 4 : L. Shunhao (Philly Dribble), R. Peñalver (Gremlins)

Top 5 of the evening
Point Guard : E. Rutledge (Rip City Revival) (43 Points, 4 Rebounds, 6 Assists, 0 Steals, 1 Block Shots) : Efficiency : 46
Shooting Guard : D. Donlon (pintipv) (27 Points, 7 Rebounds, 4 Assists, 2 Steals, 0 Block Shots) : Efficiency : 31
Small Forward : B. Lutz (Lion Rebels) (23 Points, 6 Rebounds, 9 Assists, 1 Steals, 3 Block Shots) : Efficiency : 36
Power Forward : R. Singh (Lion Rebels) (23 Points, 25 Rebounds, 9 Assists, 2 Steals, 0 Block Shots) : Efficiency : 53
Center : T. Armstead (Lion Rebels) (22 Points, 17 Rebounds, 5 Assists, 0 Steals, 2 Block Shots) : Efficiency : 40

MVP of the evening
R. Singh (Lion Rebels) (23 Points, 25 Rebounds, 9 Assists, 2 Steals, 0 Block Shots) : Efficiency : 53

The bad performance of the evening
W. Johnson (Mighty Moose Rockets) (1 Points, 9 Rebounds, 1 Assists, 0 Steals, 0 Block Shots) : Efficiency : -16

All kinds of statistics
The player who forgot to remove his mittens : M. Velasco (Philly Dribble) : 8 Turnovers

Player targeted by the referees : M. Woesler (Philly Dribble), R. Heard (Mighty Moose Rockets), D. Minkinen (Żubr Białystok), H. Yuyao (Żubr Białystok) : 6 Personnal Fouls

The iron-man : G. Locus (Miami Cleo), O. Oynak (Mighty Moose Rockets), E. Kljajević (Mighty Moose Rockets), W. Johnson (Mighty Moose Rockets), S. Jackson (Seattle SuperSonicz), D. Muncy (Seattle SuperSonicz), F. Cristancho (Seattle SuperSonicz), J. Rushing (Seattle SuperSonicz), J. Pugejs (Seattle SuperSonicz), D. Nava (Gremlins), R. Singh (Lion Rebels), B. Lutz (Lion Rebels) : 48 Minutes

The shooter : E. Rutledge (Rip City Revival) : 7 Three points

The best performer : T. Armstead (Lion Rebels) : Rating : 18.5

The worst performer : W. Johnson (Mighty Moose Rockets) : Rating : 0.5

Season 57 Final Power Rankings
Welcome to Season 57's final power rankings of the season, where we digest why the hell Hutch44 would tank the final game to throw a huge wrench into my ranking process, other than the fact that he owes me for some super-secret reason! I'm not above self-promotion in these here power rankings, so while I've been humbled from my mild optimism to start this season, I'm still going to act like my team is ready for Div II. (ha!)

1. Philly Dribble
I didn't watch their final game versus Linndale, but they took advantage of home court and held Philly to only 10 points in the third quarter. More on them in a little bit, but they appear to be a problem, proving they can handle Philly at home. But will the story be flip-flopped if they meet in the Conference Finals? Phil_Wings has got to be scratching their head losing all four of their games on the road. I've never bought too much into home court advantage, but it definitely looks like it affects things. I believe Philly should only be a two-loss team. Philly finished the season with a league leading EFFG and OPP EFFG (124.2 and 71, respectively). My preseason prediction (pre-transfer flurry) had Philly finishing 3rd in the Big 8 and losing in the conference finals.

2. Gremlins
Gremlins, too, in a bit of shock entering the playoffs after narrowly defeating pintipv in a surprise near upset, then fell by 15 points to the previously 2nd place The Ashkickers in the final game of the season. Thanks in part to 33 points scored off of three-pointers, Gremlins too had a weak 3rd quarter on the road to succumb in the standings to Tylormade's team thanks to point differential. Gremlins three losses all game on the road as well. They've held on strong all season to the top 1-3 in EFFG, finishing up with 122.5 overall (2nd overall); it is interesting to note, however, their OPP EFFG fluctuated a bit more, finishing the season ranked 6th overall with 84.2 allowed. My preseason prediction had Gremlins winning it all (about the only 1/2 right thing I can claim on my posts this season).

