IBC 19 - Everything Thread

[Valladares]

Royals, Eagles, and Grim Reapers have already booked their express tickets to the semifinals. The question now is who will be the last passenger joining them in that train? Will it be the Rebolusyonaryos? Or will the Surge give one more surprise? The answers to these questions after this cutoff.

---

International Basketball Championships 19 - Quarterfinals Game 3

Abanhfleft 69–72 Saint Kanye (Saint Kanye wins series 2-1)

Semifinals (Both series played to the best of three)

SF1: (#7) Saint Kanye vs. The Andromeda Islands (#16) @ Eterna Multisports Complex, Eterna City
SF2: (#8) Royal Kingdom of Quebec vs. Vangaziland (#12) @ Coliseo de Oriente, Campo Grande

[Saint Kanye]

THE KARDASHIA KIBITZER

IBC 19 PLAYOFFS: "THE SWISH HEARD AROUND THE WORLD" - GATSON'S THREE LIFTS SURGE TO SEMIS

by Dante Dinkley

BEZIERES - International Basketball Championships, 19th edition. Quarterfinal round, game three of best-of-three, series tied at 1-1. Arena Foix. 4,256 Kanyeans in attendance. Several thousand Fleftics - that's citizens of the Democratic Republic of Abanhfleft - and even some eager Valladars wanting to find out who gets the last of four semifinals slots. The game between the St. Kanye Surge and the Abanhfleft Rebolusyonaryos is almost done, with the former still leading, 69-67, after blowing a fourteen-point lead (57-43) at the end of the third quarter.

Boris Barry of the Rebolusyonaryos has the ball. He passes to Newton Isaacs, who is immediately double-teamed by Billy Forrest and Adrian Page. Newt appears to move to the right and has his path blocked by the two defenders in white. But he spins away from the two and takes a shot. Forrest and Page can only look as the ball goes in for the 69-all tie, followed by loud cheers from the Fleftic and pro-Fleftic crowd, then a whistle from an official signalling a timeout for St. Kanye.

The air is thick with tension as the game is stopped with 4.5 seconds remaining on the clock. Both teams troop to the bench. Surge coach Paulie Brewster is trying to come up with strategies to score and snag the win, while Rebolusyonaryos mentor Abdul Halim bin Osman is thinking of defensive stops to be able to force overtime. Whispers come from the crowd. Finally, the sixty seconds are over and the game is back in action. Reserve point guard Darrell Gatson gets the ball to Frederic Trichet, who gets guarded by Rebolusyonaryos big man Damian Gonzalez, hero of Game 2 in which the Surge got buried 81-66 and forced this game to happen. "Trick Shot" is unable to break loose, unable to make a shot (being tired from scoring 22 may have been a factor), and so seeing their other players being guarded tightly, with two on sharpshooter James Blackwell, he passes back to the only free man, Gatson, just behind the three-point line.

Gonzalez and power forward Kevin Wydeman notice this and rush over to the point guard, but he has already thrown up the shot. Forrest and Page, finding themselves suddenly free, position themselves below the basket to try to rebound and tip in the shot in case it misses. But there was no need for that. One second the crowd is still silent, bracing for what happens after this shot. The next second, there was a swish, the sound of the buzzer, then loud cheers, this time coming from the Kanyeans, as well as their Valladar supporters who may or may not have bet on them, looking to their Cinderella story for comfort after their own team, the hosts, were booted out yesterday by the Vangaziland Royals. Coach Brewster was one of those who screamed themselves hoarse, after which he fainted, prompting his players and staff to call the arena's medics. Coach Osman, looking sad and seemingly worried (not only because of Brewster's fainting, but also because of his sick star Leo Baxter's sixth straight absence) still went over and shook the hand of the unconscious Brewster, just before he got carried to the arena's clinic. The Rebolusyonaryos followed suit, with the Surge's 7'3" Jason Morrigan having to stoop down to acknowledge a handshake from the 5'9" Barry, who led his team with 19 points.

The Kibitzer caught up with the players later, who said that Coach Brewster has regained his consciousness but still doesn't want to get harassed by the press. Trichet was the one who relayed the coach's comments after the win, saying "That shot by Darrell was kinda out of the question, but it was our only chance then, as we got locked out by the Fleftics' defense. I'm not doubting him though, he makes big shots when he has the chance", then adding his own words "It's not just the rest of the world. I was shocked. We were all shocked too. How we've improved since day one. The Andromeda Islands have also improved since we beat them in the eliminations, but we want to show that we improved more, and repeat the result of that win against them, in the semis." The Surge, who are pegged as slight 55-45 favorites, will wear purple, and shift arena once more - their semifinals series with the Eagles will be held in Eterna Multisports Complex, Eterna City. The other matchup, between the Royals and Quebec Grim Reapers, will be held in St. Kanye's group stage venue, the Coliseo de Oriente at Campo Grande.

Both series will be broadcast live on SKYNET (Saint KanYe NETwork) Sports Channel 12 and online at http://www.skynet.stk/12-sports/ibc-19. IBC fan stories can be submitted at http://www.the-kardashia-kibitzer.stk/ibc/fan-stories. We will notify you via email if your story has been selected for publication.

Scores:

ST. KANYE 72 - Trichet 22, Blackwell 11, Forrest 8, Gatson 7, Overton 6, Philips 4, Smith 4, Stevens 4, Larsson 2, Page 2, Morrigan 1, Warner 1.

ABANHFLEFT 69 - Barry 19, Gonzalez 11, Isaacs 9, Kapowski 6, Harris 5, Rogerson 5, Wydeman 4, Mankiller 3, Taylor 3, Katatonios 2, Ipatiev 1, Jalandoni 1.

Quarters: 16-17, 33-32, 57-43, 72-69.

[Vangaziland]

An earlier article talked about one of the Vangaziland Royals' top prospects. Sarah Overson recently graduated from college and is looking to start in the pros. She has plenty of height for the point guard position and has the skills to keep up with the Royals.

Vangaziland may throw her in for someone like Hendorn or Hensson.

Another top prospect is Wrexwic-born Manny Battle. He holds Vannish citizenship, like all Wrexish, because their island nation is a protectorate of the Vannish Empire. He plays in Capital City, Wrexwic for the Pirates.

Along with national team star Tom Gravu and former Vannish Royal Tomas Hannsen, Battle led the Wrexwic Pirates to a championship in the WBL.

He got the chance to compete against all the other Royals split throughout Vangaziland's two top-tier leagues a few weeks ago in the Emperor's Basketball Cup. Scouts turned out in droves to watch players like Battle and Ironwrought. In the end, he lost out on this year's IBC roster spot to Christopher Ironwrought and Lonnie Knucks.

In fairness, Lonnie and Manny both finished the tournament with the same record. But Knucks showed he was a solid choice for center, replacing Manny's teammate Tomas Hannsen.

