NT Post-Game Report: Italy 6/20
Live from a sold out crowd of 20,000 in the Spożywczak in Poland, the second round of the World's championship began as the United States National Team was set to take on the Italy National Team. The Americans were honored by having special guests NBA Champions Dallas Mavericks and next to them was Edju who had bribed and forced the NHL Champions Boston Bruins.
Starting Line-up:
PG: Martin "Money" Medrano
SG: Ricky "LogDog" Logsdon
SF: Ismael "Good ol'" Grubbs
PF: Jairo Alejandro Renteria aka "The Beast"
C: Cliff "MC Hammer" Gonzales
Tactically the two NT's used two different styles of play against one another. The US went with a Push the ball offense and a 2-3 zone while our Italian counterparts decided to use a look inside and a 3-2 zone.
First Half: To start the USA offense, Ricky Logsdon hit a jumper to tie the game at 2-2. A very close first quarter as there were several lead changes but the United states managed to maintain a lead for the later half of the first quarter, 19-18. An interesting note 1 minute into the game, Ismael Grubbs grabbed a defensive board and at the next dead ball felt he was too much of a legend for those on the floor with him at the same time and asked if somebody could sub in for him until the time was right to return. The second quarter featured another close battle as there were many lead changes and with 30 seconds left a rebound from Paul "Postman" Owens with the score tied at 44, Dexter "Dimes" Dennison took it hard to the hole to give the US a 2 point lead and to assure that the US had the lead going into the second half "Dimes" managed to steal the ball from the Italians for their final possesion. At the half the United States led 46-44.
Half-Time: At the half Namssor greeted every player with a salute.
Namssor: Alright guys I know we have a 2 point lead... but we need a win! You have to keep at it! Never give up! and go hard!
Medrano: *whispering in back*
Namssor: MARTIN MEDRANO ARE YOU LISTENING TO ME! REPEAT WHAT I JUST SAID!
Medrano: Ugh.... uhh.. Keep at it, never give in and go hard?
Namssor: That's what she said!!
Medrano: Wait.. did you call yourself a girl?
Namssor: ... I know you are but what am I!
Medrano: I feel confused
Namssor: That's what she said!
After a confusing half-time, the team knew what they had to do in the second half, keep the baskets coming and play good defense on Italy to improve our PD.
Second Half: In a defensive third quarter both teams scored 17 points as the buckets were not falling for both teams. For the first time this NT season Team USA was crashing the boards and giving themselves more opportunities and also cutting the second chances the Italians wanted. The fourth quarter had begun and the minutes that followed were an explosion of offense from both teams. At 1:27 with the USA lead of 90-86 the Ginja Ninja Richard Ugona got the steal passed it to Martin "Money" Medrano who with a no look pass gave to Paul "Postman" Owens who hit a game changing layup as he switched hands in mid-air to give the US a 92-86 lead! With 1 minute left in the game the SF that started the game Ismael Grubbs returned for the moment to hit free throws to lock up the game for the United States. However Grubbs never got his free throws, Logsdon, Owens, Medrano, and Bronson hit free throws to give the United States the 106-95 win!
National Team Interviews tomorrow night!