3. The Ashkickers
Truth be told, in these rankings, 2nd place was a three-way tie, which was broken up by the last power ranking average rankings, which conveniently separated each of 2nd, 3rd, & 4th by a 1/2 point each. These brings Tylormade's team into 3rd place, and while they were 4th overall in EFFG and they finished 4th overall in OPP EFFG, their 3rd place ranking in the last power rankings in the latter category pushes them ahead of #4. They're on a 9-game winning streak, having not lost since before the All-star break. I had Ashkickers kicking ash this season and playing as the 6th seed in a relegation game. oops! But I did have them winning that series!

4. Linndale
I'd like to call them the little engine that could, but truth is, after their early season acquisition of Knowles turned into the league leader in salary, totaling almost $330k, just over $21k more than the next closest team (Gremlins). A nice win to cap the season and be only 1 game back of Philly, but they do have an interesting matchup with Nikky Nay to start the playoffs. At least they'll be at home and probably will have a shot to win another one, this time on the road against (presumably) Philly. Linndale finished the season with 118.1 EFFG and 80 OPP EFFG. I also had Linndale winning their relegation matchup before the season. double oops!

Season 57 Final Power Rankings - Part Two
5. Lion Rebels
I don't feel good about this, but Mighty Moose Rockets tank job for game 22 gives me no choice as it pushed me up four spots in EFFG (102.9) from 12th to 8th and up three spots in OPP EFFG (75.9) from 6th to 3rd. It was nice to see R. Singh get a 20+ double/double, but it feels like a sham since it was against only four players. (Thank god it wasn't a walk over). San Dom's gotta be a little upset as my squad's point differently now dwarfs his and eliminated his chance for the playoffs. I do just want to mention that Byron Lutz played in his first U21 game today for the USA and as my first player to hit that feat, makes me feel pretty proud. I goofily had myself ranked 2nd in the Big 8, but fortunately had the sense for Philly to beat me in the semi-final round.

6. Rip City Revival
After falling to MMR, Rip City dominated San Dominica Warriors to finish the season at 15-7 and third place in the Big 8. A slight drop in EFFG (98.9) leaves them ranked 11th, but their defense has been feisty, finishing the season ranked 2nd in OPP EFFG at 75. At home, I'd trust them against almost anyone, but they start out on the road against Linndale and they have some interesting options for tactics - which route will they go? Nikky Nay finished 1st in Average Points per Game with 28.3. Rip was slated as 4th in my preseason rankings, losing to MMR in the semi-finals.

7. Mighty Moose Rockets
As suggested a few weeks ago, looks like Hutch44 has resigned themselves to staving off relegation as they'll face off against pintipv, whom they easily handled back on May 21, winning at home 130-100. They get home court advantage, so even though pint seems to be a bit upstart recently, MMR should be well set to remain in the division. But will they return with the fearsome Kofan/Fleurent combo? They finished the season with 104.4 EFF (6th) and 97.6 OPP EFG (9th). Kofan and Fleurent finished 1st and 3rd in best players by efficiency on the season. Those two beasts led me to believe they would match up against Gremlins in the championship series.

8. The Beer Bellys
I've had a lot of faith in this crew this season, including in the preseason where I had them making 2nd place in the Great 8 and making it to their conference finals. To be fair, they're EFFG has been good this season! They finished 6th with 108.9 overall. Their trouble has consistently been their defense, allowing 108.6 OPP EFFG, which was good for 11th on the season. They had a pretty rough run to end the season, losing their final three games to finish at .500 on the season, but fortunately for them, they held a big enough lead over Miami Cleo and pintipv that it wasn't a problem. Although, their bound to lose their semi-final matchup against Ashkickers, but all in all, I'd say it was a successful first Div III venture for thatguy!

9. San Dominica Warriors
Coach Stephenson's crew had a good run and with a couple of games going a different way for them, they could have made the playoffs, but stumbled at the end losing their last two games to finish 12-10 and are now facing a relegation matchup with Dallas Bomskwad. Much to my shame, I had San Dom finishing 8th in the Big 8 and I'm assuming my error in judgment came from me undervaluing the salaries of players 6-10, with San Dom (pre-transfer flurry) ranked 3rd in "assumed bench players" overall. Not really sure where they go from here, but I do just want to point out that they have a 23-year-old who only played in 4 games this season and that's a travesty because his name is Gary Cary and I can't believe they're letting that go to waste. "Gary Cary with the long ball...3!!!!! That Gary Cary is scarry from deep!" I'll see myself out.