Battle was really competing with his WBL crosstown rival, Christopher Ironwrought and the Capital City Metro.

Ironwrought had a great tournament, looking dominant most games and leading his team to a third place finish over the favorites, the Emeros Zap. He scored 34 in the third place match and added 8 rebounds and 5 assists. He did that against three of the Vannish national team's starting players. He faced up opposite of captain Jon Jennsen at power forward. Myke Fulborg and Hectare Yulssen also started against him. Christopher's performance here cinched his spot over Manny Battle. There were no national team players on Ironwrought's team, so he did more with less.

But scouts are returning to Manny, giving him a chance during his next season.

"The kid is young, 23", said Royal's coach Tim Tomasson. "Chris showed us he was ready this year. Manny had a good season and played alright in the Emperor's Cup. But there are a few things he needs to work on."

One of those improvements needs to come on the free throw line. Other teams might be able to take advantage, by fouling him and sending him to the line.

Currently Jolla Borgsen and Chris Ironwrought come off the bench for Jennsen at power forward. Chris can play small forward at 6'8. A lineup of Knucks, Battle and Ironwrought would be pretty dangerous on the court. Jolla currently gets minutes alongside Chris, but has been quiet for most of IBC 19. Jolla's a reliable role-player with good fundamental skills. Manny might tip the balance more towards an offensive team.

Both Manny Battle and Sarah Overson recently worked out with the Vangaziland Royals during their break in the competition. They mostly ran through drills, including a timed combine. The pair did have a chance to participate in a scrimmage.

"They did pretty well", said assistant coach Kate Foyelson. "Let's see what they do during their regular seasons, let's see how bad they want it."

"I could play alongside Manny", Ironwrought said. The two are massive rivals and some wonder if they would have chemistry together. "We fight out there, but its not personal. We're pros."

"I'm just glad I'm being watched", Manny said. "I'll get to the level they want me at."

[Valladares]

And then they were four. RP cutoff for Game 1 of this IBC's semifinals.

---

International Basketball Championships 19 - Semifinals Game 1

Saint Kanye 74–84 The Andromeda Islands (The Andromeda Islands leads series 1-0)

Royal Kingdom of Quebec 79–84 Vangaziland (Vangaziland leads series 1-0)

[Vangaziland]

Vangaziland started with a different lineup tonight. It looked as follows:

C - Lonnie Knucks #34 - 7'1"
PF - Jon Jennsen #14 - 6'10"
SF - Christopher Ironwrought #32 - 6'8"
SG - Julius Handsen #22 - 6'5"
PG - Hectare Yulssen #1 - 6'1"

The two changes were Knucks for Hurcle and Ironwrought for Fulborg.

"If this lineup keeps working on this level, we'll stick with it", Tim Tomasson said after the game. "They weren't easy choices to make, but I think both of those guys deserve to be starting now."

The lineup seemed to work tonight, with Vangaziland earning a narrow victory over Quebec.

"This was another victory over one of the top ten teams", the head coach continued. "I think people should respect us now and that'll lead to better game-planning against us. It's going to be real tough from here on out. We can't expect to surprise overconfident teams anymore."

The first half went back and forth and featured most of the game's lead changes. About halfway through the third, the Royals went on a run and took the lead. It wasn't until five minutes were left in the game when Quebec found itself back in the game. They had went on an 11-2 run and dropped the Vannish lead to 3.

Kate Foyelson could be seen taking over on the Vannish bench around this time, calling a few key plays and yelling at some of the players to increase their defensive effort.

Timely late game shooting by Tom Gravu kept the game just out of reach for Quebec, answering one of their threes with his own and then scoring two on the next play. He finished with 14 points and 4 assists off the bench.

Big man Lonnie Knucks made use of his starter's minutes and finished with 18 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks. Ironwrought added 13 points, 11 rebounds and a steal.

"The thing about our team is that everyone can score", Jon Jennsen said. "This isn't a regular pro team where the bench is full of developing players. Everyone here is somewhat of a star in their domestic leagues. What we've been improving is our chemistry. Our new additions get that and it's been an exciting season."

Hectare Yulssen moved the ball well, totaling 11 assists alongside his 10 points.

"Over the last two games we've been working on spreading the floor, moving the ball and finding the open look." Yulssen continued, "Tonight I dove towards the lane and my teammates were right in the perfect spot for me to pass out to for the follow up."

The starting point guard made several behind the back or behind the neck passes, threading the needle through tight defense and finding the open man who often drove to the basket. It was the old draw and dish concept. It was another slight tweak in tactics, as they had passed more from the perimeter during the last game.

"We don't want to be too predictable", Lonnie Knucks said during an on-court interview. "There are a few ways we can switch our style up. We respond based on how the defense is playing us."

The Royals look to continue their aggressive play into the next game.

[Saint Kanye]

THE KARDASHIA KIBITZER

IBC 19 PLAYOFFS: REVENGE OF THE EAGLES

by Ray Wright



St. Kanye Surge assistant coach Bernard Foley.

ETERNA CITY - The Andromeda Islands Eagles become the second team to pay back a loss to the St. Kanye Surge by taking them down, 84-74. This is the first game of their International Basketball Championships 19 semifinals series, held at the Eterna Multisports Complex here, with 4,398 Kanyeans in attendance. Surge coach Paulie Brewster chose to rest back at the hotel after fainting yesterday at the end of his team's 72-69 quarterfinals win over Abanhfleft. Assistant coach Bernard Foley, 32, who recently led South Central University to a 12-5 record and its first men's basketball title in two decades, took over.

The Kanyeans started the game on a 9-2 run, but great performances by PJ Hardwick and Thomas Anderson made them fall back 24-30 at the end of the first, and despite the Surge forcing the Eagles to lose the ball ten times during the second quarter, they still trail, 41-52. Anderson may have cost his team the win back in eliminations by missing a lead-reducing free layup, but tonight he was on fire, shooting 10/17 from the field, finishing with 25 points. He was benched for the entire fourth quarter, with the Kanyeans still in a deep hole, 55-66. Frederic Trichet, who led St. Kanye last time the two teams met, was held to six points on 2/8 shooting today; it was Billy Forrest who muscled his way towards 16 points before a charge against Tommy Egan gave him his fifth foul with 6:34 remaining in the fourth. James Blackwell and Darren Overton added 12 and 10, respectively.

