IBC 19 - Everything Thread

[United Vietussia]

OOC: Nobody is setting you up. The mod evidence is probably backed by the fact that you posted two very similar RPs a few minutes within each other. The timing of those two posts is back to back. So someone jumped in seconds after you posted and in 3 minutes completely copied your style so the posts look identical?

You can call for innocence, but if the mod found something, then maybe you should just fess up and not cause a scene. Especially not on the board that is meant for RP. Take this to the sign up or international basketball OOC.

The two nations were made two days after another, pretty big coincidence. And also, nobody is trying to take your team out. Nobody cares that much. Please do not insult our intelligence. It is a well known fact that one can only have 1 puppet and must declare it.

Further discussion on this topic by me would continue on the OOC sign up thread. Admit what you did and move on. Next time don't try to take an extra chance at winning.

This is my first time. Check all my post history if you don't believe me. I don't know anything about what and what not to do. "Admit what you did and move on." What did I do. "Don't take an extra chance at winning." Now THAT insults MY intelligence.

[Drawkland]

Coaches Drake and Hardin stood in the back of the conference room of the hotel. Hardin was leaning against the wall, while Drake was standing straight up, feet shoulder-width apart. The air was tense as Coach Morgan walked into the room. All the boys and girls stared at the head coach as he walked up to the table and put the various items he was carrying down on it.

He took his time removing his backpack and putting his sunglasses on his head. When he finished, he stared every player in the eye before speaking. Most of the players hadn't had time to shower or change before the coaches had called an immediate meeting at the hotel.

"What were you doing out there?" he asked, finally. The team remained silent. Most were looking at the coach, but a few were avoiding eye contact or bowing their heads in shame.
"You must think I'm asking rhetorically. No. What WERE you doing?" he said again, and a few who had their heads down looked back up at the coach.
Grant Hopkins, the starting power forward, spoke up, "I don't know what you want us to say coach. We were playing."
This response made Gerald Madison, the team captain, look at him, with a sort of disdain in his gaze.
"Obviously not. Let me remind you what just happened. You just went up against a team that hadn't won a game, and lost. By a TWENTY-ONE POINT MARGIN."
The team was silenced again. More players looked down at their laps.

"This is unacceptable. We're now ranked second-to-last in our division, ahead of only the ones we beat the first night, who're currently unvictorious. We're tied with the team we played tonight. There's at least 3 billion people watching you every night. And you're letting them down. Last night's loss was unfortunate, but acceptable. That team is still undefeated and they're likely going to go to finals. From the way this is going, you aren't. This loss tonight was not only crushing, it was downright painful. You couldn't even win with a record number of Drawkians in the stands!"
"Sir!" Hailey Rider interjected, "We scored a record number of points for us tonight!"
Morgan shifted his piercing gaze right into Rider, "We scored the lowest amount of points in our group tonight," he replied with thinly veiled fury, "Not only that, but we allowed our opponent to not only score a record for them, but for our ENTIRE GROUP," he began to yell now.

Drake quietly spoke after, "You know, there's no excuse for this. This was a complete and utter lack of defending on our part."
Morgan nodded and pointed at the coach, "He's right. There's absolutely no lee-way on this one. You failed tonight. You can't score on someone's bad defense, and then answer that with worse defense on our part. You. Are. Professionals. Not only that, but you're almost all about a half foot taller than anyone on their team. I cannot even begin to comprehend what you were doing. I don't know. Perhaps the fact you were winning by 8 at halftime got to your heads. But that second half was plain embarrassing. It was pathetic. I NEVER want to see that kind of playing on these courts again, or any other courts you play on. I know you're ashamed. You should be."
The room was deadly silent. Coach Hardin had her eyes closed, still leaning on the wall, listening to all of it. In the corner of the room, Mary Herriford started sobbing as quietly as she could manage, which wasn't very quiet at all.

Morgan stepped back from the table and spoke again, with less anger but more of a commanding tone now, "Go get showered and cleaned up from this. I expect to see you on the court an hour from now, ready to practice, for an extra hour tonight. If we even want to dream of having a chance versus the number 10, we need to seriously work on our defense."
With that, the coach quickly gathered his things and left the room. None of the players still dared to talk.
Coach Drake spoke up again, "This practice will be open to the public, for anyone to view. Most of them will be fans, but if you think opponent's scouts won't be there, watching you, think again." He, too, left the room.

Hardin, after a silent minute, opened her eyes and examined every face still in the room. Campbell and Kennedy had left silently, to do who knows what, and Herriford was still sobbing, Clara Vandentrump trying to calm her down.
"I've made sure no press will be bombarding you on the way to your rooms. That is all I have to say," she said softly, and with that she left for her suite.

-----

Campbell and Kennedy had left in silence once Drake left, and they hurried to their rooms, taking the stairs.
"What do you think?" Kennedy said after a flight of stairs.
"I think Morgan's right," Campbell replied between breaths.
"For sure," said Kennedy.
"I don't know man ... it just seemed like a dream. Like we were doing so well, 40-32 at the half, and we got going, and it's like everything was out for a minute or two, and suddenly we were 4 behind. Then 6, then 8, then-"
"10 and 12 and 15 and 18 and 21 ..." Kennedy continued on Campbell's train of numbers, "I feel that. It was going so well and BAM, we're suddenly deep in the hole," he said thoughtfully.
"So much for enjoying the ride while we're here," Campbell said, alluding to what Coach Morgan had said after they won the first game.

-----

Herriford and Vandertrump walked slowly down the corridor to their rooms. Herriford had recovered a bit from her breakout in the conference room, but she was still a mess.
"I just ... I can't handle this," she said after a moment.
"What do you mean?" Vandertrump asked her.
"It's like ... I'm not used to this. Like, I'm the star of my team down in Rejaka. And you know, that's in New Drawkia. There's not many teams down there. So it's sort of like the spotlight's all on me. And here ... I'm just on the bench. I come out once a game, maybe. But it feels so different. Like I'm just part of the team here, I'm not the special one, I'm not the face of the team. I'm just a player. And I get used to that, and suddenly I'll have the ball, and it's all so fast and it's nothing like it is at home and-" she cut off and she started crying again.
"Honey ... honey it's okay," Vandertrump tried comforting the poor girl.
"I missed 10 shots ... I caused 5 interceptions, and I missed ... I missed so many rebounds I lost count," she choked out through sobs.
"Mary-"
"We lost because of me! I know it!" she cried out. They'd gotten to their hotel room door, and Vandertrump opened it while keeping her arm around Herriford's waist. It was a little awkward, because Vandertrump was short for a Drawkian and was almost a foot shorter than Herriford, but it didn't matter much.
"I'm not cut out for this," Herriford whispered as she fell onto her bed.
"It'll be okay. I promise. Just being here is an insane honor, okay? Never forget that," Vandertrump said before she shut the door to the bathroom.
"... Maybe it's one I don't deserve," Herriford murmured to herself a moment later.

-----

Jake Hallekon, Grant Hopkins, and Gerald Madison were in various stages of readiness after taking their showers, and dressing for the practice, which was on in 20 minutes.
"Poor Mary, huh?" Hallekon said, regarding the sports highlights on the room's TV.
"For sure," Hopkins replied, as he put on his socks.
"Hey. It wasn't anyone's fault, alright? It was a group-suck-effort," Madison shot back to them as he took off his towel and got his undergarments on.
"Aye, whatever you say man," Hopkins shrugged, "She didn't score a single point and gave them the ball like a half-dozen times," he pointed out.
Madison groaned, "Look, you didn't do too hot either. You had at least a dozen clear 3-point shots that you completely failed."
"Dude, come on," Hopkins rolled his eyes, "As if you're perfect."
"Never said I was," the center replied as he put on his practice jersey, "I opened up plenty of holes in the defense. The point is, now's not the time to brood over mistakes and faults. Now's the time to learn, fix, and take action. We have less than 20 hours before we suit up against the biggest team in our group, and we can't be regretting our mistakes from tonight, tomorrow. It'll only ruin our psyche, which we obviously need," Madison walked to the door.
"Yeah," Hallekon helpfully added, before following after. Hopkins shrugged and closed the door behind them, and the trio jogged to the stairs.

[United Vietussia]

For everything that has happened, I apologize for. I did not know what a puppet was, and sent out telegrams, but could not figure it out. I don't if I clarified, but I DID use a second nation, not knowing what a puppet was and that it was a violation of IBC rules. I will return for IBC 20 with a full reading of the rules finished. I accept full responsibility and ridicule for my rant, and apologize to everyone involved in this argument. I will admit I enjoyed every moment of this, and hope I can come back. And, out of curiosity, if I declare Derpsadaslkkf as a puppet, can I use him next time? Just wanna clear that up for the next one.

See you guys in IBC 20.

