Round Two Goes To OU

Reading, MA – For the third time in the past four games, Origins Unknown and The Muskets tangled like Kobe and Ron Artest in a battle for supremacy at the Reading YMCA. In this latest installment of their rivalry, OU outplayed their nemesis' and held on for an impressive five-point victory.

OU was without the services of James “Stretch” Hogan IV, who proved to be less stretchy than usual when he threw out his back a day earlier. Without the fiery red-head, OU went to battle with the rest of the regulars – but faced a 7-man-deep Muskets team with plenty of size and speed.

The Muskets came out on a mission, and with their bigger lineup opened up a quick lead on OU. The game had plenty of energy, as the Muskets seemed to be on point with their drives and posts ups. Their big-bodied small forward worked his way around the hoop for hard-earned baskets, and OU was forced to weather a storm that saw the Muskets start out nearly perfect from the field. OU was hanging tough, through excellent post-play by Jay “WhateverIlike” Wandtke (Cause he can do whatever he likes) and Nick “Downlow”-Swain, as well as some timely long range bombs by Cap’n Mike. As the game progressed, the teams proved to be an even match. OU eventually caught up to take a six point lead – only to lose the lead in the final 3 minutes of the half. With the clock down to 8 seconds in the half, Wandtke made a strong move to his left from the three point line and finished a sweeping drive with only seconds left. The Muskets turned and pushed the ball up quickly though, and hit a lay-up to respond and keep it a one-point game.

There were several highlight plays for the OU bunch in the second half. Danger Dan Fisher making some tough pull-up jumpers in the thick of the defense. Shu-ter Patel finishing off a tough fast-break over a defender. Cap’n Mike getting to show off some post and mid-range skills (not to mention a soaring rebound in the paint where he looked a little like Rajon Rondo – ok, maybe not). Dutton-Swain punishing whoever guarded him on the block and going 4-4 from the line in the process. Or, Wandtke directing traffic on defense and hitting turnarounds/jumpers all over the place. It all added up to a 5-8 point lead that the Muskets could never quite penetrate.

As the game came down to the wire, the Muskets tightened the clamps – but OU responded with deft passing and stellar team defense. Even with the Cap’n missing three straight free throws - an event that is about as likely as Manny Ramirez being a steroid user… um… never mind – OU refused to give up open looks and kept the Muskets at bay.

The win, and a blowout win last week which didn’t warrant a write-up, pushes OU to 2-1 on the season.