Season 57 Final Power Rankings - Part Three
10. Żubr Białystok
Another promotee into our division, another team I rated rather highly in the preseason, but you know what? I was right about whitestok's team! They did finish third in the Great 8! And while they finished with a winning record, they did only have a +80-point differential on the season. And, as with all of these teams that nearly matched their own EFFG with their OPP EFFG, it was kind of a tossup. Żubr finished the season up 4 pts in EFFG at 104.3 (good for 7th overall) and while they kept their season average OPP EFFG under 100 (98.6) that still only ranked 10th in the division. Unfortunately for them, they're coming up against Gremlins in the first round of the playoffs, but once again, another successful climb into DIV III. whitestok also has a couple of potentially great players they're training, so the next few seasons should be interesting to see what unfolds.

11. Miami Cleo
packer_22's squad clawed their way back from an 0-4 start, finding themselves in 7th place in the Great 8 to finish in 5th place to put themselves in an interesting relegation matchup against War Birds. I actually predicted (god I'm a bleep-hole) that Miami would relegate out, so I'm kinda proud of them for sticking it to me and putting themselves in a better position to stay intact. Their trio of guards (Maurin, Santana, & Varpukevicius) are pretty dynamic and it will be interesting to see their impact next season, as long as they stick around.

12. pintipv
pintipvw's team find themselves pushed down into 6th place even though they were able to pull out wins against Żubr & The Beer Bellys in their last four games - their -189-point differential killed them in the end. 31-year-old Brit Dan Donlon was an absolute terror on the season, finishing second in ppg, 1st in 3FG made in to go along with being #8 in all of Div III, #19 in all of the USA in 3FG made, and being #229 in 3FG made in all of the world. Pretty spectacular accomplishments for a Div III player. pintipv finished the season with 101.1 EFFG (9th) but 132.2 OPP EFFG (14th) and they have a tough relegation matchup against MMR, depending on how Hutch plans to play things out.

13. War Birds
Grimhawke was able to stave off Seattle and immediate relegation (well, I guess not immediate - this last week has got to feel like a giant drag for Seattle and Weather Society) in their final matchup with a 9-point victory on the back of Lithuanian PG Ramūnas Kiaulius's 39 PTS on 17-20 shooting, including 5-7 from three, nearly overtaking his previous personal best of 41 points back in November of last year. I had predicted War Birds would finish 6th in the Big 8, eventually losing out to Ashkickers, but now they have a chance against Miami Cleo, but their biggest hindrance will be their defense. While their Inside D was strong in their final game, their season OPP EFFG ended up at 120.7 (13th) while their EFFG was good for 97.8. It will take some miracle work for Grimhawke to pull this off.

Season 57 Final Power Rankings - Part Four
14. Seattle SuperSonicz
If only one of the bottom dwellers on the other side of the standings was in the Big 8, Seattle might have a chance to avoid relegation, but alas, they find themselves destined for DIV IV. But since they auto promoted after season 55, it might be beneficial for them to retool for a season below to find themselves better prepared for DIV III. It looks like they've already started retooling as they sold off 25-year-old American Fred Jarkes and 37-year-old Gregory Jordan. And with only 6 players on the roster, they've got another three transfer listed already. Had to have been tough losing every game after the all-star break.

15. Dallas Bomskwad
Dallas isn't out of it yet, but with only 2 wins on the season (both against Weather) and a tough relegation matchup against San Dominica. The Architect's mid-season pick up of Timotheos Grigoropoulos didn't solve their offensive woes (68.7 EFFG) and didn't do enough for their OPP EFFG woes (132.6). Before the season, I predicted they'd face relegation, but would win out. At this point, I'm not so sure of that. But I'm wary of doubting the "Greek Freak" in the right circumstances.

