Written by Jaspreet Grewal
SWB’s Obedience to Fundamental Basketball Gives Them the 93-86 Win over Athlete Institute(Brampton A’s)
The OVO Bounce tournament was on full alert Wednesday evening at Ryerson’s Kerr Hall. No different than days one and two, the gymnasium was packed on the third day as fans prepared for another exciting night of basketball festivities. Despite limited seats available in and around the bleachers, fans were persistent in their quest to watch top tier talent go head to head against each other; many were evidently standing for almost three hours with no signs of letting up. It’s a good thing that the OVO Bounce Tournament was able to cater to the audience’s demand on Wednesday evening.
After edging out 1 Love T.O Tuesday night in a extremely physical series of events, SWB was at it again in the third day of the OVO Bounce tournament as they were able to get the 93-86 win over Cavelle Johnson and Athlete Institute.
Tyrone Watson led SWB in scoring with 22 while helping his squad maintain complete control throughout the game. Kevin Foster also chipped in with a generous 16 point contribution with most of his scoring coming in the second half.
Despite a 24 point night from Athlete Institute star Brent Jennings and a 20 point output courtesy of Flen Whitfield, the men in white were unable to derail SWB’s persistent pursuit of high-percentage shooting.
The first half between both teams proved to be a tale of two quarters.
Where one quarter had SWB dominate in every way imaginable, the other quarter displayed the resilience and overall character of Athlete Institute. Flen Whitfield was a man among boys in the second quarter as he out muscled any SWB player who tried to constrain him. He was able to pour in nine of his 20 points in the first 16 minutes of action, with almost all of his points coming in and around the basket.
Watson was spectacular all night against Athlete Institute with his consistent scoring, but it was his timely shots that provided relief for SWB.
After a somewhat one-sided affair for SWB in the first half of action, the final 16 minutes compensated for any absence of excitement that the first two quarters lacked.
With the help of Jennings and Johnson- who managed to carry out a collection of monster throw-downs throughout the contest, Athlete Institute cut deep into SWB’s lead in the third quarter.
Despite an impressive full court press and overwhelming on ball defense by SWB, which led to some easy scoring opportunities, Athlete Institute were able to override any run that SWB put together. Whitfield was able to set up shop down low throughout most of the third which, not surprisingly, made it difficult for the men in blue to create any sort of momentum. After consecutive buckets from Johnson on the inside near the latter stretch of the quarter, Athlete Institute only found themselves down two, 64-62, heading into the final frame.
The final eight minutes of action between the two squads proved to be an all out scoring affair. After what seemed like a sure win for the men in blue- so long as they maintained obedience to their foundational philosophies that got them the lead- Athlete Institute quickly established their identity in the fourth quarter and, as a result, cut the deficit to three, 77-74.
Jennings and his team were able to take the lead with over three minutes left in the quarter, but a couple of consecutive strong drives to the basket by Watson diminished any chances of an Athlete Institute comeback. From that point on, SWB regained control of the game and never looked back
In the end, it was Athlete Institute’s reluctance to consistently go inside and an unhealthy obsession with the three point line that prevented them from edging out SWB.
Written by Jaspreet Grewal
Behind a 36 Point Performance from Brandon Jennings, Team OVO Was Able to Get the 92-76 Win Over 1 Love T.O
Wednesday’s action between Team OVO and 1 Love T.O didn’t disappoint as we saw Detroit Piston’s guard, Brandon Jennings, put on a spectacle from beyond the arc on route to an impressive 36 point night. With the help of Jenning’s output on the offensive end, as well as a remarkable contribution from Morgan Lewis who chipped in with 27, OVO was able to beat out 1 Love T.O in a 16 point win, 92-76.
Amir Johnson, although not actively involved on the offensive side of things, maintained his brilliance on the defensive end, altering every shot that he attempted to bother.
Tramar Sutherland and Antwi Atuahene led 1 Love T.O in scoring with, 21, and, 15, respectively.
It was all Jennings early in OVO’s contest against 1 Love T.O, as fans witnessed an NBA-esque performance from the 6,1″ guard. Jennings was able to connect on four three pointers in the first quarter, almost fostering a tunnel vision type mentality that couldn’t be swayed, while leading his team to a three point , 25-22 lead after the first eight minutes of action. Lewis was also in on the fun as he was a recipient of two eye-popping dunks, including an alley-oop throw down courtesy of Myck Kabongo in the first quarter.
After a couple of jump hooks from Toronto Raptors forward and fan favourite, Amir Johnson, OVO found themselves in a heated battle against 1 Love T.O to start the second. Not only were both teams constantly exchanging buckets from the quarter’s commencement, but they were also providing the audience with a series of entertaining sequences, including a string of Lewis dunks that seemed to garner everyone’s attention inside Kerr Hall.
