What we hear most often about the Sanctii selection that will face our guys this very evening is that they pale in comparison to the generation that dominated the IBC a while back with three consecutive victories. To claim that the side that will grace the parquet can’t stand the test with that group is equally correct and unfair. Even within a nation that has a long and fierce tradition in the sport, the triple victors stand out as owners of a unique chemistry and might be seen as the best team ever to appear at a Championship, possibly challenged by the Sarzonians who rocked their generation.
All daydreaming of the past aside, Os Bestas face a quintet that has gone flawless so far and rightly so. Lucas Cornificius might not have gathered the most praise possible so far during this tournament but the domestic MVP could reign in that title again here if he leads the Sanctii to a new trophy. Another player that would start in any side of this IBC certainly is Lucia Cornelia. While some might have questioned here quality ahead of the festivities, she is now generally seen as one of the defining three-point scorers of this tournament.
The praise garnished amongst the international press for the duo mentioned above stands in contrast to the relatively fickle list of results from our formation, with especially Joao Vicente showing two faces across the quarterfinals. At times he directed the game with his known vigour and enthusiasm but physically, he was more than often degraded by the looming towers of the Sword Bloke. Manager Luis Radeba might even consider benching him, it is rumoured, but in a more technical game, as is played by those who stand by the cross, he might still be valuable.
Only one Sancti makes the double meter but that one, Stephanus Axius probably holds the key in his hands. More often than not, he is seen as the weakest link in the formation having to deal with a comparison to Prince Ioannes. It should offer opportunities for the Banguelans if it weren’t for our own weaknesses. If Joao Vicente holds on, our own lacuna might exactly be located at the same spot. Garzao has been as shaky as our own form and must be that which keeps Luis Radeba awake at night.
Banguela goes into this triple confrontation without a lot of obligations as a spot amongst the last eight. Contrary to their opponent, who came for at least a spot in the final, their tournament can already be seen as a success. This mental difference forms the sole ace up the sleeve of Radeba that could overturn the balance. In the group phase, Saintland did not struggle to score a perfect record but the doubleheader against Ethane showed some weaknesses. All those should be exploited to fiddle with the heads of the favourites.
Our last words we’ll save for the other three match-ups that rolled out of the first knock-out phase. The Grim Reapers so far boast a clean track, hitting the lowest odds of many bookies. The home support of the Snakes could make it a fine battle but the Quebecois will attempt to finish it off in two games. Mainly because we all suspect that Abanhfleft and St. Kanye will need three games to determine who deserves the crown of second favourite. With an eye to the spectacular and interesting basketball both served so far, this should catch the most international interest but the exhaustion of this biblical clash might harm their chances for the victory. Only for us, the main focus might be on the game between the surprising Anacondas and Ko-oren. Neither has been doing extremely well but Ko-oren seems capable of calmly walking into the finals to finish this off.