"I was fired up, I wanted to play tough against these guys, but they played smart against me, and the whole team as well. We'll be sure to match wits with them tomorrow and extend this series", Forrest said after the game. Assistant coach Foley said, "They [Eagles] were just too hungry to get back at us for beating them the other day. Now it's our turn for revenge. And we won't let them get at us the time after that. We put ourselves in this bad position, having to win two straight, and sure as hell we're putting ourselves out. " Meanwhile, in the other semifinals game, held at the Coliseo de Oriente in Campo Grande city, the Vangaziland Royals, with a tweaked starting lineup, picked up the W, 84-79, against the Royal Kingdom of Quebec Grim Reapers. Both series will be broadcast live on SKYNET (Saint KanYe NETwork) Sports Channel 12 and online at http://www.skynet.stk/12-sports/ibc-19. IBC fan stories can be submitted at http://www.the-kardashia-kibitzer.stk/ibc/fan-stories. We will notify you via email if your story has been selected for publication.

The Surge wears white the next game, and fall to even 50-50 odds against The Andromeda Islands.

Scores:

THE ANDROMEDA ISLANDS 84 - Anderson 25, Hardwick 14, Hurley 13, Egan 7, Stuckey 7, Knox 6, Watson 5, Walker 3, Hopkins 2, Press 2, Rivera 0, Westchester 0.

ST. KANYE 74 - Forrest 16, Blackwell 12, Overton 10, Stevens 7, Trichet 6, Smith 5, Gatson 4, Page 4, Philips 3, Warner 3, Larsson 2, Morrigan 2.

Quarters: 30-24, 52-41, 66-55, 84-74.

[The Andromeda Islands]

Andromeda News Network
Post Game Report
The Saint Kanye Svs. The Andromeda Eagles
IBC Semifinal Series - Game 1
Eterna Multisport Complex - Eterna City, Valladares
Wednesday, August 15
10:30 pm

Rose Jackson interviews veteran Eagles Center Smooth Walker, who just played in his final professional basketball game.

JACKSON: Earlier in the IBC, the Andromeda Eagles lost to the St. Kanye Surge in Group play. Tonight, two different teams played each other. Coach Paulie Brewster is still recovering from the excitement of winning their quarterfinal series. Assistant Coach Bernard Foley was at the Surge helm tonight.

Cut to highlights.

JACKSON: After attending to some domestic family problems, Tom Anderson returned to the Eagles lineup and... He lit it up. Anderson left the game at the end of the third quarter with 25 points.

Cut to interview with Smooth Walker.

WALKER: It was odd, really. Tom Anderson was our starting point guard, but tonight he was more of a shooting guard. With him and Kenny Hurley in the lineup, it opened things up for the front court.

JACKSON: Why was Anderson out of the lineup?

WALKER: I don’t want to say too much, but he had some domestic problems. I’m not sure exactly what was up, but he’s here now.

JACKSON: Was the front court a factor?

WALKER: It wasn’t as obvious as Tom Anderson’s performance, but there were six of us in the front court who scored. And Tommy Egan kept his temper in check. He stayed composed in situations where I would have wanted to go off.

Cut to game highlights.

JACKSON: You mean the charge he took, drawing that fifth foul from Billy Forrest?

WALKER: That’s about right, Rose.

JACKSON: What was the difference tonight?

WALKER: There was a couple of things I noticed. One, we subbed a lot. We have to, because you can’t really run a 40 minute game at the elevation here in Eterna City. Two, St. Kanye had a full quarterfinal series and we didn’t. We were more tanned, rested and ready.

JACKSON: What about the last two minutes?

WALKER: As you know, I’m still recovering from this ankle injury. I’m retiring from professional basketball once this Tournament is over. Near the end of the game, Becky (Westchester) asked Coach to put me in, even though I’m still gimpy. I ended my career the same way I started it, with a three point play.

JACKSON: You were fouled by Mikael Larsson.

WALKER: I was surprised he didn’t let it go, but it is what it is. I made my last field goal and my last foul shot tonight.

JACKSON: It’s the end of a brilliant career. With Smooth Walker, this is Rose Jackson, ANN Sports.

----------

FINAL SCORE: Andromeda 84-74 St. Kanye

SPECIAL RECOGNITION

11 - Center - Smooth Walker

Age: 28
Team: Joppa Black Steelers
Height: 6’9”
Season Stats: 20.9 ppg, 10.3 rpg

Robert Marley Walker has been a consistent center since joining the Joppa Black Steelers seven years ago. He has averaged a double-double every year for the past six years. The Black Steelers made the ASBA in each of the past four years.

Walker played basketball for the University of South Joppa for two years before joining the Joppa Black Steelers. He is currently working toward a General Studies degree.

[Valladares]

Will the semifinals be decided tonight? Or will Saint Kanye and/or Quebec be able to force a third game? Here comes the cutoff for...

---

International Basketball Championships 19 - Semifinals Game 2

The Andromeda Islands 88–54 Saint Kanye (The Andromeda Islands wins series 2-0)

Vangaziland 93–70 Royal Kingdom of Quebec (Vangaziland wins series 2-0)

3PPO (Series played to the best of three)

(#7) Saint Kanye vs. Royal Kingdom of Quebec (#8) @ Abbey Court, Carloburgo

FINAL (Series played to the best of five)

(#12) Vangaziland vs. The Andromeda Islands (#16) @ Coliseo Mayor de Valladares, Metropolis

[Vangaziland]

Vangaziland went with the adjusted lineup, starting Knucks and Ironwrought once more.

"I don't mind sitting out the opening tip-off", Myke Fulborg said. "Chris and I split minutes, the coaches do a good job of getting everyone time." The forward chuckled. "Hopefully he gets us off to a good start."

And indeed, Ironwrought did just that. He scored 9 points in the first quarter on 4 for 5 shooting, with the addition of a free throw.

From the start, the Royals looked a bit more comfortable than we have seen them. Usually Vannish basketball can be seen as a game of pressure. They smother on defense and push the ball back up the floor. There is a lot of frantic play-calling and tons of motion off the ball with screens and cuts.

This year, they have definitely been one of the more intense teams.

Tonight all started with Yulssen, the point guard. He looked different on the court, more confident, less rushed. He called out plays, and gave a little more time for the players to set and move.

The result was that Vangaziland controlled the clock. Sometime in the third quarter, Vangaziland started to pull away.

Ironwrought continued his performance, finishing with 28 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. This was one of his best games in the tournament. He couldn't help but smile a little as he left the game with 4 minutes remaining.

Jon Hendorn picked up 20 minutes tonight, as Yulssen got a chance to breathe on the bench. Hendorn hasn't played much of a prominent role, but has added a few points off the bench. His natural style is that of a shoot first point guard. He played shooting guard until sophomore year in college. So all his instincts tell him to score.

"I've made it clear to Jon that we want to see him find assists, but that if he feels he has the shot, he should take it." Coach Tomasson spoke on his backup point guard during an interview at halftime.

Hendorn made a few mistakes, picking up 3 turnovers and a technical foul. It looked like he was trying to change up his style and pass more. He did pick up 6 assists, which is a high number for him. Of course it wasn't surprising with the way Ironwrought was playing.