16. Weather Society
Despite Cristiano Masetti's 25.3 points per game, Melon Collie's Society was unable to produce a win, falling in their final game by only four points to Dallas in their closest matchup on the season. They did win two cup games though and went 4-3 in BBM, so they didn't exactly lose every game this season (just the ones that counted!). At the end of the day, with only two players with more than $10k salary, it was too tough for them to hang. They finished the season with 68.1 EFFG and 157.5 OPP EFFG. Good luck in making your way back to Div III Melon!

Playoff and Relegation Predictions
Since I'm so good at these predictions, here's how I see the games that matter playing out.

Relegation Series
Series 1: San Dominica Warriors (5) vs. Dallas Bomskwad (7)
This is the series with the most glaring separation of teams matched up in terms of efficiency. But interestingly, with Dallas' Timotheos Grigoropoulos in the top 3 in the league in average rating and San Dominica not having a single player in the top 20 in average efficiency or rating, it may look like the Greek would be able to swing this series in their favor. But Dallas' glaring omission is depth, of which San Dom has plenty. In their lone matchup this season, San Dom easily handled Bomskwad, defeating them on the road 108-44 with EFFG ratings being even more drastic (144-11). Grigoropoulos played 40 minutes but only scored 5 points on 2-11 shooting (including 1 free throw), while the Warriors made over 50% of their shots, including 11-24 from beyond the arc. Dallas was outrebounded, out assisted, didn't take care of the ball (22 TO), and let the Warriors make 21 trips to the line. The only caveat is it appears that The Architect didn't use as much effort in the matchup. Enthusiasm could play a factor here, but with two road games in the series, it doesn't look promising for Dallas.
Prediction: San Dominica in two games.

Series 2: Miami Cleo (5) vs. War Birds (7)
These two teams finished two places apart in the final rankings. The War Birds have a better EFFG, but Miami has the better OPP EFFG. War Birds narrowly defeated Miami 112-110 on the road back in May, but required more effort to do so. Miami also guessed and missed on offensive focus. This was also the game where War Birds had an epic comeback at the end by scoring 42 points in the final frame for the two-point win after being down 24 after three. This should be a good matchup where tactics and enthusiasm should definitely come into play. Lucky for Miami, they've got two games at home. Will R. Kiaulius and C. McMahon able to pull off the upset? Or will Miami's trio of guards be able to eliminate War Birds? I'm going with Game Shapes on this one and home court advantage on this one...
Prediction: Miami in three games.

Series 3: Mighty Moose Rockets (6) vs. pintipv (6)
Which MMR team is going to come out to play tonight in game one? The vaunted duo of Kofan/Fleurent? Or whatever that four-person lineup was that came out and scored only 21 points in 48 minutes? If I had to guess, since Kofan/Fluerent haven't sold and haven't been re-re-re-re-listed, MMR is going to come out guns blazing. While their final EFFG was 104.4, their previous was nearly 10 points hire on the season (before the last three games of the season), sitting at 112.5, good for 5th in the league. While pintipv's held steady in EFFG, finally creeping up to 101.1, their OPP EFFG is worrisome. If Kofan/Fleurent play, I don't think this series is close. But if they trot out that trio of 40-somethings and offer their 19-year-old Roosevelt Heard up as a sacrifice again, it will definitely go the other way. In the end, I don't think they really want to relegate.
Prediction: Mighty Moose Rockets in three games (gotta get that extra dough, amirite?).


Last edited by Baine at 7/12/2022 1:01:20 PM

Playoff Semifinal Series Predictions
Big 8 Semi-Final Game 1: Philly Dribble (1) vs. Lion Rebels (4)
In five games over the last two seasons, Philly has easily handled Lion Rebels four times, with the last game something of a fluke for an 11-point win at home for the Rebels. The issue here is twofold: depth and home court advantage. I don't believe even with a high rating of enthusiasm that the Rebels would be able to pull one out on the road against Philly. We'll have to wait and see, but Philly's dominance at the top of EFFG and OPP EFFG week in and week out don't bold well for the Rebels who badly need some more depth to be able to truly compete.
Prediction: Philly advances to the Conference Finals

