Muskets "Big Two" Too Much

Newburyport, MA - Well, it's been a whirlwind up and down 9 days for Cap'n Mike... I've seen the side of a boat, while puking my brains out during a Cod fishing trip in Plymouth... I've seen the sunset from the top of Mandalay Bay's The Hotel Mix Lounge in Las Vegas... And, I've played (and lost) in an overtime battle with the Crusty Muskets - a battle that no one will soon forget.

Since this is a blog about ballin', let's focus on the hoops! Just be forewarned that the championship game was BEFORE guffing off the "Andy Lynn", or three and a half days in Vegas (including a red eye flight home) - so I might be "misremembering" some things.

Origins Unknown has been riding a recent wave of good play, having dispatched of their two playoff opponents by an average of 22 points. The Crusty Muskets have had an equally impressive run, that included a 10-0 regular season and two playoffs victories. The game matched two distinctive styles, OU with a short bench and a frantic style, versus CM with their low post towers and deliberate movement.

The game played out the way many others in the history of the rivalry have - back and forth. OU shut down the outside weapons of CM, but did have their hands full on the low blocks. The CM big men were relentless, and skilled as they pounded the ball into the posts. OU meanwhile was using motion offense and scrappiness to keep the game tight. A special appearance by Dr. J Greg Robinson before the half had everyone excited, and provided a nice lift. At the end of the first half, the game was even.

The second half became your typical knock-down, drag-out fight as both teams put incredible effort into each trip up the court. OU would build a small lead, only to have CM get it right back with an offensive put back. As the game clock ticked down, here's what I do remember... OU was up 1 with less than 30 seconds left. Cap'n Mike got fouled and went to the line for two free throws. "Boink" - front rimmed the first one. "Swish" - made the second one. Unfortunately, CM came right back down the court and, needing only a two to tie, pounded it down low again to even the game. A timeout was called, and OU did have a chance with less than 10 seconds left, but the ball didn't bounce their way and the game went to overtime.

Overtime was a blur... literally. The three minute period went by extremely fast, and with OU just about out of gas, CM worked the blocks some more to take a small lead and eventually take home the championship.

It was a good effort by both teams and one heck of a turnaround for OU. Until next session... Work on those free throws.