The Vannish forward began to draw the double team. This left shooters like Gravu and Handsen wide open. Handsen picked up 17 points and 2 steals.

Knucks picked up 3 blocks at center. Knucks picked up 9 rebounds, Jennsen grabbed 8 of them. The post was shut down tonight, as the Vannish frontcourt was quick on their feet. There was some major boxing out, helping the Vangazi grab both offensive and defensive rebounds. They even played with their arms out on defense, something you don't often see after high school or college.

Frank Hurcle gave his thoughts during an on-camera, courtside interview after the game.

"I don't worry about not starting now", he said. "I am focused on doing my part. And tonight, I helped clog up the lane. See basketball is like... An Army mission. We're all units. Each unit has something specific to accomplish and it doesn't have to be pretty. But if each unit completes its assignment, then we win the mission."

"I taught him that", Kate Foyelson said, basically photobombing the interview, popping in with a big grin on her face.

"She didn't teach me that", Hurcle said calmly, as if the assistant coach constantly jokes like this.

[The Andromeda Islands]

The St. Kanye Surge vs. The Andromeda Eagles
IBC Semifinal Series - Game 2
Eterna Multisport Complex - Eterna City, Valladares
Friday, August 15
10:30 pm

Unless you were a fan of the Andromeda Eagles or the Vangaziland Royals, the second games of the IBC Semifinals were anti-climactic. The Royals swept the Quebecois, winning the deciding game by 23 points. The Eagles are up 86-52 and are less than 20 seconds away from advancing to their first Championship Series since IBC XIII.

Five different Eagles have scored in double figures. Dan Stuckey led the Eagles with 16. Kenny Hurley, Tommy Egan and PJ Hardwick each scored 10. Shaniqua Watson scored 12. A sixth player, Becky Westchester, is now two foul shots away from also scoring 10 points to go with her 13 assists.

Some of the fans have already left for the night. Many of the Eagles fans watch as Becky Westchester gets ready to shoot her first free throw.

Swish!

Westchester looks around after making her shot. She is on the court with Fawn Hopkins, Helena Press, John Knox and Farah Pahlavi. She looks at the bench. Tommy Egan, PJ Hardwick and Kenny Hurley laugh about something. Dan Stuckey talks with his wife and his younger brother.

Westchester looks into the stands. A number of Andromeda fans wave small Andromedan flags. Among the crowd are the a number of young people, who played for each of the HS state champion basketball teams from around the Allied States.

Westchester thinks about her basketball upbringing. She didn’t spend her childhood in the Allied States. Although she was born in Joppa, she spent most of her childhood in Cassadaigua. Unlike many of her female teammates on the Eagles roster, Westchester was raised in an environment of competitive females. She played basketball for CHCU (Concord Heights Catholic University) and holds the school record for most assists.

Westchester gets the ball and readies herself for her second free throw. She pauses. After taking in the enormity of the moment, Westchester quickly regains her focus and shoots.

Swish!

St. Kanye reserve point guard Bryan Warner drives the length of the court and makes an uncontested lay up as the clock ticks down. Farah Pahlavi heads out of bounds and passes the ball into Westchester, who watches as the clock expires.

The celebration is relatively subdued. Coach Gooden & Coach Peterson approach St. Kanye coach Paulie Brewster and Assistant Coach Bernard Foley. They wish the Surge best of luck in the 3rd place series.

FINAL SCORE: Andromeda 88, St. Kanye 54

----------

PLAYER OF THE GAME

51 G Becky Westchester

Age: 30
Team: St. Paul Lady Squires
Height: 5’7”
Season Stats: 8.7 ppg, 10.5 apg

After playing her college ball in Cassadaigua, Rebecca Westchester joined the Lady Squires. Westchester has started in 200 straight games for the Squires . She has led the Lady Squires in assists in each of her last five seasons.

Westchester holds dual citizenship. She was born in the Andromeda Islands to Cassadaigan parents. Her parents were employed by the Cassadaigan Embassy to Andromeda Islands.

[Saint Kanye]

THE KARDASHIA KIBITZER

SURGE STAY OPTIMISTIC DESPITE SEMIS LOSS, AIM FOR BRONZE NEXT

by Dante Dinkley

ETERNA CITY - The St. Kanye Surge may now be out of the running for the International Basketball Championships 19 title, but they still have the respect and admiration of their country, being able to get as far as the final four in only their first year in the tournament. Despite falling prey to a pumped-up The Andromeda Islands Eagles squad, 88-54, with six Andromedans scoring ten or higher, the Surge stay in Valladares to battle the Royal Kingdom of Quebec Grim Reapers for third place in a three-game playoff. The Eagles advance against the Vangaziland Royals in a five-game finals series.

Coach Paulie Brewster of the Surge is back at his post in the Kanyean bench today, with his assistant Bernard Foley still alongside him. The team didn't even take a chance to lead, with Eagle Kenny Hurley putting the first points on the table with an open three. At halftime, the Surge were down 28-46.

"This has been our worst performance ever, and all of us feel sorry for it", said Coach Brewster, a statement which all of his players and staff agreed with. "We did bad, and felt bad, and let our fans down, but at least we still have something to aim for", said James Blackwell, who led his team with eleven points. Donald Jacobson, 61, one of the 4,512 Kanyeans at the Eterna Multisports Complex, was disappointed, but didn't lose any admiration for his countrymen: "They've reached this far. It's only the first time, after all. There's still the bronze, and of course next time." A "Go Surge!" shout from him was repeated by the several other Kanyeans around.

The third-place playoffs will be held in Abbey Court, Carloburgo. The finals will be at Coliseo Mayor de Valladares, Metropolis. Both series will be broadcast (third-place live, finals delayed) on SKYNET (Saint KanYe NETwork) Sports Channel 12 and online at http://www.skynet.stk/12-sports/ibc-19. IBC fan stories can be submitted at http://www.the-kardashia-kibitzer.stk/ibc/fan-stories. We will notify you via email if your story has been selected for publication.

Scores:

THE ANDROMEDA ISLANDS 88 - Stuckey 16, Watson 12, Egan 10, Hardwick 10, Hurley 10, Westchester 10, Knox 7, Hopkins 4, Press 4, Pahlavi 3, Rivera 1, Rosener 1.

ST. KANYE 54 - Blackwell 11, Trichet 9, Forrest 6, Philips 6, Overton 5, Smith 5, Warner 4, Larsson 3, Gatson 2, Morrigan 1, Page 1, Stevens 1.

Quarters: 29-13, 46-28, 70-40, 88-54.

[Valladares]

And finally, the day has come and the finals are set to begin with this RP cutoff! Who will strike first?