-United Vietussia

[Frenline Delpha]

Frenlinian Factation

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Article B

11/23/15

---

President Comments on Flag Change

Four days ago, Frenline Delpha changed it's flag for the second time in it's history. The change was long coming, with a national competition to submit a flag design to their local paper. Each paper had a vote for the best design, and those designs got submitted to a regional competiton. Eventually, the regional competitions brought the contestants to six. Those six were showed in the national newspaper, and the entire country voted for their favorite. After billions of votes, the results were in. The flag design that won came from Samantha Triplet, from New Trinity. She was awarded a million dollars, and free passes to watch the Anacondas in the IBC for her and any friends and family.

She commented on her design two days ago: "I saw the competition (in my local newspaper) and I decided to try my hand. I decided to use a simplistic design. The Canadian flag was always a symbol of simplicity to me, so I used that as my base. I loved the old flag, but I thought the snake was a little too tame. I found a viper picture, and put that instead of the leaf. It symbolizes our ferosity and passion in everything from wars to international sports. I guess it won because of the simplistic design I used. I'm so happy. I can't wait to see the government buildings flying my flag."

We also reached out to current President Samuel Snaker about his thoughts on the flag design. He said this: "It's beautiful. The red and green make a good contrast, and the snake is ferocious enough to embody this nation. I am extremely proud that this flag won, and I will see to it that it is flying everywhere by next Monday. We ask all government bodies to start flying the new flag as soon as possible. Private businesses are allowed to fly the old flag if they wish, but it is encouraged to fly the new flag."

Freline Delpha's new flag has garnered some nice praise, and the simplicity of the design is a hit. The old flag was a cartoon snake with a green stripe in two corners and two sides. The words "Frenline Delpha" came from the snake to the edge of the flag. Flagmakers are also happy about the change, as the words were, "Hard to embroider."

[Banguela]

Split seconds.

”I’m sorry, guys. Really...”

Deafening silence. Nonetheless, they should have known I meant it, because I’m not the kind of guy to say these things aloud. I bowed, my head hanging so low between my shoulders that the tattoo of a grinning clown must have looked as sad as I felt. I loved that drawing, that big signal of my prowess to take on the world and not caring if someone would try to stop me.

But today, I had stopped myself.

76-74, less than half a minute left on the clock. Ironically, the majestic dome filled with home supporters had not filled our legs with lead, but theirs. In the opening ten minutes, we just walked past them and at half-time, we were nine points up. But it seemed as if something fell off their shoulders and as slower as our movements became, the quicker they reached our ring.

Luis had took me off, a few times even, but Henrique Brava seemed to be the younger and less talented sibling of the guy who thundered through the domestic competition. And even if I seemed to be collecting fouls, the manager threw me back on the parquet for the decisive finish. Storming to the line, neck-to-neck, both preying on that one mistake that…

A three would have put us in an interesting position, made sure the Valladars needed to make a score of their last attack. And there was something in the corner of my eye that told they knew it as well, seemingly closing in on our three point specialist Joao. So I did something that seemed only logic to me, fool them all and score it. The center who wins the game with a shot from far out, I imagined the headlines in a split second.

The following split second, just before the ball left my hand, Santiago Mina read my mind. He knocked it off my hand, launched his teammate Freire and the guard from Carloburgo Knights kept his composure with a clever shot… You’ve ever knocked over a vase? You accidently touch it, you already see it falling and with a reflex, you snap it… Only to explode under the impact of your catch. You’re left with broken pieces and remorse. I did something similar, but with less pieces, with the knees from Mina. Fifth foul and…

”I’m so sorry, guys.”

No sounds, until the calm and scraping voice of Joao Vicente.

”It’s okay, Djangao.”

It’s okay. ‘Don’t bother, you did your best’-okay or ‘It’s okay, stop whining’-okay? I’ld never know.

[United Vietussia]

Will I receive IBC ranking credit regardless of DQS, or is it struck out null and void?

[Ko-oren]

Will I receive IBC ranking credit regardless of DQS, or is it struck out null and void?

Please put OOC questions in the OOC thread for basketball. This entire issue has spread to more than enough threads now.

---

Here comes the IC bit

---

Dirty Play hits IBC

Sports around the multiverse like their scandals. Deaths under mysterious circumstances, deaths under the most mundane circumstances imaginable, anything. And then there are things that are no scandals, aren't even dirty play, but still raise eyebrows, just think of anthems that go on for an hour and a half.

To our knowledge, this has been the first time the organisation has actually stepped in to stop this nonsense in a tournament that the Union of Ko-oren has participated in. Yesterday, without all of the typical movie scenes of police entering headquarters while employees are busy burning records and the like, two nations have been ejected from the IBC. United Vietussia and Derpsadaslkkf are out of the tournament, indefinitely. United Vietussia was on a good streak with two straight victories before losing to the Serbian Empire just hours before the team would be excluded from Group F. Abanhfleft is in this group, and after RoLeo and Juliet, the team has once again been involved in basketball uproar.

And it's almost insane how some regimes can get away with executing people as pre-game entertainment, and how others run into bureaucratic red tape and get ejected straight after. Almost.

You would almost forget the Dragonflies are also competing. Almost. The Dragonflies are with three other teams in the top of Group E. Gim and the Union of Ko-oren have played two and won two, and the Sword Bloke and Jacobandia have won two from three, to put all four teams on two wins.

Specifically, the Union has beaten the United States of Devonta 61-87. Katherine Grove led the team to victory with 20 points (of which 12 from three point range) and it includes five free throws. The truly interesting stat is her 8 forced turnovers that she all but one turned into assists for 14 points. She was responsible for a total of 34 points. Shillington was almost invisible and Janssen took over for her most of the third and fourth quarters. Buenaventura was still looking nervous in his second starting job, but handled himself well and fought his way into the game (not literally). Vaughn and Liang had textbook appearances, Liang leading the team in rebounds (21).

The new Ko-orenite team is taking shape, slowly. Shillington and Janssen are sharing minutes as point guards. Buenaventura is shaping out to be a great shooting guard, but so far banks on Shen and Monserrate to take over for him when reliability and stability become a thing. Grove, Vaughn and Liang are all extremely reliable starters, bad news for the four backup forwards and three backup centres. Deschamps and Guillermo are getting about 15 minutes each, and centre Liang is replaced by veteran Hayes and youngster Meixiang.

[Ficiscia]

FNSN.fc Basketball: Ficiscia blows playoff chances dramatically

It took a long time until coach Urbanius Vero stepped out of the locker room into the mixed zone, obviously disappointed by his team's performance. One could totally see why - Welcomzia did not only look beatable, for three quarters Ficiscia was on the path to another victory. Yet they blew it in the last minutes, not able to play the game until the end. A devastated Urbanius Vero tried to talk to our reporter after the game.

FNSN.fc: Urbanius Vero, this is a hard loss for all of us. There are still chances for the team if things work out perfectly, but we surely can't make the playoffs on our own anymore. How does this moment feel to you?

Urbanius Vero: I am sad, but also sorry for the team. They played a great game last night against Outworld, and probably this match came too soon. It is a tough schedule we are not used to, playing such back-to-back games with not even 24 hours to recover. I tried my best to protect some of our top players in the last quarter against Outworld, but it didn't help. This is certainly frustrating to see, but we still have three games. I assume we wouldn't be the first team to suddenly qualify with a 4-2 record, but with three ranked teams coming up next, this is going to be hard.

What did you say to your players in the locker room after such a game?

(laughs) Obviously I can't tell you this. But I did try to reassure them, to tell them I don't want to put the blame on certain shoulders. Of course, if you lose a game that you lead like this, something has gone horribly wrong, but one can't point the finger at someone if we get such a streak in the final minutes. Who would it be? Rasukas who lost that ball on the break? Would it be Hephastos for picking up that foul? Harnijevs for missing the free throw? You can't put the blame on anyone if luck just turns against you. It is still hard to understand the fact we lost like this, but I think that's how we have to look at it: bad luck and mistakes that we paid.

Will this game have consequences on your starting five or your tactics for the next match?

Of course, every game does. But I can't tell you about my tactics right now, I take game for game. My tactics will be decided over the next hours, once I properly scouted the Quebecian team.

Now what happened in this dramatic game? Ficiscia looked good in the beginning, getting the start right for the first time in this tournament and grabbing an early lead they held on to until the first break, which they could enjoy with a 14-11 lead. The game then stayed close and was being fought over. Ficiscia was struggling with the Welcomzian defense, but Pacorus managed to score a few threes and Demas Harnijevs, starting for the first time, got an impressive 80% for his shots in the second quarter. Unfortunately, the Welcomzians also avoided that he'd get too many shots. Welcomzia's fast breaks had hurt the national team and cut the lead to one when half time came on, with the last miuntes being a desperate fight to take the lead to the break. Nevertheless, they could go into the second half with a lead (37-36). The second half started with a good play by the boys, but it went downhill after they lead Welcomzia by a seven-point-margin, the largest in the whole game, three minutes before the whistle. A unnecessary blocking foul by Decorus brought the opponent into bonus territory, which the Welcomzians used mercilessly. By the time the last quarter began, the result was 51-48, promising a super tight last quarter - which is what we got. Five minutes before the end, a three pointer for Welcomzia turned the game around again (63-65) and Ficiscia started to look insecure. After the 71-68 for the Ficiscians, Rasukas lost the ball on a fast break, causing the Welcomzians to go onto a ten-point-streak only interrupted by one Ficiscian score in the final two minutes. Chances were there for the boys, but fouls and missed opportunities let the Welcomzians run away with it.

