CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
| Date | Home | Away | Tip-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 7, 2014 |  Toronto 3D |
 Hamilton’s Finest |
8:00 pm |
(1) Toronto 3D VS. (2) Hamilton’s Finest
At Redeemer University Click HERE!
The rivalry of Toronto versus Hamilton sporting events is a long one. Just a short drive along the QEW separates these two cities but the passion for their sporting teams stretch far beyond the driving distance. The North of the Border Basketball League, now in it’s second season, may have started a whole new rivalry in the basketball world between the Toronto 3D and Hamilton’s Finest.
These two sides previously met in Week 7 where the Toronto 3D narrowly edged out the Hamilton’s Finest 65-59 in a thrilling match-up. The rematch is sure to not disappoint. Many pegged a 3D versus Finest finals. The two were placed one and two, respectively, in the Pre-Season Rankings. Toronto 3D are looking to become the first team in NBBL history to finish a season undefeated.
Tramar Sutherland of the Toronto 3D has been having an outstanding run in the post season. He’s currently averaging 26.0 points and 12.0 rebounds per game in the post season.Sean Nickel hit some of the biggest shots in NBBL playoff history in the semi final game again Burlington, including a deep three-pointer at the expiration of the shot clock to tie the game. Nolan Gooding and N’Kruma Hylton will have to assume the roles of defensive anchors in this match-up, as there are reports that the Toronto 3D’s defensive stopper, Nigel Tyghter may be out due to an ankle injury. The Toronto 3D have been able to find a way to win games all season amassing a perfect record this far, Thursday may be their biggest challenge yet.
Hamilton’s Finest appears to be jelling at the right time. Hamilton hit a two game losing strike early in the season but have now won six games in a row. The addition of St. Francis Xavier Alumni Will Donkoh has proved to be a pivotal move in Hamilton’s run at a championship as he has been an instrumental piece in their post season run, playing the role of the X-Factor in most match-ups. Tyrone Watson, Terance Licorish, Dwayne Harvey and Tyrell Vernon have been playing unselfish basketball throughout the post season, showing that the team doesn’t have any agenda while on the court and they’re all out their for one common goal “to win”, something we didn’t see early in the season during their losing streak.
Both sides have a plethora of talent that are in the running for the MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards. Bragging rights for geographical supremacy are on the line as the two rivals, Toronto and Hamilton square off for the NBBL Championship.
Courtesy NBBL
Drew Ebanks