---

International Basketball Championships 19 - 3PPO and Finals Game 1

Saint Kanye 69–73 Royal Kingdom of Quebec (Royal Kingdom of Quebec leads series 1-0)

Vangaziland 60–92 The Andromeda Islands (The Andromeda Islands leads series 1-0)

[Vangaziland]

This was a clean win for Andromeda. The Royals were down for much of the one-sided affair. Vangaziland started it's standard lineup, with Hurcle and Fulborg. The team never quite got started and failed to contain the Eagles.

"Anytime we started a run, they answered with a bigger run", Captain Jon Jennsen said. He finished with just 6 points and 5 rebounds.

The lackluster trend continued throughout the Vannish lineup. Hectare Yulssen led scoring with 10 points.

"I wasn't seeing a lot of open passes", he said. The starting point guard managed 6 assists. "So I shot a little more." Yulssen went 4 for 11 and added two free throws.

The head coach spoke after the game, still seeming somewhat bright in his demeanor. "This is international basketball. The guys will learn from these games and in the end, it'll help us be better."

Players like Christopher Ironwrought had a hard time getting open.

"The lane was clogged up", Ironwrought said. "There was a breakdown, where the point guard couldn't get the ball to an open man."

Lonnie Knucks finished with 8 points and 7 rebounds. "The Eagles had a little more hustle tonight", the 7'1" center admitted. "This was further than we expected to make it. So it's been a long tournament. Guys are wearing down. You can see we're tired, bruised... We'll try again."

Just as the Vangazi never seemed to get too emotional about a win, they didn't seem too shaken up over this loss. They quickly jogged off the court and out of the media's eye.

There were a few highlight plays for the Royals, including an emphatic dunk by Christopher Ironwrought. He jumped up with one hand, palmed the rebound and slammed it in over the opposing center. It was more of a statement than anything, as the Royals were down by 15 at that point.

Yulssen had a really nice stepback shot where he cut back on the dribble hard, changing his momentum and direction while shaking the defender and creating space. It created enough room for an open shot which bounced out of the net momentarily before falling back in. He was trying for 3 points, but his foot was on the line.

"There are plenty of improvements we can make", Coach Tomasson added. "Let's see if we can't make the next game more competitive."

[The Andromeda Islands]

Vangazialand Royals vs. Andromeda Eagles
IBC XIX - Championship Series - Game 1
Coliseo Mayor de Valladares
Metropolis, Valladares
Wednesday, August 22
8:50 pm

The Andromeda Eagles have the game well in hand. There are just about two minutes left. The reserves are in. Everyone dressed has scored except for Maria Rivera, who has been the point guard for most of the fourth quarter. On the bench, Farah Pahlavi and John Knox talk about what they will do after the series ends.

KNOX: What is Vangazialand like?

PAHLAVI: I don’t know. Their players could pass for Andromedans. Maybe we should go there after the series is over.

KNOX: But if we win this Series, we’ll have to go home quick for a celebration in Andromeda City, and judging by the score tonight...

The Eagles are up 91-55. Royal Guard Tom Gravu is fouled by Maria Rivera.

KNOX: We could just go to the Olympia Court House and make it official. Most of my family already knows what’s up with us, and we’ve been together much longer than Ken and Vicki.

PAHLAVI: So, we just do it?

KNOX: Yes, love. We do it!

Both teams are now in the double-bonus. As Gravu gets ready, Helena Press and Dave Stuckey talk.

DAVE STUCKEY: So, how do you deal with the long season?

PRESS: Massages.

DAVE STUCKEY: What kind?

PRESS: It depends. Most girls like a gentle hand. I like it firm. Strong.

Dave Stuckey stops himself from saying something off color. He changes the subject.

DAVE STUCKEY: I’d be surprised if the next game is this one sided. The Royals have never been here. Coach Gooden & Coach Peterson have. That advantage won’t last over a whole series.

PRESS: I suppose. What do you do to get over the stress?

DAVE STUCKEY: I play basketball. Too much World Assembly Politics will drive you insane.

PRESS: Basketball isn’t your job?

DAVE STUCKEY: No. I work in the Embassy. So, you don’t mind having a strange man’s hands all over you?

PRESS: That’s how massages work.

DAVE STUCKEY: You might not mind, but I do.

Helena Press says nothing, but her smile speaks volumes.

Meanwhile, the Eagles are up 91-57. Maria Rivera is fouled trying to make a transition layup. Many of the more than 23,000 fans have already left the stadium. Most of the remaining fans clap, knowing that everyone on the active roster has scored, except for Rivera.

Rivera, like most of the Eagles, was initially intimidated by the enormity of the Coliseum. Rivera misses the first shot. Before shooting her second shot, she closes her eyes and gives a big sigh. She imagines herself back home in Joppa. The stadium seats far fewer people. She shoots.

Most of the remaining fans erupt in cheers. Meanwhile, Coach Gooden and Coach Peterson talk about the rest of the series.

PETERSON: Coach, are we practicing tomorrow?

GOODEN: You got any other ideas, Norm?

PETERSON: I saw the IBC last year. Cosumar was down 2-0, and they won the Title, so we don’t let up. We practice on Thursday.

GOODEN: We’ve been that team with our backs against the wall. We know what can happen, because we were there in group stage.

PETERSON: So, we practice tomorrow at 9?

Gooden looks at the score.

GOODEN: Yeah, but we’ll stop before noon. Give everyone a chance to experience the Metropolis tomorrow afternoon.

As the clock expired, both Coach Al Gooden and Coach Norm Peterson realize that they think more alike than they would ever admit to each other.

FINAL SCORE: Andromeda 92, Vangazialand 60

----------

PLAYER OF THE GAME

20 F PJ Hardwick

Age: 24
Team: Beta City Barons
Height: 6’7”
Season Stats: 17.0 ppg, 9.0 rpg

One of Beta City’s twin towers, Patrick James Hardwick has helped the Barons win back-to-back ASBA Champions, winning the Finals MVP in last year. He has led the Barons to the ASBA Finals in each of his three seasons.

Hardwick earned a degree in Business Administration from the University of Joppa. Hardwick and Tommy Egan also own several franchises in the Portsmouth Metropolitan Area.

[Saint Kanye]

THE KARDASHIA KIBITZER

IBC 19 PLAYOFFS: SURGE SLUMP EXTENDS TO THIRD-PLACE SERIES

by Ray Wright

CARLOBURGO - The St. Kanye Surge are in a world of trouble as they drop their third straight game in the International Basketball Championships 19 after that miracle quarterfinals win over Abanhfleft. They made a huge fourth-quarter run but ran out of steam eventually, bowing to the Royal Kingdom of Quebec Grim Reapers, 69-73. Anton Yeung led the Grim Reapers with 17 points; Daniel Scrubb added 10. Darren Overton and Frederic Trichet led the Surge with 13 apiece.