After the game, the Ficiscians in the hall were devastated, knowing about how crucial this game was. "When I saw on my phone that Quebec lost, I felt like the group was wide open and we could still make it through. Now that loss that seemed so impossible... I can hardly believe it", 23-year-old fan Marina Escrova said between sobs. Strangers from the country could be seen spontaneously hugging and comforting each other after their playoff dreams were most likely shattered by the two final minutes of this game. Nevertheless, they gave their best to help the team taking the loss. A nice gesture of contact could be seen as Center Janis Cantrapas, after speaking to his sister in the stands, hugged two deeply disappointed Ficiscian fans who cheered for him all game long. A 7 year old Insolani boy dressed in black and green all over and in tears was lifted onto the court by team captain Kyrillos Pacorus, whose shirt he was wearing, and allowed to run a lap around the court with the team. The gestures of mutual consolation between fans and players earned both a loud cheer and clapping by the neutral and Welcomzian audience, hopefully making the loss easier to take.

FICISCIA 73-78 WELCOMZIA

Quarters: 14-11 / 37-36 / 51-48 / 73-78
Fouled out: --
Best Player FIC: #15 Kyrillos Pacorus

Kaboomlandia 95–67 Royal Kingdom of Quebec
Ficiscia 73–78 Welcomzia
Kirisaki 68–65 Outworld

Group G                       Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Welcomzia                     3   2  1  235 231  +4    6
2 Kaboomlandia                  3   2  1  248 211 +37    6
3 Kirisaki                      2   2  0  152 137 +15    6
4 Royal Kingdom of Quebec       2   1  1  165 192 −27    3
5 Vaugania                      2   1  1  190 172 +18    3
6 Ficiscia                      3   1  2  227 215 +12    3
7 Outworld                      3   0  3  179 238 −59    0

SUMUS FICISCIA! HIC PRO VICTORIA! CITIA ET FORTISSIMA! SEMPER FICISCIA!
After games like this, the support from home is even more important. Our site will keep to put this fan chant after every IBC article to show support for the national team.

[Vangaziland]

About one month before the start of IBC 19, Vangaziland hosted a tournament with eight teams from three conferences, representing two nations. It lasted about two weeks, finishing just under two weeks before the start of IBC 19. There were a lot of surprises. One of the biggest ones was Christopher Ironwrought, of the Capital City Metro. This team hails from the tiny island nation of Wrexwic, a protectorate of the Vannish Empire.

Ironwrought averaged 18.9 points per game, playing against Vannish National Team players like Jon Jennsen, Frank Hurcle and Jolla Borgsen. He played so well that he earned a spot on the Vangaziland Royals, utilizing his dual Wrexish-Vangazi citizenship. There was a lot of competition for that spot, replacing Manny Lenden and beating out rival Manny Battle.

Sarah Kelleson interviewed Chris, asking him about the first Emperor's Cup tournament.

"It was an absolute honor to play with guys of that caliber", Ironwrought said. "Every night was a battle and I am really proud of our third place banner. Next year, hopefully we can make a play for the Cup."

Kelleson really picked Ironwrought's mind, even asking him how he felt about playing in Wrexwic.

"I mean, it's a smaller market here (in Wrexwic). But the fans are just as loud. They have a big heart. Basketball is important to us. And I know a lot of fans wanted to see at least one Wrexish team in the top three. I'm glad it was us, the Metro."

Capital City defeated the Vannish Basketball League's defending champion, the Emeros Zap for a third place banner. Both teams play in their nation's capitals; Emeros, Vangaziland and Capital City, Wrexwic.

"We played Emeros early in the tournament and lost. Coach said we had a good chance of playing them if we made it anywhere. He was right. He had a serious game plan by the time we played them again. And all I did was stick to that."

This was following Ironwrought's second season in the Wrexish Basketball Organization. He hadn't been a starter prior to this tournament.

"He'll be a starter now", the coach said in a press conference. "Chris has a real bright future. He really showed us that he can do some big things and we respect that. We have been developing him, but I think he's ready for more minutes now. Actually, I know he is."

Now Christopher finds himself in the midst of IBC 19.

"It's overwhelming, playing on this international stage. There are so many good teams. I just want to learn from them all and take that knowledge back to Wrexwic. It's too fun, playing with all these Vangazi Royals. I played in high school and college watching guys like Hurcle and stuff, wanting to be like them. I bought their sneakers."

Vangaziland is off to a 1-1 start. Ironwrought has had a few highlight plays, but is still working his way into the offense.

Emperor's Basketball Cup: viewtopic.php?f=7&t=360831

[Saint Kanye]

THE KARDASHIA KIBITZER

SURGE TO IBC: "WE'RE CLEAN"

by Dante Dinkley

METROPOLIS - Merely an hour after hearing about the ejection of Group F nations United Vietussia and Derpsadaslkkf from the 19th International Basketball Championships, first-time competitor St. Kanye, determined to not let the same happen to them, has submitted to drug testing. "Nothing to worry about - no one on the team, including the staff, tested positive for any kind of performance-enhancing drug", announced team doctor Mario Carvanha who, together with team manager Mitch Hansen, took the results to the IBC 19 central committee here.

The Surge play Equestrian States later today, before going on a one-day break which head coach Paulie Brewster said shall be divided into "sightseeing, and then practice". They are currently on the number two spot in Group D, with two upset wins over San Jose Guayabal (83-67) and The Andromeda Islands (81-72) following a one-point loss (66-67) to group front-runner Britonisea.

All of St. Kanye's games in the International Basketball Championships will be broadcast live on SKYNET (Saint KanYe NETwork) Sports Channel 12 and online at http://www.skynet.stk/12-sports/ibc-19.

Next uniform: White. Odds against Equestrian States: Slight favorites, 58-42.

[Vaugania]

THE STORY SO FAR

We are only 3 matchdays into this IBC and Group G is already an absolute mess. Going into the tournament, it seemed rather cut and dry as to who would make it into the knockout rounds of this tournament, but a number of upsets and a few upstarts have turned those premonitions on their heads. We are going to examine the group team-by-team and figure what exactly is going on and what we can expect to see as we move forward.

Welcomzia

Welcomzia is the biggest surprise of the group thus far. Though they are unranked, they have found their way to the top of the group standings. It hasn't been a particularly easy road to get there either. On Matchday 1, they had a run-in with the Vaugania Scarlets and came out much worse for wear. The Scarlets dropped 93 points on them and they only managed 74. Normally, an unranked team being handed a big loss on the first day, especially to the lowest of the ranked teams, would become disheartened and wouldn't be heard from for the rest of the tournament. That loss seems to be having the opposite effect on Welcomzia. They came right back on the next day and dealt a huge loss to 45th ranked Kabloomlandia by a score of 83-65. They nearly ended up with two losses after matchday 3 but staved off fellow unranked Ficiscia by a mere 5 points. With only two ranked opponents left, they could see themselves go through with another upset.

Kabloomlandia

Kabloomlandia finds themselves Welcomzia. Somewhat fittingly, the 2-1 team's only loss came against the team sitting above them. They were in an uneasy position after two matchdays. That loss to Welcomzia had put them at 1-1 and their only win was against Outworld, who are currently winless and reside in the group's basement position. The team now has a glimmer of hope after beating the Royal Kingdom of Quebec, the multiverse's 7th ranked team. All that glitters may not be gold, however. The Quebecois have put on a disappointing showing in their first two games and Kabloomlandia's win may not be indicative of future success. It will be important for them to defeat Vaugania on matchday 4 if they want to cement themselves as contenders for the group crown.

Kirisaki

Though they sit in third, Kirisaki is the only undefeated them in Group G at a 2-0 record. These wins can't be taken at face value, though. Those wins have come against the worst two teams in the group, Ficiscia and Outworld. Kirisaki may be viewed by some as undeserving of their position. They will have plenty of opportunities to disprove the naysayers, but they likely have the rockiest road ahead if they want to find themselves still in Valladares for the knockout stage.