After another push made by 1 Love T.O, where we saw them knock down two consecutive three pointers in the latter stages of the second, it was Jennings who came up big with a buzzer beating long range ball to put OVO back up on top, 43-42, going into the half.
By the beginning of the third quarter, many fans could be seen abandoning their seats (from the opposite court) in an attempt to see the hoopla surrounding the game between OVO and 1 Love T.O, understandibly so.
The third quarter seemed to align accordingly with the events that ocurred in the second, as much of the quarter saw both teams exchanging baskets on almost every possession. Although OVO persistently tried to ignite a run and, subsequently, blow 1 Love T.O out of the water, the men in white refused to go down. Anytime Lewis knocked down a three pointer to create separation for his squad, it was responses from Antwi and company that kept them afloat and fighting.
After another desperation buzzer beating three pointer by Jennings, OVO saw themselves with an eight point lead, 72-64, heading into the 4th quarter.
In a game that saw both teams relelentlessly go back and forth against each other, it was the last five minutes of the concluding quarter that determined the outcome of the game.
It was widely visible that Jennings was relentlessly determined to get his team the win against 1 Love T.O, especially in the latter stages of the fourth where he opted to attack the rim as opposed to settling from beyond the arc- something he’s done all too frequently throughout the OVO Bounce tournament.
By the end of things, Team OVO was able to build a 16 point lead, and more importantly, get the win over 1 Love T.O, 92-76.
Be sure to check out the action again tomorrow evening as the OVO Bounce tournament heads into its second last day. Same place, same time. Be there!
Written by Graeme Wallace
#LaserFocused too much for Brampton winning 67-52
Tut Ruach got the game off to a quick start with a three pointer in the opening seconds for #LaserFocused. A soft Brampton defense was exposed by several easy drives to the basket. While #LaserFocused was driving to the basket, Brampton was content to let it fly from the outside. “Big Mike” Fraser was asserting himself inside and led #LaserFocused to a 20-15 lead after the first quarter. The second quarter got off to a bit of a sloppy start as no points were scored in the first 1:44 of action. Jermel Kennedy got the crowd turned up with a big slam for Brampton. However, #LaserFocused were able to go on a 10-4 run to take a 30-19 lead. Some suspect shooting and turnovers put Brampton behind the eight ball and they went into halftime facing a 35-24 deficit.
In the 3rd quarter Kennedy got the momentum swinging in Brampton’s favour with a big rejection of a Ryan Wright layup attempt. Then an Alex Johnson three ball sparked a 7-1 run and pulled Brampton to within seven at 36-29. After a powerful Fraser “and-one” bucket, it became clear that he could do what he wanted inside. The game started to slow down with fouls and turnovers and #LaserFocused took a 48-40 lead into the final quarter. Two quick Brampton hoops pulled them to within four, at 48-44. Alex Johnson’s jumper capped off a 6-0 reply for #LaserFocused and the score remained 54-44 for what seemed like an eternity. Although Brampton did get the next bucket, they struggled to get the stops needed to complete the comeback. In the end #LaserFocused pulled away and won 67-52.
Written by Graeme Wallace
CIA Bounce holds off 401 East by the score of 89-75
It was hard not to be amazed by the mere presence of CIA Bounce’s massive 7’5” Centre Sim Bhullar and he showed off some range by hitting a ten-footer in the opening minutes. CIA Bounce put a ton of defensive pressure on 401 East in the early going. LA Laker Jordan Clarkson and Tyler Ennis spearheaded a 14-0 run to end the first quarter and CIA Bounce led 22-8 after one frame. CIA Bounce were owning the glass early in the second as they earned several second and third shot opportunities. Ennis was applying crazy pressure on the opposing guards, which often led to breakaway Clarkson layups and dunks. The two once again sparked a huge 18-6 run which saw CIA Bounce take a 40-14 lead. 401 East appeared to be overwhelmed but went on a 9-3 run of their own to cut the deficit to 43-23 at the half.
In the 3rd, Clarkson continued to be the most impressive player on the court and he got the crowd going with a sick one handed jam that put CIA Bounce up 52-25. A 10-4 401 East run closed the gap to 56-35 but Clarkson once again answered back with a slam off a feed from Christian Kabongo. The quarter ended with CIA Bounce up 64-48, although 401 East outscored them 25-21 in the third. 4th quarter now and Clarkson showed his versatility with a fancy crossover and three pointer followed by yet another big rim rattler. Ennis continued to frustrate 401 East with his ongoing relentless pressure. 401 East showed a lot of heart battling back in the second half of the ball game which included a three pointer to bring them within ten points, 81-71. That would be as close as they would get however, as CIA Bounce was victorious, 89-75.
Posted by Drew Ebanks