Quebec played as expected for a seventh-ranked team, expanding a 2-0 opening lead to 26-17 at the first quarter and 45-31 ten minutes later. The Quebecois made things different for the boys in purple and lime to mount a second-half comeback, with reserve forward Paul Lee outplaying Kanyean sixth man Marc Stevens, and Trichet and sharpshooter James Blackwell being double- and triple-teamed at times. But the rest of the Kanyean bench, especially Darrell Gatson and Adrian Page, were able to lessen the Reapers' lead with a run halfway, 58-52. The Surge just managed to hold on to that small deficit and didn't get any closer, with Blackwell and Lester Smith both missing crucial threes in the final minute. Quebecois point guard Ryan Weiss missed all four of the fouls St. Kanye had to give up, but the four-point deficit still stood and the Reapers take Game 1 and move a win closer to the bronze. 4,637 Kanyeans were at Abbey Court today.

"This is bad. This is really bad. We'd have to try a lot of different things and change how we play if we wish to extend the series. I hope we don't blow it like we did last time [the semifinals against The Andromeda Islands]. For us. For our fans. For our country", said Coach Paulie Brewster. Next game's uniform for the Surge is white.

Meanwhile, in the title series at the Coliseo Mayor de Valladares in Metropolis, The Andromeda Islands Eagles whipped the Vangaziland Royals 92-60, to take Game 1 of a best-of-five.

Both series will be broadcast (third-place live, finals delayed) on SKYNET (Saint KanYe NETwork) Sports Channel 12 and online at http://www.skynet.stk/12-sports/ibc-19. IBC fan stories can be submitted at http://www.the-kardashia-kibitzer.stk/ibc/fan-stories. We will notify you via email if your story has been selected for publication.

Scores:

ROYAL KINGDOM OF QUEBEC 73 - Yeung 17, D. Scrubb 10, Kim 9, Ejim 8, Lee 7, Kigab 6, Kong 6, Weiss 6, L. Scrubb 2, Estrada 1, Wanyanga 1, Brojesvic 0.

ST. KANYE 69 - Overton 13, Trichet 13, Blackwell 8, Stevens 7, Gatson 6, Page 5, Forrest 4, Larsson 3, Philips 3, Smith 3, Morrigan 2, Warner 2.

Quarters: 26-17, 45-31, 58-52, 73-69.

[Valladares]

Now's the time for what could be a decisive Game 2 for both the 3PPO and the IBC Finals! And this is your much-awaited RP cutoff.

---

International Basketball Championships 19 - 3PPO and Finals Game 2

Royal Kingdom of Quebec 59–80 Saint Kanye (Series tied, 1-1)

The Andromeda Islands 73–72 Vangaziland (The Andromeda Islands leads series 2-0)

[Vangaziland]

"We knew we were capable of playing better than we did in game one", Jon Jennsen said. "Now we need to push just a little bit harder."

The Royals put up a valiant effort, holding the Eagles under 75 and keeping the score close throughout the game. There were quite a few lead changes all the way through the fourth quarter.

"I tried to call one of our late game plays", Kate Foyelson said. "Tonight, that last shot didn't drop."

Myke Fulborg broke free to catch the last Royals inbound pass. As he turned and let the shot fly, it became apparent that his mechanics were just slightly off. It was his shooting motion that just didn't look confident. As a result, the shot was too strong and it clanged off the back of the rim as time expired.

"I had to rush that shot, since the clock was winding down", Fulborg explained. "I didn't follow through like usual. We had the play, but didn't connect."

"We need to stop getting to this point late in games", Coach Tomasson said. "We've gotten this close to several top ten teams. Moving forward, we'll work on playing a little tighter earlier in the game so we don't have to win in the last few minutes."

Lonnie Knucks led Vannish scoring with 17 points. He added 9 rebounds and a block. Jon Hendorn contributed off the bench with 15 points, 6 assists and 4 rebounds.

"It was good to contribute tonight", Hendorn told reporters. "I wanted to show I still have a place on this team."

The reserve point guard knows he is competing with Overglade University graduate, Sarah Overson.

"There were times it looked like we could have won that game." Hectare Yulssen spoke to the media following the game. "We knew we could bring the score closer. Now let's see if we can steal a win or three."

[The Andromeda Islands]

Vangazialand Royals vs. Andromeda Eagles
IBC XIX - Championship Series - Game 2
Coliseo Mayor de Valladares
Metropolis, Valladares
Friday, August 24
9:00 pm

There are less than 30 seconds left. The Royals are up 72-71. Becky Westchester receives the inbound pass from John Knox. She throws a baseball pass down court to Tommy Egan, who is underneath the basket. Egan scores his 19th point with an easy lay-up. His defender, Myke Fulburg, runs over to defend, but is reluctant to draw the foul. A three-point play would put the game farther out of reach.

Jon Hendorn passes the ball in bounds to Julius Handsen. Handsen looks over to the Royals bench and calls their final time out. There are less than seven seconds left in the game. Both teams run to the bench. Westchester tells her teammates what they will do.

WESTCHESTER: Me and John (Knox) got either Handsen or Hendorn, whichever one isn’t passing it in. Tommy (Egan), PJ (Hardwick), Shaniqua (Watson), You guys go straight man-to-man on their front court.

Coach Gooden, who appears surprisingly relaxed, interrupts.

GOODEN: Guys, remember the second quarter when Dan was almost hit with the basketball?

EGAN: Yeah! Number 33 tried to hit me after I called him a...

GOODEN: It doesn’t matter. That was classic David & Goliath type stuff, except Dan Stuckey dodged the bullet.

KNOX: The rock.

WESTCHESTER: The basketball.

GOODEN: The point is, we don’t have to follow that template. It’s very simple. If the Royals connect, they win. If we stop them, we win!

There is a silence, the team knows what to do.

GOODEN: Bring it in.

The team crowds in.

PETERSON: 1...2...3!

ALL: EAGLES!

The Andromeda Five take the court a few seconds before the Royals. The stands are full, but surprisingly quiet in anticipation of the final seconds.

The horn sounds. Handsen looks over to Herndon, who’s double-teamed. Fulberg takes advantage of a screen set by Lonnie Knucks. Tommy Egan runs into Knucks, chasing Fulberg. Handsen passes the ball to Fulburg. Fulburg turns and shoots...

Klang!

Shaniqua Watson and Jon Jensson fight for the rebound as time expires. The horn sounds. The Eagles escape with a slim victory and lead the Championship Series 2 games to none.

FINAL SCORE: Andromeda 73, Vangazialand 72

----------

PLAYER OF THE GAME

30 F Tommy Egan

Age: 24
Team: Beta City Barons
Height: 6’7”
Season Stats: 19.1 ppg, 9.1 rpg

One of Beta City’s twin towers, James Thomas Egan has helped the Barons win back-to-back ASBA Champions, winning the Finals MVP in 2034. He has led the Barons to the ASBA Finals in each of his three seasons.

