Twin Towers Too Much for OU

Reading, MA - Origins Unknown was undermanned and over-matched by a veteran Crusty Muskets team Thursday night, but still managed to battle their old rivals to the bitter end, losing a hard fought contest 75-60.

Without the services of James "Stretch" Hogan IV and Danger Dan Fisher, OU came to play with just four players, each of whom gave it their all for 40 minutes. Unfortunately, the Muskets had a nearly full compliment of their own crew, including their own version of the "twin towers", which gave OU fits all night down low.

From the outset, OU did all they could to sabotage any chance that they had of keeping the game tight. An icy cold start dropped them in an early 15-1 hole out of the gate. Cap'n Mike was forcing some offense, while the Muskets countered with patience - establishing a low post presence immediately. A new addition to the Muskets is a rather athletic and wide 6'3" power forward. He seems to be having no trouble getting shots when needed, and kept Dr. J Greg Robinson and Shu-ter Patel on their toes defensively. Finally, OU got their game legs underneath them, and started to play the Muskets more evenly. The unorthodox line-up led to some interesting defensive match-ups that OU tried and tried to exploit. Chris "Big" Johnson had his hands full with the Muskets excellent big man Doug Diesel, which typically left Ralphie Numbnuts or Scrappy McMustache guarding Cap'n Mike or Patel. With the mismatches in place, OU made a conscious effort to get these two in the post for one on one action. The strategy seemed to work, as both players had their way with the shorter Muskets on the low blocks. As the half wound down, OU tried to get the lead to single digits, but a tough pass led to a turnover and the difference stayed at 10.

The second half was something to be proud of for the OU bunch. The fantastic four came out determined to keep the game close and get back in it basket by basket. The plan worked as Johnson, Robinson and Patel each made huge shots to cut into the deficit. After a series of defensive stops, Cap'n Mike drained a long three to cut the lead to three with 12 minutes remaining. Another steal a few seconds later had OU rushing up the court with a chance to cut it to one, or tie, but a Cap'n Mike three rimmed out. The Muskets seized the chance to gain back control and after a fortuitous bounce off of a missed jump shot, Ralphie Numbnuts found himself staring at a wide open three pointer which rattled around and found the bottom of the net.

That would be the closest OU would get, as the Muskets again went to work down low and get the lead back up with minutes remaining.

The loss leaves OU standing at a mediocre 3-3 on the season with some tough games remaining on the schedule. Next up is China Cuisine (formerly Chili's) at 7:00 next Thursday. The Muskets, meanwhile, remain perfect on the season with a 6-0 record and appear to be the team to beat in the league.