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9/12 Weekly Review

United States vs. Spain
The United States came away with their first big win of the season, taking down Spain 105-88 (16613). While not technically a "must win game," the win will go along way in the standings. Solid ball movement and control of the boards helped as the US, for the first time, had less turnovers and fouls then their opponent. Game ball goes to Terrance Hammond (16442250) who, after putting down the Canadian Bacon for a week, was able to get in good enough shape to slap up a 21/7 off 8/9 shooting and leading all scorers.

Next up for the United States is a very tough Hong Kong team. Again, the game is not technically a "must-win" but to be safe, the US controls their own destiny. Win and we're in.

Other results
No real surprises this week but the results left a traffic jam in the standings in Pool A, with 4 teams tied at 2-2. Hong Kong took down Senegal 88-71 (16614) on a CT-TIE to move to 2-2. Poland moved to 4-0 after a 100-89 win over Israel (16615). In Pool A, Italy moved to 4-0 with a 100-98 buzzerbeater win over France (16630) while Brasil fell to a tough German team 69-90 (16628). Finally, China got their first win of the season over Egypt at 120-100 (16629)

9/26 Weekly Review

Obviously I missed a week of reviews. Last week we defeated Hong Kong in a great effort to clinch the second round. Despite an enthusiasm disadvantage, the US prevailed 89-76 (16616), clinched 2nd place in the group and advanced to the second round: (http://www.buzzerbeater.com/world/standings.aspx?teamid=1...).

4 teams from each group advance to the second round. Only wins against advancing teams count which is why we started at 1-2. In the second round you face the four opponents from the other group who you have not faced yet. The top 4 teams move on to the semi-finals. Typically, finishing in the top 4 requires at least 4 wins so we have a lot of work ahead of us!

United States vs. Germany
Our first matchup was against the 3-0 Germans, arguably the toughest competition we will face in the 2nd round judging from their 3-0 ranking.

After starting off slow, the Americans rallied from 16 down to overcome a 39+ minute German lead and won 100-91 (16644). Words do not give the victory justice as the game looked lost at halftime. Terrance Hammond (16442250) kicked it into high gear in the second half scoring 18 of his game high 22 points and grabbing 5 offensive boards. However, the game ball goes to starting Point Guard Laverne Goddard (16437910) who produced a statisticians wet dream going for 18 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 5 steals, 3 blocks, 5-9 from the field and 8-8 from the free throw line. His assists, steals and blocks were critical to overcoming the first half deficit.

The win moves the USA to 3rd place at 2-2 with a +9 Point Differential and moves Germany down to 2nd place at 3-1 with a +31 Point Differential.

Next up the US takes on France.

France vs. Hong Kong
France, coming off an easy match against Egypt, handily took care of the overmatched Hong Kongers 96-75 (16643). Hong Kong continued to mix it up, going Look Inside this game but to no avail. Arnaud Monté (16667839) looked unstoppable, putting up 25/26 while the helpless Tsang Tze Peng (16935143) and To Woei Jye (16934394) stood by and watched.

The win moves France to 6th place while Hong Kong retreats to 7th place. Both teams likely need to win out to advance.

Brasil vs. Poland
Brasil, the other American team and one of only 3 non-European teams in the 2nd round, fell to the dominant Poles 108-86 (16645). The Poles continued their undefeated run led by Janusz Wawoczny (17004412) who put up 22 points to lead all scorers.

Poland now sits solely in 1st place, and almost certainly a lock to make the semi-finals at 4-0. Brasil, on the other hand, drops to a bleak 8th place and, while technically still alive, cannot feel good about their prospects.

Italy vs Israel
In the final game of the day, the battle of the eastern Mediterranean, Israel took down the Italian's 97-80 (16646). Israel rode an egregious free throw disparity to victory while also controlling the boards. The starters at PF & C cancelled each other out but Israel's role players were able to give just enough extra juice to take home the win.

Israel, however, still sits one spot behind the Italians at 5th and 4th respectively.

Europe continues to showcase its dominance this season, holding 5 of the top 6 spots currently.

10/3 Weekly Review

United States vs. France
After a huge upset win, the US took on France. France, playing with their backs against the wall at 1-3, fell by two points 73-71 (16648) after Mike Merrilll (16433183) smartly took the one foul to give as time expired to hold off France's comeback. For the second straight game, USA overcame injuries to a starter, this time SF Jarvis Carlson (16443435) to defeat a tough European team. Pascal Brevet (16669269) did his best to keep France in the game, scoring 21 points to lead all scorers. Meanwhile, Wilson Battle (16439603) did his best to get out of the coach's doghouse putting up 7 points, 5 boards, 1 assist and 2 steals while filling in for the injured Carlson.

The game ball, however, goes to Center Terrance Hammond (16442250) for putting up a double double with 20 points and 12 boards while battling French stand-out Arnaud Monté (16667839) down low. Hammond also put in the game winning basket with 2 seconds left off a nice pass from Mike Merrill.

Up next the USA takes on a familiar competitor in Brasil while France gets Israel.

Brasil vs. Hong Kong
Hong Kong rolled over Brasil, coming away with a 25 point win 121-96 (16647) but at the expense of more effort. The win keeps Hong Kong alive for the semifinals but likely eliminates the Brazilians. Both teams went outside, an oddity for this tournament. Hong Kong was able to control the boards while shooting and impressive 46% from 3.

Brasil takes on the United States next in what is likely a meaningless game while Hong Kong looks to stay alive against the #1 ranked Italians.

Italy vs. Poland
Upset alert! The Italians came away with a decisive win over an undefeated Polish team, winning 94-80 (16649). Italy utilized a successful outside attack led by the baby faced Matteo Infantino (16638745). Infantino put in 26 points of 10-16 shooting including 5-8 from 3. Infantino abused Poland's 3 center inside attack which left Poland exposed from downtown.

Poland looks to rebound from their first loss with a game against the German blitzkrieg attack. Italy, meanwhile, will look to continue to climb the standings against a desperate Hong Kong team.

Germany vs. Israel
In what appears to be yet another upset, Germany drops its second game in a row, this time to Israel 98-92 (16650). The Germans have to be wondering what is going on after entering the second round with a perfect carryover record. Israel, utilizing a Poland-esque 3 center attack, dominated the boards to help come away with the win 54-35. Israel was led by Uri David (16743626) who put up 21 points and 13 rebounds, including 6 offensive rebounds, as well as 3 assists.

Israel will face off against France next while Germany takes on the aforementioned Poland.

Standings
Interestingly enough, the games had almost no effect on the standings with only France and Hong Kong swapping spots. Poland remains in the lead at 4-1 but there is now a 4 way tie for 2nd place with Germany, United States, Italy and Israel respectively (in order). Meanwhile, Hong Kong sits in 6th place at 2-3 but with a very impressive positive point differential. One win for them would vault them towards the top of the list. France and Brasil round out the group at 1-3 each.
(http://www.buzzerbeater.com/world/standings.aspx?teamid=1...)