Egan earned a degree in Business Administration from the University of Beta City. Egan and PJ Hardwick also own several franchises in the Portsmouth Metropolitan Area.

[Saint Kanye]

THE KARDASHIA KIBITZER

IBC 19 PLAYOFFS: SURGE END LOSING STREAK, STAY ALIVE IN BRONZE MEDAL SERIES

by Dante Dinkley

CARLOBURGO - After that close defeat yesterday, their third in a row, the St. Kanye Surge started getting criticized by people around the world, online and even in person. They didn't mind any of that, entering the second game of the International Basketball Championships 19 third-place playoffs like it was no big deal. After ten minutes, they went down 10-27 to the Royal Kingdom of Quebec Grim Reapers. Then, something seemed to change. The negativity seemed to become fuel for the Surge, who went on a rampage on both offense and defense, quickly reversing the deep deficit into a 38-34 lead at halftime.. Daniel Scrubb, who outscored the entire Kanyean team in the first quarter with 14 points, was virtually handcuffed; the only point he would add to his total would be a split from the free throw line, 7:57 in the fourth. He was the only player for the Reapers to end up with more than ten points. Anton Yeung, yesterday's top scorer, was held to just four points, all in the second quarter, and eventually went scoreless the rest of the way.

The Surge didn't stop there, raising their lead to 57-47 at the end of quarter three, with all starters already in double figures. The Surge played the way they did during the earlier stages of the tournament, with the bench also providing firepower. They took over from the first five during the last eight minutes and preserved the win, 80-59. James Blackwell had a perfect 4/4 from rainbow country plus 2/2 free throws, Darren Overton had a double-double of a dozen points as well as rebounds, while Billy Forrest had four blocks to go with his eleven points.

"Of course I'm happy, but there's still the thought that this should've come sooner. And then there's the bashers. Your bad words don't do anything to us but fire us up. If you want, you can come over here and play, if you really know and want to show us how it's done", Surge coach Paulie Brewster said. Added assistant coach Bernard Foley, "The rage from the losses and the energy of the crowd [4,817 Kanyeans at Abbey Court] both powered us. Hopefully the momentum doesn't wear off tomorrow." The Surge once again wears purple in the third and last game which will determine which team stands at the podium with the two finalists.

Meanwhile, in Game 2 of the five-game finals series at the Coliseo Mayor de Valladares in Metropolis, Mike Fulborg's sorry miss in the last second cost the Vangaziland Royals the game, 72-73 against the Eagles of The Andromeda Islands, and moved the latter only a win away from the IBC 19 title.

Both series will be broadcast (third-place live, finals delayed) on SKYNET (Saint KanYe NETwork) Sports Channel 12 and online at http://www.skynet.stk/12-sports/ibc-19. IBC fan stories can be submitted at http://www.the-kardashia-kibitzer.stk/ibc/fan-stories. We will notify you via email if your story has been selected for publication.

Scores:

ST. KANYE 80 - Blackwell 14, Overton 12, Forrest 11, Trichet 11, Philips 10, Stevens 6, Smith 5, Larsson 3, Gatson 2, Morrigan 2, Page 2, Warner 2.

ROYAL KINGDOM OF QUEBEC 59 - D. Scrubb 15, Weiss 8, Kim 7, Kigab 5, Wanyanga 5, Ejim 4, Lee 4, L. Scrubb 4, Yeung 4, Kong 3, Brojesvic 0, Estrada 0.

Quarters: 10-27, 38-34, 57-47, 80-59.

[Valladares]

This is what will be the last RP cutoff for the teams competing in the 3PPO, and might be the last one of the competition. Will the Eagles clinch a new IBC title tonight? Will Vangaziland manage to extend the series for one more game at least? And who will emerge with the bronze medals? I can't wait to know...

---

International Basketball Championships 19 - 3PPO and Finals Game 3

Saint Kanye 84–57 Royal Kingdom of Quebec (Saint Kanye wins series 2-1)

Vangaziland 79–71 The Andromeda Islands (The Andromeda Islands leads series 2-1)

Congratulations to Saint Kanye on achieving third place in their first IBC appearance. As for the finalists, the drama will continue for one more night, at least...

[Vangaziland]

Vangaziland took the final lead with about eight minutes to play. The first three quarters had been back and forth, similar to the previous game. There were definitely times it looked like Vangaziland would lose the game. Ironwrought had a relatively quiet performance, despite getting the start.

This was the first time Ironwrought started alongside Frank Hurcle at center.

"I just didn't get my into my rotation", Christopher said about his shooting mechanics. "I helped in other ways though." The forward finished with 10 points, but grabbed 11 rebounds and blocked 2 shots.

Defense was a major part of the game. Vangaziland shut down the lane this time, in a way the Eagles had done to them in prior matches.

"We knew we'd have to pull out all the stops or risk being swept", Frank Hurcle said. "We saw by the way the Eagles spanked St. Kanye that they were a solid team. We didn't want them to use the same broom that dusted off on St. Kanye against us."

Out of three games, Vangaziland lost twice. Game 2 came down to a single point.

"We've played with dignity", Hectare Yulssen said. "The last two games have been close, at least. We've made it interesting. Andromeda has to work against us, compared to a team like say.... St. Kanye."

The starting point guard finished with 13 points and 8 assists. He looked confident as he moved the ball up the court, raising his hand to call plays. His eyes were down the court. Several times he connected with some no look passes.

"The shots that didn't fall yesterday, fell today", Coach Tomasson told reporters. "It's all about that shooting percentage. We are playing right there with them. Skill-wise, we have been even. We could have won game 2 and been 2 games up. Luck just didn't work out that way. We give the Eagles credit for the 1-point win. But nobody can talk about us as if we were some pushovers, no matter what happens next game."

Tom Gravu played the most minutes at shooting guard and led Vannish scoring with 19. He also picked up 3 pivotal steals.

"I was happy it didn't come down to one of my last second plays", Kate Foyelson said with a smirk. "The players came through with a good fourth quarter though. Our plan is to go quarter by quarter. We know there is a good chance the Eagles can get really hot and put up a lot of points. But if we can limit their streaks, rebound and make our shots, we can compete."

[The Andromeda Islands]

Vangaziland Royals vs. Andromeda Eagles
IBC XIX - Championship Series - Game 4
Coliseo Mayor de Valladares
Metropolis, Valladares
Wednesday, August 29
6:45 pm

Smooth Walker sits in the stands behind the Andromeda bench, next to his wife. He is in street clothes and has been trying to mask his extreme pain for the past week. He decided to forego any remedies for his pain, at least until the series is over.

Also behind the bench are Dave Stuckey, Ken Knox and Vicki Page. They discuss the series as the Andromeda Eagles and the Vannish Royals come out for pregame warm-ups.

