OU Intensity Buries Howse Corpse

Reading, MA – Three weeks ago, Origins Unknown looked beat up and washed up. A major injury to an OU crew veteran and a 15-point loss to the Warriors capped a disappointing winter session, as the team limped into the crowded YMCA league playoffs with a record of 6-4. All of the uncertainty swirling around the team changed after their 74-49 dismantling of the Warriors in the first round of the playoffs last week. And, if you wondered whether OU could top that effort… they could - and they did.

Last night at the Reading Civic Center, Origins Unknown took on the #2 seed, 9-1 Howse Corp, in the semi-finals and dominated from tip to buzzer, winning 80-61. The game was a physically draining affair, as Howse Corp is known for their intensity and never-say-die attitude. OU, however, matched the intensity and also countered with a very balanced offensive and defensive effort.

The game started with OU making a quick run, with scoring spread amongst Danger Dan Fisher, James "Stretch" Hogan IV, Chris "Big" Johnson, and Cap'n Mike. The key to the early success was constant movement, as well as the team members not forcing their shots. Cap'n Mike and Fisher were able to use screens to find holes in the man to man defense, while Hogan and Johnson had their way on the low block. As Hogan slashed to the bucket and shut down the top Howse weapon, Johnson was the consummate low post threat, and once he caught the ball on the block, you could pretty much count it as two points. The offensive flow allowed OU to jump out to a 15 point lead early - a lead that they would never really relinquish.

One of the main reasons for the maintained consistency was the play of Shu-ter Patel off the bench. Patel was able to enter the game early on and fit in seamlessly to the existing offensive success - nailing two huge three pointers halfway through the half. Meanwhile, Fisher was definitely on his game, as he hit pull ups, lay-ups and thread the needle on multiple occasions. On defense OU was playing one of their best games in recent memory. Each player took personal ownership of their opponent, and forced Howse into difficult shots and turnovers - which typically ended with OU corralling the rebounds or loose balls. As the first half wound down, OU was able to maintain a 15 point cushion, even with a Howse jumper at the buzzer.

Knowing that Howse would make a run, OU spent the first five minutes of the second half with solid defensive focus. The teams went back and forth, but OU seemed to weather any small run that Howse was able to put together. For Howse, only Rusty "The Ageless Wonder" Howse seemed to be able to get to the basket and score. The Curran brothers, Richie and Dennis, also had their moments, but a redheaded defensive machine, foul trouble, and Richie's hot temper seemed to keep the dangerous duo in check. Hogan's (the redhead) defensive work on Richie Curran will go down as one of the best shut-down performances in OU history.

OU hit a bit of a wall with 10 minutes left in the game, and the offensive movement became more difficult. Perhaps the mental and physical exhaustion crept into Cap'n Mike's psyche at that point, as he threw up a three pointer from 4-5 feet behind the three point line... It was old school Cap'n Mike and just like everything else for OU - it worked - swishing through the net and taking a little wind out of the Howse sail.

Even as Howse desperately pressed and chased them defensively, and the game never got any closer. The lead swelled to 20+ when Johnson stepped out and nailed a late three pointer, capping a nearly perfect night.

OU now heads to the finals to face the #1 seed Crusty Muskets. Even after the big win, the OU bunch is far from satisfied and knows that they need maximum effort for one more week in order to reach their goal of a league championship.