OU O-U-T

Reading, Ma - For the first time in the storied history of the franchise, Origins Unknown was knocked out of the playoffs in round 1 by the patch-worked Hustlers, 68-65. OU had their chances to move on, but were undone by an early deficit and a flurry of late mistakes and missed opportunities.

Two weeks prior, OU had dismantled the Hustlers by nearly 20 points - and did so with only four players. But, the Hustlers brought a slightly different team to this game, highlighted by a slashing Stretchy-esque figure, with some serious wheels and hops. OU had issues with their new addition's quickness out of the gate, and quickly fell behind.

The game was back and forth, but the Hustlers clearly had things going their way, as even their thick-necked captain was hitting running half-hooks and jumpers. OU, meanwhile, was off the mark. Jump shots were streaky, and none of the OU bunch seemed to find their rhythm as the half came to an end. With the clock winding down, the Hustler slasher stole a pass and covered 3/4 court in less than 3 seconds to give the underdogs an 8 point lead at the half.

OU made their run in the second half. Cap'n Mike connected on some long jumpers, and the OU defense clamped down and neutralized the Hustler's new runner. While he was somewhat-taken out of the game, however, the other Hustlers lanky guard worked OU over for an impressive four minute stretch. He knocked down a three in transition, and then drove for an and-1, keeping OU on their toes. A gritty comeback in the making, the OU crew tied the game with less than two minutes left, but two quick fouls by Cap'n Mike would be his last, and he was forced out of the game with five total fouls. OU had a chance to tie, as Shu-ter Patel went to the line for two free-throws, but both shots bounced off the rim. A turnover by OU on their next trip up the court was another missed opportunity. OU quickly fouled, and the Hustlers went to the line to build the lead to 2. Danger Dan Fisher drove the ball hard on the next trip up the court, but just missed a pull-up. He appeared to get fouled as he corralled his own rebound, but there was no whistle. The Hustlers ended up with the ball, and after a foul, headed to the line for the third time in less than a minute. Once again, they missed, and James "Stretch" Hogan IV snatched the rebound and quickly passed the ball up to Fisher for a last second three-point attempt. The ball looked good in the air, but front-rimmed and the upset was complete.

OU will attempt to rebound from the disappointing end to the session, after a few weeks of golf...