Dave Stuckey looks at Becky Westchester. During the past two games, she seemed tentative. Stuckey likes Westchester’s game, but thinks she should be a little more emotional and take a few more risks. Vicki Page talks with Dave Stuckey and Ken Knox.

PAGE: You know, our floor general was emotional last night.

Stuckey is surprised.

DAVE STUCKEY: Really. How so?

PAGE: A few of us were in Fawn Hopkins’ room. Becky comes in, crying. She started going on and on about Don Cruz.

Kelly Walker, Smooth’s wife, hears this.

KELLY WALKER: You mean the movie star? The guy from the Mission Improbable Films?

PAGE: Yeah. That’s him.

KELLY: You’d think he would have been here, since we’re in the finals.

PAGE: That’s the thing. He kept their relationship on the down low. Most of the Andromeda Media didn’t know they were dating.

KELLY: So, they broke up?

PAGE: Yeah. He’s shooting a film in San Angeles, where I’m from. He’s been seen with a number of actresses.

KEN KNOX: So that’s what that yelling was all about? I thought... Isn’t Don Cruz gay?

KELLY: I heard he was bi, but...

KEN KNOX: Anyway, I thought Becky was crazy, yelling like that in her room by herself. Dude could have at least broke up with her in person. That’s not right.

Dave Stuckey talks to Smooth.

DAVE STUCKEY: Smooth, you don’t look so good. What’s up?

SMOOTH: Well, since I stopped playing, I also stopped the self-medicating.

Most everyone knows that Smooth Walker smokes marijuana.

DAVE STUCKEY: You all right?

SMOOTH: I’m fine. I’ve lost a little bit of weight, but it’s less pressure on my ankle.

DAVE STUCKEY: But what about the pain?

SMOOTH: Let me clue you in on something: Sometimes, a little pain is good for you. Just like when we lost on Sunday. That stuff hurts. But you know that our guys out there have done everything they can since then to make sure they don’t go through it again.

KELLY: Also, we just ran out.

The group laughs. Meanwhile, the horn sounds. The two teams get into a huddle. Coach Gooden yells for the players to get to the huddle. He reiterates what he said in the locker room earlier.

GOODEN: Everyone, remember what I said. I don’t care if we are up in this series. The prognosticators. The analysts. The sports writers. The Hate-orators. The Scientologists.

Everyone in the huddle laughs. Becky Westchester’s ex-boyfriend is a devout member of the Church of Scientology. Westchester puts her hands up in the shape of a pyramid, which provokes more laughter.

GOODEN: None of that outside silliness matters now. Go out and play the game of your lives. We play basketball like there’s no tomorrow. Bring it in!

The huddle gets smaller.

GOODEN: One.....Two.....Three.....

HUDDLE: ANDROMEDA!

Music starts playing as the Public address announcer welcomes sports fans to The Coliseum. Anticipation builds. Will the Royals extend the series to a deciding game? Will the Eagles recover and clinch?

[Saint Kanye]

THE KARDASHIA KIBITZER

IBC 19 PLAYOFFS: SURGE WIN THIRD GAME, THIRD PLACE

by Claude Harlan

CARLOBURGO - "They said we don't have quite enough to make it out of eliminations. We came out and reached the Final Four. They said 'That's the name of your country?' We said 'Yes, and remember it, because this is just the beginning.'" Coach Paulie Brewster, in a post-game press conference, was referring to two articles he's read about the St. Kanye Surge over the course of the International Basketball Championships 19. The country which has no prior experience in world hoops has made its way to the top of the competition, behind only the two countries - The Andromeda Islands and Vangaziland - who are still fighting for the top spot. The purple and lime showed that their performance yesterday against the Royal Kingdom of Quebec Grim Reapers was no fluke, and walloped them 84-57 in a game in which they never trailed. James Blackwell once again led the scoring for the Kanyeans with 17, beginning and ending the game with a fadeaway three. Billy Forrest added 15, nine rebounds and two blocks.

The Reapers spent most of the first half just riding onto the Surge's tail, getting the closest at three points down on several occasions. The Surge simply shook them off, and with the bench's help, turned the lead from 23-20 at the end of the first to 40-33 at halftime, to 64-41 at the end of a third quarter marked with a heated exchange of words between Surge reserve forward Mikael Larsson and the Grim Reapers' young guard Felix Kigab, which started when both of them scrambled to save a ball from going out-of-bounds (it eventually went to the Quebecois). Finally, they put on a show for the 5,013 Kanyeans at Abbey Court. Threes, dunks, savage swats, and of course the trick shots Frederic Trichet is known for. When the final buzzer sounded, the Kanyeans did a wave, the Surge players ran into the stands to high-five the fans, and Coach Brewster poured Brawndo on his assistant, Bernard Foley.

"We're happy. It's still a medal, right? We'll be getting better next time around, watch us", said Forrest seconds before getting grabbed and kissed by two Kanyean teen girls in matching purple and lime outfits. "We worked real hard, and now we need a rest. We've decided that we'll be staying here for at most a week, then we fly back home, hopefully to a heroes' welcome", said a dripping Assistant Coach Foley, after which he got lifted up by Jason Morrigan, who added "Might as well watch the finals while we're here, wanna know how our Andromedan friends are doing, and I hear the Vannish are kind folk, too." At Coliseo Mayor de Valladares, the latter kept the series going, denying the former from chalking up a third finals win, 79-71. Team manager Mitch Hansen has indeed been talking to the city of Kardashia about organizing a parade for the team, and has received e-mails from several companies - Brawndo included - about team and player endorsements.

Scores:

ST. KANYE 84 - Blackwell 17, Forrest 15, Trichet 10, Overton 9, Stevens 8, Larsson 6, Philips 5, Smith 4, Morrigan 4, Gatson 2, Page 2, Warner 2.

ROYAL KINGDOM OF QUEBEC 57 - Ejim 10, Weiss 8, Kim 6, D. Scrubb 6, Kong 5, Yeung 5, Estrada 4, Kigab 3, Lee 3, Wanyanga 3, Brojesvic 2, L. Scrubb 2.

Quarters: 23-20, 40-33, 64-41, 84-57.

[Valladares]

It's time for the finalists to meet their fate. Behold this RP Cutoff!

---

International Basketball Championships 19 - Finals Game 4

The Andromeda Islands 81–75 Vangaziland (The Andromeda Islands wins series 3-1)

Congratulations to the Andromeda Islands on a new IBC championship, and commiserations go to Vangaziland. I would like to thank all the people who contributed to the success of this tournament and I hope you all have had a great time this IBC. Valladares now signing out, goodnight!

[Vangaziland]

"We kept it close for one more game", Coach Tomasson told reporters. "Congrats to the winners. Good luck to all participants for next time."

The Vangaziland Royals clapped their hands, finally showing different emotions as they shook hands with the Eagles and then left the court.