Big 8 Semi-Final Game 2: Linndale (2) vs. Rip City Revival (3)
Linndale defeated Rip City in both games this season, the first narrowly by two points, and the second at home confidently by 15. Nikky Nay will be a handful, for sure, and while Rip City has a relatively strong starting 5, will he continue to play Nikky out of position or will he attempt to push further into the playoffs? Meanwhile, Linndale boasts a strong starting 5 with no salary under $23k, including another four off the bench with salaries of at least $14k. Game shape appears equal when it is all said and done - the only question might be enthusiasm related. Does Rip City have enough stored up to pull off the upset and send Linndale packing? As we've seen this season, home court advantage seems to be unreal, so unless Rip sacrifices it all for one game...
Prediction: Linndale advances to the Conference Finals

Great 8 Semi-Final Game 1: The Ashkickers (1) vs. The Beer Bellys (4)
I think the story of this matchup will be defense - that is, Ashkickers D and Beer Bellys non-existent D. Belly lost both matchups against Ash by a combined 43 points and only averaged 80.5 points per game (compared to Ash's 102 per game). 22 points are hard to make up, especially when you struggle to contain the other team's scoring. Interestingly, both teams averaged just over 98 points per game this season...but Ashkickers proved they could shut teams down.
Prediction: The Ashkickers advance to the Conference Finals

Great 8 Semi-Final Game 2: Gremlins (2) vs. Żubr Białystok (3)
Man, the top two teams in this conference are GOOD. And while Żubr Białystok has had a good entry into this league, it's going to be difficult for them to pull this off on the road. While Gremlins beat Żubr Białystok twice this season, their second matchup on the road was only a ten-point victory, compared to the 31-point win earlier in the season at home. Żubr is not in quite the same boat as thatguy's squad, but their problem will definitely be Gremlins great defense combined with their great offense. They'd have to blow their chance at winning the conference finals by using all their enthusiasm to win on the road in this game and I'm not sure they've got the enthusiasm stocked up, though they might. Interesting decision ahead of them.
Prediction: Gremlins advance to the Conference Finals

Last edited by Baine at 7/12/2022 1:03:08 PM

Conference Finals and League Finals Predictions
Big 8 Conference Finals: Philly Dribble (1) vs. Linndale (2)
Is Linndale really going to go for it in year one? I could be wrong on this one, but this is an interesting number to me - in game one of their season series, Linndale got smoked on the road by Philly (91-57). Recent edition Kyle Knowles was playing in only his third game for Linndale and while he had a rating of 13.5 in 34 minutes, his efficiency came in at -6, shooting 4-24 from the field, including 0-8 from three, with Philly's Max Woesler and Paride Fasselli combining to shut him down. It probably didn't help that Linndale went with the Patient approach, while Philly tried to burn the place down with his Run & Gun attack. In their second matchup in the final game of the season, however, Kyle Knowles played much more efficiently, with a rating of 15.0 and an efficiency of 18 scoring 24 points and only 1 turnover. Tactically, both teams switched it up and Linndale’s Inside Defense appeared to overtake Philly at home. I think the outcome of this matchup comes down to Kyle Knowles' performance. If he can be efficient, they've got a shot on the road for the finals. If not, they're heading home.
Prediction: Philly Dribble 92 - Linndale 89

Great 8 Conference Finals: The Ashkickers (1) vs. Gremlins (2)
Gizmo have to be kicking themselves for losing out on home court advantage through the conference playoffs by losing to Ashkickers in the final matchup of the season. They Defeated Ash at home before the all-star break by 13 with defense showing up big with Gremlins not able to score 80 points, but keeping Ash to less than 70. Ashkickers flipped the script in game two, employing a Run & Gun tactic that pushed them over the top, scoring 97 points and holding Gremlins to 82 to replace them in the standings. These two have been neck and neck in the rankings for efficiency, bouncing back and forth around each other in both EFFG and OPP EFFG. In their final matchup, Gremlins C W. Chan Kiew struggled, going 3-11 from the field while still pulling down 10 rebounds, but turning the ball over several times and ringing up 5 fouls in 37 minutes. Looking at the different game logs, I think this comes down to whether or not The Ashkickers can score from beyond the arc and if they can get to the line (kinda like James Harden!). They have the advantage of being at home and after Gremlins lost last season to Scrap Heap Low Posters in the Finals, they've got to be nervous to feel like they might have underperformed this season by potentially letting The Ashkickers overtake them.
Prediction: Gremlins 97 - Ashkickers 98 (Overtime)