The Royal Kingdom of Quebec

The Quebecois don't seem to have shown up to this tournament yet. The 7th-ranked team was heavily favored at the outset of the tournament to top Group G. At 1-1, they are hardly doing that in 4th place. They received the matchday 1 bye for the group and haven't yet fallen into their rhythm. They opened up their tournament with a nailbiter of a win over the Vaugania Scarlets. The team allowed 97 points to be scored on them and managed just one more than their 142nd-ranked foe. That is hardly the result most spectators saw coming. On matchday 3, they were blown out by Kabloomlandia, the 2nd place team. While they still have games against all three unranked teams in the group coming up, they can't reasonably expect to make it into the top two with the way they are playing right now.

Vaugania

Despite sitting in 5th, the Scarlets can still look up and be positive about this tournament. Having average 95 points per game over the first two, the defensively-minded team has found themselves to be quite the scorers as well. They took a win over the group leaders, Welcomzia, on the first matchday and fell to the Quebecois by only a single point. While they may have taken a loss in the standings, they may have won that game in the locker room depending on what sort of spin head coach Henning Bakken put on the result. It is certainly a game that the Scarlets can be proud of. They must now look ahead to 2nd place Kabloomlandia. With a win tonight, they can introduce themselves as serious contenders for one of the top two spots in the group and visas for an extended stay in Valladares.

Ficiscia

Ficiscia may have to settle for being just "not the worst." At present, the team is 1-2 with their only win coming over the hapless Outworld squad. Their losses have been dealt to them by undefeated Kirisaki and 1st-place Welcomzia. There is still some to be seen from the team, however. They still have games against other ranked nations, but will have an uphill climb if they want to have any sort of success. Unless there is a big change, they can likely be counted out of advancing, but perhaps may be counted on to scare a few of the teams at the top of the table.

Outworld

Outworld's performance can be described as dismal at best. The team currently sits at the bottom of the table with an 0-3 record. Their losses have come at the hands of Ficiscia, Kirisaki, and Kabloomlandia. Their lone bright spot was the Kirisaki game where they only lost by 3. At this point, they can likely be dismissed from all advancement conversation and will likely lose the rest of their games. But perhaps they will sneak up on someone and deal them a loss that can really hurt their chances at the Round of 16.

[Saint Kanye]

St. Kanye's premier gambling website UBetcha.stk is proud to bring you the odds of every Matchday 4 game.

0-100 to 30-70 Heavy underdogs
31-69 to 40-60 Underdogs
41-59 to 49-51 Slight underdogs
50-50 Even
51-49 to 59-41 Slight favorites
60-40 to 69-31 Favorites
70-30 to 100-0 Heavy favorites

Group A:

Britenia 40-60 Jesushorse
Valladares 70-30 Chromatika
NN Aqmuland 38-62 Banguela

Group B:

Frenline Delpha 57-43 Levivania
Nova Anglicana 80-20 Bongo Johnson
Ethane 33-67 Flardania

Group C:

Zovorossia 60-40 Elejamie
Cosumar 64-36 Natanians and Nosts
Noksentin 49-51 Halfblakistan

Group D:

San Jose Guayabal 75-25 Pinoyistan
The Andromeda Islands 58-42 Drawkland
Equestrian States 42-58 St. Kanye

Group E:

Jacobandia 42-58 Gim
Ko-oren 58-42 The Sword Bloke
Pulunia 45-55 US Devonta

Group F:

Omerica 62-38 The Serbian Empire
Abanhfleft 66-34 Derpsadaslkkf*
Vangaziland 60-40 Silvacometopia

*Disqualified.

Group G:

Welcomzia 56-44 Kirisaki
RK Quebec 42-58 Ficiscia
Vaugania 38-62 Kaboomlandia

Group H:

HUElavia 40-60 Magehold
Electrum 62-38 Filopines
Sioux Lookout 40-60 San Llera

[The Royal Kingdom of Quebec]

Team Quebec for IBC 19

Nation Name : Royal Kingdom of Quebec
Short Name : RK Quebec, Quebec
Demonym: Quebecois
Team Nickname: The Grim Reapers
The Supporters: The Bubonic Plague

Coaching Staff
Head Coach: Baedan Figura, 55
Assistant Coaches: Darian Sarajovic, 44
Connor Eagleson, 37
Evan Mazlow-Connors, 55

Players

Starting V
#1 - Point Guard - Ryan Weiss - Age: 24 - Rouyn-Noranda Timberwolves
#3 - Shooting Guard - Pyeong Hui Kim - Age: 26 - CSKA Quebec
#15 - Small Forward - Tyson Ejim - Age: 30 - Val d'Or Grizzlies
#4 - Power Forward - Anton Yeung - Age: 24 - Edenia Nightmare (USI)
#23 - Centre - Daniel Scrubb - Age: 23 - Ai Hell Girls (USI)

Reserves
#9 - Utility Forward - Parker Wanyanga - Age: 23 - CSKA Quebec
#7 - Utility Forward - Paul Lee - Age: 35 - Gaspe Energy
#5 - Utility Guard - Jean-Paul Jourdain - Age: 24 - Kingston Raptors
#29 - Utility Guard - Felix Kigab - Age: 20 - University of Kingston (Quebec Colle.)
#12 - Center - Felix Sims - Age: 25 - Manitoba Kings
#11 - Center - Sergio Estrada - Age: 34 - Sherbrooke Thunder
#17 - Utility - Dejan Brojesvic - Age: 32 - Saguenay Rams
#13 - Utility - Salman Brennan - Age: 24 - Halifax Rainmen
#11 - Point Guard - Lorne Scrubb - Age: 24 - Ai Hell Girls (USI)
#8 - Power Forward - Jeremy Kong - Age: 29 - Montreal Jazz

RP Permissions & Other Information

RP PERMISSIONS

Do anything but before you go around killing and injuring my players, drop me a TG. Don't be afraid to TG me too if you have any doubts or in need of anything or everything that is related to Quebec.

[Valladares]

Now, after all that turmoil, let's get back to your normal broadcast with this RP cutoff for...

---

International Basketball Championships 19 - Matchday 4

Group A
Britenia 76–83 Jesushorse
Valladares 86–78 Chromatika
New North Aqmuland 64–83 Banguela

Group A                       Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts
1 Semarland                     3   3  0  227 170 +57    9
2 Valladares                    3   3  0  256 229 +27    9
3 Banguela                      4   2  2  300 295  +5    6
4 Chromatika                    4   2  2  291 318 −27    6
5 Jesushorse                    3   1  2  218 232 −14    3
6 New North Aqmuland            3   1  2  219 238 −19    3
7 Britenia                      4   0  4  278 307 −29    0 E

Group B
Frenline Delpha 81–66 Levivania
Nova Anglicana 77–57 Bongo Johnson
Ethane 59–103 Flardania

Group B                       Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Nova Anglicana                3   3  0  245 211 +34    9
2 Flardania                     4   3  1  346 298 +48    9
3 Frenline Delpha               4   3  1  324 292 +32    9
4 Levivania                     3   2  1  245 243  +2    6
5 Andromedan WAT                3   1  2  229 228  +1    3
6 Bongo Johnson                 4   0  4  273 324 −51    0 E
7 Ethane                        3   0  3  207 273 −66    0

Group C
Zovorossia 68–93 Elejamie
Cosumar 65–83 Natanians and Nosts
Noksentin 95–78 Halfblakistan

Group C                       Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Nueva Andalusia               3   3  0  218 194 +24    9
2 Elejamie                      3   2  1  239 222 +17    6
3 Natanians and Nosts           4   2  2  303 288 +15    6
4 Cosumar                       3   2  1  233 229  +4    6
5 Zovorossia                    4   2  2  291 307 −16    6
6 Noksentin                     3   1  2  234 239  −5    3
7 Halfblakistan                 4   0  4  278 317 −39    0

Group D
San José Guayabal 79–67 Pinoyistan
The Andromeda Islands 74–79 Drawkland
Equestrian States 65–62 Saint Kanye

Group D                       Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Britonisea                    3   3  0  218 201 +17    9
2 Equestrian States             3   2  1  204 208  −4    6
3 Saint Kanye                   4   2  2  292 271 +21    6
4 San José Guayabal             4   2  2  305 292 +13    6
5 Drawkland                     4   2  2  297 308 −11    6
6 The Andromeda Islands         3   1  2  225 228  −3    3
7 Pinoyistan                    3   0  3  205 238 −33    0

Group E
Jacobandia 66–92 Gim
Ko-oren 72–59 The Sword Bloke
Pulunia 73–96 United States of Devonta

Group E                       Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Gim                           3   3  0  253 189 +64    9
2 Ko-oren                       3   3  0  235 188 +47    9
3 The Sword Bloke               4   2  2  328 324  +4    6
4 Jacobandia                    4   2  2  305 331 −26    6
5 The Boatia                    3   1  2  212 238 −26    3
6 United States of Devonta      4   1  3  300 323 −23    3
7 Pulunia                       3   0  3  202 242 −40    0

Group F
Omerica 68–89 The Serbian Empire
Abanhfleft 96–76 Derpsadaslkkf
Vangaziland 83–88 Silvacometopia

Group F                       Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 The Serbian Empire            3   2  1  250 222 +28    6
2 Abanhfleft                    3   2  1  276 249 +27    6
3 United Vietussia              3   2  1  261 247 +14    6 DSQ
4 Silvacometopia                4   2  2  320 348 −28    6
5 Omerica                       4   2  2  295 298  −3    6
6 Vangaziland                   3   1  2  229 238  −9    3
7 Derpsadaslkkf                 4   1  3  315 344 −29    3 DSQ

Group G
Welcomzia 83–83 Kirisaki (97–99 OT)
Royal Kingdom of Quebec 46–74 Ficiscia
Vaugania 63–66 Kaboomlandia

Group G                       Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Kaboomlandia                  4   3  1  314 274 +40    9
2 Kirisaki                      3   3  0  251 234 +17    9
3 Welcomzia                     4   2  2  332 330  +2    6
4 Ficiscia                      4   2  2  301 261 +40    6
5 Royal Kingdom of Quebec       3   1  2  211 266 −55    3
6 Vaugania                      3   1  2  253 238 +15    3
7 Outworld                      3   0  3  179 238 −59    0

Group H
HUElavia 72–76 Magehold
Electrum 81–74 Filopines
Sioux Lookout 66–51 San Llera

Group H                       Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Electrum                      3   3  0  252 215 +37    9
2 Valanora                      3   3  0  230 203 +27    9
3 Magehold                      3   2  1  224 230  −6    6
4 HUElavia                      4   2  2  279 314 −35    6
5 Filopines                     4   1  3  331 299 +32    3
6 Sioux Lookout                 3   1  2  201 217 −16    3
7 San Llera                     4   0  4  267 306 −39    0 E

[Saint Kanye]

THE KARDASHIA KIBITZER

E.S. SHOWS "HORSEPOWER", SURGE SLIP TO .500

by Claude Harlan

CAMPO GRANDE - The St. Kanye Surge enter the International Basketball Championships 19's Matchday 4 with a lot of momentum going off their last two games, taking down ranked opponents, which causes them to get marked as favorites by gambling website UBetcha.stk. But they weren't ready for opponents of a completely different species. Close games prove to be the bane of the Surge's existence; Equestrian States prevail 65-62 and grab the second spot in Group D from the Kanyeans, who drop to third, with a similar 2-2 record to two other teams but boasting a superior quotient.

Cedric Philips was the only double-digit scorer for the Surge with twelve points. He and the rest of the team simply couldn't figure out how to get past the defense of the Equestrians, who have large bodies and strong legs that could carry them along the court quicker than even "Chill Phil" could. Also, they're horses.

The Equestrians pranced to a 19-14 lead after ten minutes, then galloped to 37-29 at halftime. The Surge, those second-half miracle workers, caught up 48-44 a quarter later, and even found themselves leading 57-60 during the last two minutes, but by then everyone, bench included, is exhausted from trying to chase after the Equestrians' fast-paced plays. Down 61-60 after two baskets by the horses, Billy Forrest is forced to foul; E.S. makes both shots. James Blackwell would cut the lead to one, 63-62, on a fifteen-foot jump shot with 0:17 remaining, but they were out of timeouts. The Equestrians would dribble away the time, swiftly avoiding St. Kanye's foul attempts, then put the icing on the hay with a last-second left-hoofed hook.

Many of the 2,333 Kanyeans at Coliseo de Oriente stadium went away quietly, after being ecstatic at bringing world #10 The Andromeda Islands to its knees a day earlier, but a few showed the Kanyeans' trademark optimism with saying that the Surge didn't get trampled completely, and that there's still a chance to make the playoffs, with it being a mad scramble at the leaderboard. Coach Paulie Brewster quickly changed the team's schedule for their break tomorrow, decreasing the sightseeing and increasing the practice, for St. Kanye's next assignment is dangerous - and humongous - Drawkland. Post-game interviews were declined, as the team would be starting to rest at their hotel today to make up for the increase in practice. Equestrian States, meanwhile, will be Drawkland's opponent before the Surge.

All of St. Kanye's games in the International Basketball Championships will be broadcast live on SKYNET (Saint KanYe NETwork) Sports Channel 12 and online at http://www.skynet.stk/12-sports/ibc-19.

Next uniform: Purple. Odds against Drawkland: Underdogs, 38-62.

Scores:

EQUESTRIAN STATES 65 - Individual scores not available.

ST. KANYE 62 - Philips 12, Blackwell 9, Overton 9, Trichet 8, Forrest 7, Page 6, Smith 5, Gatson 5, Morrigan 1, Larsson 0, Stevens 0, Warner 0.

Quarters: 19-14, 37-29, 48-44, 65-62.

[Abanhfleft]

Canalave Iconic Arena
Canalave, Valladares

Some days, when things were going very well, there was always something bound to slip up and make someone's day very very rotten.

That was what was going through Leo Baxter's mind after he was sent off by the referee for a second technical foul that Leo was sure had never occurred in the first place. Leo was willing to admit that he had committed the first technical foul because it was very obviously him that did the deed, but as for the second one, not only was he sure that it wasn't he that committed the technical foul, he was sure that it wasn't even a technical. He was going to have a quick word with the referee about that. Good thing that the game against Derpsadas-something was an easy game as they were already disqualified from the knockouts, and their players were just going through the motions and letting the Fleftics run roughshod over them. In the back of his mind Leo recalled that the referee for this game was from a new nation called Zovorossia or something like it.

"Ref!" Leo called out as he approached the man, a pale male all of six feet tall. "Are you sure that that was really a second technical for me?"

The ref turned to face Leo and then uttered something in a foreign language. Leo wasn't sure if the ref had answered him or cursed him in his native language. "Mind clearing that up for me, ref?"

"I no speak English," the ref replied.

"You no speak English?" Leo parroted. "You no speak English? I thought all referees for the International Basketball Organization were supposed to have a basic understanding and communication in English before being allowed to officiate IBC games?"

"No concern of you," the ref said. "Back off or suspension!"

"Oh, so that's what it is now, yeah?" Leo said. "One-game suspension for trying to talk to the ref for my second technical. Man, the game was a lot easier when I was growing up."

---

"Yo, Leo, have you heard the rumors?" Newt Isaacs said as he, Leo and the rest of the Fleftic players exited the arena after a comfortable victory over Derpas-something, 96-76. Leo Baxter's ejection hadn't hurt their team much, and they cruised to victory under the steady direction of Eldred Rogerson.

"Before we talk about those rumors, man, can I ask you something?" Leo said.

"All right, man, what is it?"

"Do you really think I deserved that second technical?"

"To be honest, Leo, no. It was too soft to be a technical, and it doesn't even look like it was you in the first place. Probably it was that Derpy-something PG that should've been teed. Definitely not you, though."

"Now that's very, very strange. All right, Newt, what was it you wanted to talk about?"

"There's rumors that that Amy Janssen chick that knocked us out of the last IBC is getting ready to step into your beloved Juliet's shoes. Old Shillington's simply not good enough for this anymore, or so they say."

"See, I told you it's a Ko-orenite conspiracy all along!" Leo shouted in triumph. "They just wanted an excuse to field their real point guard! Shit, I ain't even mad now. Makes sense, too. She really is something else, that Amy Janssen. Must be from another planet!"

They boarded the bus that would take them back to the hotel where they were lodged by the Valladares authorities. As the bus peeled out of the stadium's underground parking lot, Leo was looking out of the window when he noticed the Zovorossian referee talking to someone in a big dark blue jacket. It was dark outside, but Leo thought he could see a dragonfly symbol printed on the back of the other man's jacket. This man then handed a bundle of... something to the Zovorossian ref, who pocketed it quickly and then glanced around to make sure that no one had seen the exchange. Leo snapped his eyes shut and pretended that he had fallen asleep while waiting for the bus to move. But that made sure the scenes that he saw were stuck indelibly on his mind.

There was some kind of conspiracy going on within Ko-oren. And somehow Leo Baxter had found himself right in the middle of it. If not a pawn, then something else entirely. But what that something else was, he had no idea. And maybe it wasn't a good idea to know. He knew these kinds of stories, watched them on TV, read them in books. Nothing good ever came out of nosing around in someone else's business.

[Banguela]

The game was coming to an end and the journalists were only waiting for the final stats to complete their already written articles. After a series of close and difficult struggles, Os Bestas had managed to dominate a game with unexpected class against the experienced side of New North Aqmuland. Even if they had never fulfilled the promise which arose when the Maroon Lions had broken into the international scene in the IBC 14, it came as a surprise that they never managed to tie down the black-and-red clad.