Season 57 Finals Prediction
Philly Dribble vs. The Ashkickers
Philly brings in both a better offense and defense (based on points per game and points allowed per game) and has consistently dominated the league in efficiency. (Not to bring down Ashkickers - they've consistently been near the top in both categories as well). In their only game this season, Philly dominated with a 25-point win, jumping out to an 11-point lead, before holding Ash to only 10 points in the third quarter. They've both got quality outside attacks, so if this is indeed the matchup, it will be interesting to see how it plays out. You have to go back to season 55 for the last time Ashkickers beat Philly, but it was pretty handily, 92-54 at Ash's home court. Both teams have developed a lot in two seasons, however, so I don't know how viable that is as a data point for review. With home court advantage, I think this goes Philly's way, but I think enthusiasm stock levels will go a long way to seeing how this plays out.
Prediction: Philly wins in three games
Game One: Philly 93 - Ashkickers 83
Game Two: Ashkickers 94 - Philly 89
Game Three: Philly 91 - Ashkickers 88

Season 57 Stats
Just for something to do while some of us idly wait for the season to wind down...good luck to those of you still fighting for promotion or to stay put! All stats are per game.

Team Stats
Offensive Stats
Points Per Game
1. pintipv 102.6 (pint came almost out of nowhere at the end there - with 6 games left in the season, they were averaging 95.5 PPG - here's their last six games' scores: 128, 147, 114, 113, 110, 117 to give them the league lead)
2. Gremlins 102.4
3. Philly Dribble 100.8
Only three teams averaged at least 100 points this season - last season we had 6 teams

Best Point Differential
1. Philly Dribble 22.9
2. The Ashkickers 16.9
3. Linndale 16.3
Gremlins on the outside looking in with 16.0

Highest FG Percentage
1. Philly Dribble 46.5%
2. Gremlins 45%
3. Linndale 44.2%

Best 3-Point Percentage
1. Philly Dribble 41.4%
2. The Ashkickers 41.3%
3. pintipv 38.5%

Top Assisting Teams
1. Philly Dribble 21.3
2. The Beer Bellys 20.8
3. Linndale 20.2

Best Offensive Rebounding Teams
1. San Dominica Warriors 15.4
2. Gremlins 13.8
3. Dallas Bomskwad 13.4
Pretty incredible to see the 2nd highest field goal shooting team at #2 on this list - typically goes to the lower FG% teams

Most Efficient Teams of the Season
1. Philly Dribble 124.2
2. Gremlins 122.5
3. Linndale 118.1

Defensive Stats
Points Allowed Per Game
1. Rip City Revival 76.1
2. Philly Dribbe 77.9
3. Lion Rebels 78.9
Half the league allowed less than 86.4 PPG

Top Rebounding Teams
1. Gremlins 53.3
2. San Dominica Warriors 52.7
3. The Ashkickers 52.5

Best Blocking Teams
1. San Dominica Warriors 7.2
2. The Ashkickers 7.1
3. Lion Rebels, Mighty Moose Rockets, Miami Cleo 5.8

Teams with the most Gary Paytons (Steals)
1. Lion Rebels 7.9
2. Rip City Revival 7.7
3. Linndale 7.3
Four other teams with at least 7, but less than 7.3 steals per game

Least Turnover Prone Teams
1. Mighty Moose Rockets, Linndale 9.3
2. San Dominica Warrriors 9.5
3. Philly Dribble 9.6

Random Stats
Highest Season Receipts Total
1. Philly Dribble $2.612 M
2. Gremlins $2.559 M
3. Linndale $2.557 M

Most Personal Fouls per Team
1. Linndale 18.3
2. pintipv 17.8
3. Żubr Białystok 17.3

- Free throw shooting was not our strong suit this season, with only 4 teams averaging more than 75% from the stripe and no one had hit 82% on the season.
- Only three teams had less than 85 efficiency per game
- All DIV III.11 teams made it to at least round 3 in the Cup, 13 teams extended their run to round 4, 7 proceeded to Round 5, three more dropped out after Round 6, War Birds made it to Round 7, and Philly Dribble pushed into Round 8 before losing to a DIV.II team.