Making use of the dominance of his side and the lacklustre impression of the opponents, Luis Radeba gave several of his benchers some time on the court. The rest day might have been around the corner, so additional rest was not the main trigger. The national manager realised that this was a perfect occasion to boost the morale of some of his less talented disciples. And so it was that we saw Fidalgo Junior make his rushes, Martim Goncalves direct the game and even youngster Marco Felipe, the promising Phonica guard takes and score his shots.

We saw. I saw. I saw, from the bench.

Radeba was making changes at a high rate and it seemed as if the guys were going on and off on conveyor belts, but my buttocks remained glued to the hard plastic bench of this majestic arena. What made it all the more painful was that he seemed to prefer putting Afonso and Samuelao below the basket above fielding his sole reserve center.

Six minutes left on the clock and my frustration was piling up more than the points, which we amassed with proverbial ease. Djangao, after a bit of a cooling down, was thrown in again, underlining how little of use I was here. Admittedly, my previous minutes on the parquet had been below par. There had been losses of possession and shots outside of the ring, nothing to be proud off. But if that lined me up for execution and let all those others who had struggled with the ball as much off the hook, then…

”Henrique, you’re up.”

He doesn’t even bother looking to me, just waved me like you’ld ask your dog to pick up the morning paper. I’m a lot. I’m by far not the best player of this team. I’m not in my best streak. But I’m not a piece of garbage. I glance to the clock, which tells me that we’re nineteen points up with two and a half minute to go and rise. I slowly walk up to the sideline and…

”Yeah, you know what, fuck it…”

Without stopping, I stroll on to the dressing room and as I’m encapsulated by the darkness of the catacombs, I realise I won’t be going to the Olympics. But the squad ain’t going to the second round either, so I guess no one is going anywhere here, despite the victory.

[Flardania]

霧島国立バスケットボール隊
Flardania (Kirishima) National Basketball Team

Team Name: The Lightspeed
Rank: 52nd--->13th
Style Modifier (if applicable): +3.13
Colors: Blue and White Away, White and Blue Home
Head Coach: Riko Aida
Assistant Coaches: Daisuke Nariyuki, Ji Yun An, Clément Bachelet

Roster

Starters

G #7   Yuna Akashi (F)
G #11 Tetsuya Kuroko
F #8   Naoki Amagake (F) *NEW
F #10  Taiga Kagami
C #34  Keita LaCroix *NEW

Reserves
G #5 Shun Izuki
G #6 Shinji Koganei
G #24 Alizée Arceneaux(F)
F #3   Nicolas Leavitt
F #15 Tienchung Yi
C #17  Teppei Kiyoshi

Uniforms

Home

Away


Projected Stats
Top 3 Scores:

• Naoki Amagake
• Taiga Kagami
• Yuna Akashi

Top 3 Passers (Most likely to lead in assists):

• Tetsuya Kuroko
• Yuna Akashi
• Alizée Arceneaux

Best Bench player(s) (6th man-tie):

• Alizée Arceneaux
• Tienchung Yi

RP Permissions

I give my opponent permission to:
Choose my pointscorers: Y
Godmod scoring events: Y as long as you TG
Give my players foul: Y (ask for technicals)
Foul my players out: Y
Give injuries to my players: Y (only minor ones, miss one game or less)
Godmod injuries to my players: N
Godmod other events: N

[Drawkland]

There was 20 seconds left on the clock. It was tied at 74 against the ranked 10 team, The Andromeda Islands. The Islands made a shot for the lead, and everyone held their breath. It bounced off of the rim and every Drawkian in the crowd exhaled in relief.
Hallekon took the rebound and sprinted down the court. He could feel the adrenaline of every player around him. He could feel the crowd. He could feel the gaze of Coach Morgan on his back. He knew what he had to do. He was seconds away from dashing under the basket and hitting a layup. But Smooth Walker of the Andromeda came in and blocked Hallekon from going in. With a mere 14 seconds on the clock, he shoots and drains the ball from the 3-point line.
The crowd went insane. In vain, the opposing team snagged the rebound and sprinted to the opposite side, with the Drawkians barely behind them. One of them shoots and the ball bounces off the backboard. Durbin takes the rebound and returns it for a game-ending dunk before the buzzer.

The noise was deafening. The cries of all the fans were huge, and the Drawkian team was almost driven to tears.
The members of The Drawkland Fans Pep Band was so shocked they didn't start the victory cadence until 20 seconds after the buzzer, when usually they start it as soon as the clock hits 0.

Drawkian fans went in merriment for the night, while the Net Corp team went quickly to the hotel and practice court, similarly to how they had the night before. Only this time, they were considerably more happy.

-----

"Think we'll make it to the playoffs?" Coach Drake asked Coach Morgan as they casually strode to the practice court.
"Who can say," the head coach replied dryly.
"What do you think, personally, Cody?"
"Well. We have to win these next 2 games. It's imperative that we win both times and by a large margin. Any losses or close calls and we may be sunk."
"Sounds unlikely," Drake said.
"We do face 2 of the 3 teams close ahead of us. If we beat them both they'll be out of commission. Then all that's ahead is San José, but if we do win those two games, I'm confident we'll make it in."
Drake nodded silently.
"I'm not saying it's impossible. I'm just saying it's improbable. We need luck on our side, but I'm not sure how much longer luck wants to stick with us," Morgan concluded.
"I'd drink to that," Drake laughed as he opened the doors to the court.
Coach Hardin was already showing the team footage of recent Equestrian States games, studying how they play and how they work. Morgan smiled slightly as he closed the door behind them and called practice to order.

[Ficiscia]

Tele Ficiscia live broadcast

We are back in the studio with Laura and Quintilius in the halftime of the Ficiscia-Quebec game. The studio is decorated in black and green all over, the moderators wearing white away jerseys as the team does today.

LAURA: We have seen an incredible first half here in Valladares, and Ficiscia is leading the #7 of the world, The Royal Kingdom of Quebec, with 11 points! What has happened to the Grim Reapers? We will tell you and get the voices of the Ficiscian squad, but first, let's take a look at the highlights of this game shocking everyone! Ladies and Gentlemen, here is Iunius Mercuri with the highlights!

IUNIUS (talking fast and loud as always): Thank you, Laura, and here we go with the beginning of the game. Ficiscia starting with a different team, Astrius coming back into the squad and Harnijevs taking Cantrapas's spot again, the National Team was off to a good start. We see here the first play, with Astrius orchestrating the effort and a brilliant pass through the zone to Rasukas who cuts in under the basket and SCORES! The Ficiscians go up 2-0 with the first play. However, only a bit later it was Quebec who found their ways to the basket, great attempt by Pyeong and THREE POINTER! Quebec equalized the game with this three pointer. Shortly before the break the game is tied again and it is Rectus, passing it off to Rasukas, Rasukas with speed, an attempt by Harnijevs, IT'S IN and the referee is giving a free throw to Harnijevs! Chance to go for three now and SCORED! Ficiscia up now by 14-17 and takes that lead into the break. Coach Vero sending out the boys again, much more defensive now against an aggressive Quebecois team resulting in this: Pacorus INTERCEPTS! Great pass up the court to Rasukas, nobody can stop Rasukas, Rasukas in the breakaway and WHAT A DUNK! Ficiscia taking a five point lead and the Quebecois have to risk more, Ejim for three, rebound to Sims, fouled by Ianicius... oh no. It's two free throws for Felix Sims and the Quebecois. First one... he scores. Here comes number two... and... MISSED! Off the hoop into the arms of Hephastos who goes off, passes it over to Cantrapas, back and forth, ALLEY OOP! It was a brilliant play finished by Cantrapas bringing the game up to 23-29 for Ficiscia! And the Quebecois kept running against the defense like here, good attempt at a break but Yeung runs into the block! Fifth foul by the Grim Reapers and its two free throws for Astrius, one... IN! Second... IN! The score now at 25-36 and with that we go into the break!

LAURA (laughing at Iunius's fast talking): Well, thank you Iunius! It was indeed a tactically and physically great first half. Quintilius, what can you say about the game so far?

QUINTILIUS: It is obvious who was prepared better for this match, Urbanius Vero had his defense making the perfect covers, perfect blocks, the defense is tenacious and it's something we haven't seen from Ficiscia yet. I wish there were more such games where stuff just fits together, but we have to pay attention not to get too wrapped up in that lead. Don't forget the game against Welcomzia. We are seeing a strong reaction, but if it's just for two quarters we indeed have a problem.

LAURA: What do you think makes it suddenly possible for Ficiscia to run with the Quebecois?

QUINTILIUS: Let me show you an example. Here, that's from the beginning of the second. Ryan Weiss in the back getting pressured by Pacorus, Rasukas pressing down onto the left side, thus making it impossible for him to play to Ejim or Pyeong. Harnijevs is covering up Scrubb and taking him entirely out of the game, actually brings him close to a foul, and Anton Yeung has Rectus against him. Astrius is completely open, covering Pyeong but he can easily stay in front of him a bit. Now what could Weiss possibly do, he almost has to attempt the three given that his team is trailing, and Pacorus waits for that, blocking and starting the fast break for Rasukas. The whole defensive strategy of Ficiscia is offensive in nature, ready for the break. But now compare to Quebec. Laura, can you show me Harnijevs's free throw please?

LAURA: Sure. Wait a second please. *the video comes on*

QUINTILIUS: Here. See the setup? Pacorus and Astrius are constantly shifting, the one who has the ball taking the middle lane and the other shifting to the side. Pacorus attempts the three briefly, and Ejim already jumps for the block. Thats how he got the space for that laser pass to Rasukas, and now watch him. Watch Mickal Rasukas before the pass. He isn't doing much, just going back and forth maybe two metres maximum, but it makes it almost impossible for Pyeong to stay with him. When Rasukas gets the pass, see what happens? He is a half-step ahead of the opponent and pulls in, and everyone follows. Suddenly you have movement everywhere, and Scrubb has to decide to block Rasukas or cover up Harnijevs, leaving his man open and forcing Yeung to leave Rectus and try to stop Harnijevs, he is hopelessly late and it's a point plus a free throw. Just compare the number of moving players. Quebec is basically playing in standstill, these guys are not here with their minds.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AFTER THE GAME

LAURA: We have celebrated and analyzed this victory over Quebec, but what we haven't done is taken the look at the standings. Don't forget, Vaugania and Kaboomlandia still play their game tonight!

Welcomzia 83–83 Kirisaki (97–99 OT)
Royal Kingdom of Quebec 46–74 Ficiscia
Vaugania - Kaboomlandia (21:00 live on TFI 2)

Group G                       Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Kirisaki                      3   3  0  251 234 +17    9
2 Kaboomlandia                  3   2  1  248 211 +37    6
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 Welcomzia                     4   2  2  332 330  +2    6
4 Ficiscia                      4   2  2  301 261 +40    6
5 Vaugania                      2   1  1  190 172 +18    3
6 Royal Kingdom of Quebec       3   1  2  211 266 −55    3
7 Outworld                      3   0  3  179 238 −59    0

LAURA: If we take a look at the schedule, we see that Ficiscia plays fifth-placed Vaugania and second-placed Kaboomlandia, who are expected to win the evening game against our next opponents. However, we will have to win two games to do so. Here's a hypothetical last two rounds: Suppose Kaboomlandia wins tonight and we score two more wins, we have 12 points in the end. Now say Kirisaki loses to Quebec and Welcomzia takes the expected victory over Welcomzia, we would have four teams with nine points. Two of them would then face each other in MD6, with Welcomzia having their bye, and Ficiscia (with a win against Kaboomlandia) and Kirisaki against Vaugania winning their games, they would be the ones to lead with 12 points - all would be open. However, we will have to rely on the results of others. Good night, and see you again tomorrow for Ficiscia vs Vaugania!

QUINTILIUS: Goodbye everyone!

ROYAL KINGDOM OF QUEBEC 46-74 FICISCIA

Quarters: 14-17 / 25-36 / 35-52 / 46-74
Fouled out: --
Best Player QUE: #3 Pyeong Hui Kim
Best Player FIC: #41 Michal RASUKAS

[The Andromeda Islands]

Coliseo de Oriente
Campo Grande, Valladares
Wednesday, July 25
2:30 pm

The first game of the day ended about an hour ago. The Eagles, minus Tom Anderson, Assistant Coach Amy Deutsch and Smooth Walker, sit in the locker room. Coach Gooden has been remarkably subdued, considering the two straight losses the Eagles suffered. He and Assistant Coach Norm Peterson came out to address the team.

GOODEN: Gentlemen. Ladies. I have good news and bad news. First, the bad news. We’re not going to win our group. We’re not going to make the Round of 16.

Many of the players are upset at hearing this.

GOODEN: And... It’s my fault.

The players protest Gooden’s assessment.

GOODEN: No! Seriously. I thought we could just show up and win every game riding on our rank, our reputation. The truth is, basketball at the International level has changed. I remember when ‘The Cannonball Strategy’ was shocking to people. Now, The Cannonball Strategy is pedestrian compared to what’s going on.

Norm Peterson comes behind Gooden and taps him on the shoulder.

PETERSON: Coach, you can’t account for what happened. If anyone has messed up, it’s me.

Gooden is taken aback by his Assistant’s confession.

PETERSON: In IBC Twelve, I made the winning shot that won the Championship. The replay showed that my foot was on the side line, so it shouldn’t have counted. I should have been honest about it, but it was the last game of the Championship, so I stayed silent.

Holly Rosener stands up.

ROSENER: I can’t believe what I’m hearing. That shot was nearly 30 feet from the basket. The degree of difficulty alone...

PETERSON: Nevertheless, we see players and teams cheating left and right. That shot has bothered me for seven years. Now, these players got no conscience when it comes to playing ball. Karma’s a m...

Tommy Egan stands up. He still carries a bruise on his head from an elbow he received against Dharkland.

EGAN: Coach, it was shots like that that made me pursue basketball in the first place.

Egan turns to the team.

EGAN: Coach Gooden and Coach Peterson haven’t been playing out there. We have. We haven’t been playing like Champions out there.

GOODEN: Hold on, Tommy! Hold on! Now, the good news!

Egan sits down. The team listens to Coach Gooden.

GOODEN: The pressure is off. The b-ball talking heads have written us off. They expect us to go through the motions and get humiliated when we play Britonisea. They’re more interested in scandals and silliness that basketball. It’s time for SOMEONE to put the focus away from BS and back on BASKETBALL.

John Knox raises his hand. Gooden looks.

KNOX: Could I say something, Coach?

GOODEN: By all means, Knox.

KNOX: Back home, when I’m not playing basketball, I preach the Word. Now, I have a word for you. I don’t mean to offend.

EGAN: BUT...

Everyone laughs.

KNOX: Every one of us has fallen short. We pale next to the light of perfection. But today, all of our missteps and faults are washed away.

GOODEN: Damned right, Knox.

The team laughs. Gooden looks toward Peterson.

GOODEN: The sins of the past are just that: The Past! The time for second guessing is over. We still have a shooter’s chance. All we have to do is, take the shot.

Knox pops up again.

KNOX: (shouting) Brothers. Sisters. We have a long wilderness to cross, but if we have faith in each other, we will reach The Promised Land.

The team, caught up in the hype, runs out to warm up before their game against Pinoyistan. The Eagles still have a slim chance of making the Round of 16. We’ll see if they make the most of it!

[Zovorossia]

Tori remembered it like it was yesterday. Yes, it was fresh in her mind even though it had happened last season.

It was the championship game for the Armeian Basketball League, Tori's team, Racing Club Atlas, was down to the Terrum Freeze, in double overtime. They were playing at a sold out TerrumDome, with over 100,000 in attendance, 100,000 waiting for her to slip up and blow the game. Atlas was down by one point and trailed 131-132 with six seconds left. Tori took the inbound pass near halfcourt and tried to rush to the rim and maybe get fouled, or maybe pass away to an open teammate, but the Terrum center went up to block her and she felt herself get knocked off course by his elbow, throwing up a terrible shot that clanked off the rim as she fell to the ground, hearing the buzzer.

The Terrum players celebrated wildly, but Tori just laid on the ground, blood running from her nose across her face. "Fuck," she muttered, realizing that her bad shot had cost Atlas the title. The forty points, eighteen rebounds, and five assists she had didn't comfort her, because in the end, she had choked when it mattered the most.

Now, as the Zovorossians walked off the court after taking another bad loss, Tori was reminded of that. Of course, the loss hadn't been Milas's fault, no, they never were. Milas had scored eighteen despite playing with two swollen knees, and he had been the main bright spot in that game. Tori envied Milas, she wished that she was able to win something for once, she wished that she could be the most consistent one on the team, the one loved by all the fans. Milas Stephanidas wasn't just good, he was quickly becoming a transcendent figure in Zovorossian sports. His face was on seemingly every billboard in Vlasovo, his jersey could be seen in the crowd at all of Zovorossia's IBC matches, and he was the only player that international scouts were taking interest in. And he was only twenty three, this wasn't even his prime.

Regardless, Tori didn't even have the courage to talk to him outside of practice and games, and when they did talk, the language barrier limited them. I wish I had stayed in Armeia, Tori thought, and right then, her nose began bleeding from an elbow she had taken to the face at the end of the game. Now it seemed even more like that night in Terrum, when she had blown the game for Atlas. There's only one way to redeem myself... Getting better.

[Gim]

"Watchers of WATV 8 News, this is the end of our current affairs news. We will now turn you towards WATV Sports."


Camera switches to WATV Sports with Anchorwoman Jo Jin Ri standing in the center of the WAT Sports platform.


Jo Jin Ri speaks:

"Hello, I'm Jo Jin Ri for WATV Sports. Third match in the 19th season of International Basketball Championship has been played, and Gim faced another unranked team, Jacoblandia. It is surprising how Gim has managed to win two consecutive games, one of them being against a ranked team. However, can they be successful for the third time in a row? We'll soon find out."

Camera switches to Gimians warming up against the Jacoblandians in a basketball court.

"Gim looking for its third consecutive win to maintain first place in Group E. 1st quarter. Gimian center, Byun Do Won, drives the ball from the right side of the Jaocblandian zone. He veers to the left and takes a shot from just outside the Jacoblandian zone(0:26-0:34). He scores! 3 points for Gim. Gim leading 16-7."

Camera switches to Gimians attacking within the Jacoblandian zone.

"2nd quarter. Gim leading 47-32. Clock winding down as second quarter is almost over. Byun Do Won gains momentum and tries to drive the ball into the Jacoblandian zone in a counterattack. The buzzer sounds, but Byun shoots the ball a second before it sounded. Byun stops and shoots the ball from just outside the Jacoblandian zone at the center. He scores!(0:40-0:46) 50-32 lead by Gim. It seems as if Gim is bound to win for the third time in three games into the tournament!"

Camera switches to Gimians attacking within the Jacoblandian zone again.

"3rd quarter. Gim leading 66-40. Byun Do Won dribbles the ball into the center zone. He feigns a drive towards the Jacoblandian zone and passes to Gimian player, Seo Jin Soo. Seo dribbles the ball, veers to the left, and shoots from an area quite distant from the Jacoblandian zone. The ball goes in!(2:05-2:13) A fantastic pass by Byun, and a fantastic swish by Seo Jin Soo! 69-40."

Camera switches to Gimians attacking within the Jacoblandian zone.

"4th quarter. Gim leading 85-56. Gimian player, Joo Sang Won, stands on just outside the right side of the Jacoblandian zone. He slowly dribbles the ball to the left and passes to Byun Do Won, while blocking a Jacoblandian defender at the same time. Byun Do Won has no opposition, and he shoots a three-pointer, and it's good!(2:54-3:02) 88-56!"

Camera switches to Gimians shaking hands with Jacoblandian players.

"Gim earns its third-straight win in IBC with a score of 92-66 against Jacoblandia. Byun Do Won has thirty-four points tonight with twelve assists. He is clearly the first star of the game tonight."

[Vangaziland]

Vangaziland lost another close one in the match against Silvacometopia, who came into this tournament unranked. They were looking to make an impact against the Royals and they showed they are not a team to underestimate. Vangaziland stayed in this one until the end, but timely late game clock management and plays brought the victory to Silvacometopia.

"The thing about basketball on this level is that there is a lot of competition. It really should not be a league where the top ranked teams always win. I know some nations wish it were that way, but it really shouldn't be." Sports journalist Jenni Reeson interviewed Coach Tomasson. "We got the upset the other night, now we lost one. It's a tough league."

Greg Hensson played a good deal of the game, as the coach wanted to give Handsen and some of the other starters some rest. The strategy backfired and allowed the opposing team to go on a run or two that Vangaziland didn't quite recover from. Hensson finished with 18 points and 7 assists.

Myke Fulborg put up 21 points and 8 rebounds. He gave up a few plays though, leaving much to be desired in his defensive effort. Neither center, Knucks or Hurcle, had much of an impact on the game except for rebounding. They also only managed a single block between them.

"It wasn't our night", said Hectare Yulssen. "We should have a night sometime soon." The starting point guard finished with 12 points and 8 assists.

Nobody on the Vannish team seemed too negative about losing to an unranked team.

"I think ranks are blown way out of proportion", Jolla Borgsen said. "Some teams want to come to a tournament like this and think they should be able to coast just because of some rank from two tournaments ago. The Royals are not like that. We welcome the competition."

Vangaziland hopes to avoid a fate similar to the last IBC, where they lost enough early games to take them out of contention.

[Valladares]

Yes, it's that time of the day: RP Cutoff!

---

International Basketball Championships 19 - Matchday 5

Group A
Chromatika 89–96 New North Aqmuland
Jesushorse 71–102 Valladares
Semarland 91–64 Britenia

Group A                       Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts
1 Semarland                     4   4  0  318 234 +84   12
2 Valladares                    4   4  0  358 300 +58   12
3 Banguela                      4   2  2  300 295  +5    6
4 New North Aqmuland            4   2  2  315 327 −12    6
5 Chromatika                    5   2  3  380 414 −34    6 E
6 Jesushorse                    4   1  3  289 334 −45    3 E
7 Britenia                      5   0  5  342 398 −56    0 E

Group B
Bongo Johnson 79–89 Ethane
Levivania 77–84 Nova Anglicana
Andromedan WAT 63–82 Frenline Delpha

Group B                       Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Frenline Delpha               5   4  1  406 355 +51   12
2 Nova Anglicana                4   4  0  329 288 +41   12
3 Flardania                     4   3  1  346 298 +48    9
4 Levivania                     4   2  2  322 327  −5    6
5 Andromedan WAT                4   1  3  292 310 −18    3 E
6 Ethane                        4   1  3  296 352 −56    3 E
7 Bongo Johnson                 5   0  5  352 413 −61    0 E

Group C
Natanians and Nosts 74–79 Noksentin
Elejamie 65–68 Cosumar
Nueva Andalusia 76–56 Zovorossia

Group C                       Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Nueva Andalusia               4   4  0  294 250 +44   12
2 Cosumar                       4   3  1  301 294  +7    9
3 Elejamie                      4   2  2  304 290 +14    6
4 Natanians and Nosts           5   2  3  377 367 +10    6
5 Noksentin                     4   2  2  313 313   0    6
6 Zovorossia                    5   2  3  347 383 −36    6
7 Halfblakistan                 4   0  4  278 317 −39    0 E

Group D
Drawkland 75–78 Equestrian States
Pinoyistan 65–76 The Andromeda Islands
Britonisea 66–92 San José Guayabal

Group D                       Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Equestrian States             4   3  1  282 283  −1    9
2 San José Guayabal             5   3  2  397 358 +39    9
3 Britonisea                    4   3  1  284 293  −9    9
4 Saint Kanye                   4   2  2  292 271 +21    6
5 Drawkland                     5   2  3  372 386 −14    6
6 The Andromeda Islands         4   2  2  301 293  +8    6
7 Pinoyistan                    4   0  4  270 314 −44    0 E

Group E
The Sword Bloke 90–79 Pulunia
Gim 83–94 Ko-oren
The Boatia 78–64 Jacobandia

Group E                       Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Ko-oren                       4   4  0  329 271 +58   12
2 Gim                           4   3  1  336 283 +53    9
3 The Sword Bloke               5   3  2  418 403 +15    9
4 The Boatia                    4   2  2  290 302 −12    6
5 Jacobandia                    5   2  3  369 409 −40    6
6 United States of Devonta      4   1  3  300 323 −23    3
7 Pulunia                       4   0  4  281 332 −51    0 E

Group F
Derpsadaslkkf 64–98 Vangaziland
The Serbian Empire 69–75 Abanhfleft
United Vietussia 77–80 Omerica

Group F                       Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Abanhfleft                    4   3  1  351 318 +33    9
2 Omerica                       5   3  2  375 375   0    9
3 The Serbian Empire            4   2  2  319 297 +22    6
4 United Vietussia              4   2  2  338 327 +11    6 DSQ
5 Silvacometopia                4   2  2  320 348 −28    6
6 Vangaziland                   4   2  2  327 302 +25    6
7 Derpsadaslkkf                 5   1  4  379 442 −63    3 DSQ

Group G
Ficiscia 73–103 Vaugania
Kirisaki 75–90 Royal Kingdom of Quebec
Outworld 99–74 Welcomzia

Group G                       Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Kaboomlandia                  4   3  1  314 274 +40    9
2 Kirisaki                      4   3  1  326 324  +2    9
3 Vaugania                      4   2  2  356 311 +45    6
4 Welcomzia                     5   2  3  406 429 −23    6
5 Ficiscia                      5   2  3  374 364 +10    6
6 Royal Kingdom of Quebec       4   2  2  301 341 −40    6
7 Outworld                      4   1  3  278 312 −34    3

Group H
Filopines 72–62 Sioux Lookout
Magehold 97–67 Electrum
Valanora 99–73 HUElavia

Group H                       Pld   W  L   PF  PA  PD  Pts 
1 Valanora                      4   4  0  329 276 +53   12
2 Magehold                      4   3  1  321 297 +24    9
3 Electrum                      4   3  1  319 312  +7    9
4 Filopines                     5   2  3  403 361 +42    6
5 HUElavia                      5   2  3  352 413 −61    6
6 Sioux Lookout                 4   1  3  263 289 −26    3
7 San Llera                     4   0  4  267 306 −39    0 E