International Basketball Championships 25 - IC Thread

[Northwest Kalactin]

Kalactin sporting news
bad start
Northwest Kalactin has not got their 2nd IBC run off to a good start first of all we didn’t just lose to 2 teams we got destroyed by them the first game which was against Banija we lost 106-66 then just to make it worst we lost to Qasden 103-69 which is terrible we need to play better and let’s hope with the next games we have we will the next 3 games are all against unranked teams which is good except we don’t know how they play at all and even though they weren’t in the last IBC they still might be a good team

[Espezah]

After losing at the debut, coach Woods was assertive on his post-game press conference:
"The lack of chemistry prejudiced our gameplan. I know that I have a really young team, with the average age bellow 20, and that's complicated. This kids are good, dedicated, but they are not used to playing together, and you ad up to that the fact that Qasden is a strong opponent with more tradition in the tournament, we had already lost this game at the half."
"We are playing this IBC following one of the most cliche sayings in sports: 'offense wins games and defence wins championships'. On the first half today the boys had a hard time to follow my instructions and wen't for a lot of 1v1, leaving behind the organized play and leaving too much room for fastbreaks."
"Espezian basketball is not played like, we have the tradition of playing collectively and with a strong defense, and they know that, and that's what reinforced at the locker room. I think you could tell the difference it made on the second half."
"Now we need to work on ou chemistry, this needs to be seen on our day to day routine and trainings as well, that's my main focus from here on".




Well, it looks like the hard talk worked. According to a Sports Today reporter present at the Busukuma Lagongyo Suites, where the national team is staying, the atmosphere during breakfest yesterday was way different then the one on the morning of the first game. The players seemed to bee way more natural around each other, that was also noted by the journalists present at the tactical training session held at the afternoon, when the focus were, once again, defense.
The result on court was excelent, with Espezah achieving it's first official win, by 80-66 (45-30 at the half) against South Toronto. The team had a great collective performance, with a good point distribution and 21 more rebounds than the opponent.
One could say the best player on the night were 18yo and team captain Terence Britt. The point guard from Haughmond University had 7 points and 5 assists, but showcased extremely good defense with and a lot of hustle, resulting in 6 steals. Shooting guard John Fitzpatrick form Dunwich were once more another highlight coming from the bench. With less minutes then in the first game, he had 5 points and 9 assists.



The next Espezah game is today, March 9, against Northwest Kalactin, once again at "The King's Court" at 9:30PM local time (7:30PM at Espezah time). The opponent is number 32 on the ranking and comes from two losses (106-66 to Banija and 103-69 to Qasden) in the competition, so they need a win to fight for a spot.

[Banija]

Mama told me! Not to sell work!

Seventeen- five! Same color Cutoff

Group E
The Purity Complex 64–74 Free Republics
Ceni 79–93 Valladares
North New South Wales 59–69 Crystalline Caverns

Nation Name              Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Free Republics           2    2   0   0   163  117  +46     2
2 Ceni                     2    1   0   1   180  161  +19     1
3 North New South Wales    2    1   0   1   132  140   −8     1
4 Valladares               2    1   0   1   146  168  −22     1
5 Crystalline Caverns      2    1   0   1   137  160  −23     1
6 The Purity Complex       2    0   0   2   135  147  −12     0

Group F
Lisander 109–62 New Doltania
Abanhfleft 57–64 West Phoenicia
Aji No Moto 74–88 The Andromeda Archipelago

Nation Name                  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Lisander                     2    2   0   0   204  129  +75     6
2 West Phoenicia               2    2   0   0   180  127  +53     6
3 The Andromeda Archipelago    2    1   0   1   162  155   +7     3
4 Abanhfleft                   2    1   0   1   138  138    0     3
5 Aji No Moto                  2    0   0   2   141  183  −42     0
6 New Doltania                 2    0   0   2   132  225  −93     0

Group G
Valanora 73–81 Siovanija and Teusland
Natanians and Nosts 80–57 Quantilia
Juvencus 82–63 Hudson Islands

Nation Name                Pld   W   D   L    GF   GA   GD    Pts 
1 Juvencus                  2    2   0   0   159  137  +22     6
2 Siovanija and Teusland    2    2   0   0   166  152  +14     6
3 Natanians and Nosts       2    1   0   1   146  135  +11     3
4 Hudson Islands            2    1   0   1   141  148   −7     3
5 Valanora                  2    0   0   2   147  158  −11     0
6 Quantilia                 2    0   0   2   136  165  −29     0

Group H
Filindostan 77–79 Humaliwo
Golden State Warriorz 74–94 Royal Kingdom of Quebec
Azadeshia 64–75 Vakolicci haven and Celeria

Nation Name                    Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Vakolicci haven and Celeria    2    2   0   0   149  125  +24     6
2 Humaliwo                       2    2   0   0   162  154   +8     6
3 Filindostan                    2    1   0   1   161  138  +23     3
4 Royal Kingdom of Quebec        2    1   0   1   171  157  +14     3
5 Golden State Warriorz          2    0   0   2   135  168  −33     0
6 Azadeshia                      2    0   0   2   123  159  −36     0

[Lisander]

A crazy night or "How a thrashing at Jakultarena and an unlikely combination of results has unbelievably led Lisander to the top of Group F".
Lisander ran over Nova Doltania like a steamroller!

Not even the most optimistic of the fans of lisanderian basketball believed that the team would be in the first position of the group after two matches. Still less would they believe in a result as positive as today. It was a thrashing of epic proportions! 109-62, in a game that the New Doltania team will most likely take time to forget.

Lisander put the Doltanians to dance. While Savin from the top of 2,09m dominating inside the key, Howells and the rest of the "small guys" dominated the game with balls of two and three points in any possible way. Guilherme Savin scored 28 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists (his first triple-double by the national team) and chosen as MVP of the game on a day where all players went well, and all twelve players went on the field. Tiago Howells was not far behind, and hit no fewer than six three-pointers, having scored 24 points in total. Hahn also made a double with 16 points.

But that was not all that happened at Jakultaena. In fact, the Lisander game was just an appetizer for the game that followed, where West Phoenicia (12) beat Abanhfleft (1) in a game that was very close. With the elastic margin of Lisander's game, the Ermine points difference went up, leaving coach Hélder Machado's team ahead of West Phoenicia by 22 points scored. In third place comes The Andromeda Archipelago, who beat Aji-no-Moto by 88-74. They are Lisander's next opponents.

[Ceni]

---

IBC 25: Ceni 1-1 after shock defeat to Valladares

---

A smashing performance against newcomers Crystalline Caverns was followed by a humiliating defeat against the group's third seeds Valladares, coming in to a crucial match against the group's third seed Free Republics. Despite being ranked number three in the world, Ceni is no longer one of the favorites to win the group and perhaps the whole tournament, thanks to its iffy performance against Valladares.

Crystalline Caverns, unranked, proved no match for the Cenian wheel offense scoring machine on the first matchday. Everyone was playing well, especially point guard Neil Halcyon and power forward Ashur El-Amin. The wheel offense totally destroyed the unranked nation's poor man-to-man offense; the fact that Ceni kept the offense moving stymied their defense entirely, meaning that two and three point shots happened with stunning regularity. Crystalline Caverns could barely respond, leading to the final score of 101-68.

Valladares provided a sterner test, in a desultory match for the Tir Snakes where errors, unfortunately, abounded. After the crazy win after Crystalline Caverns, the team was confident heading into the Valladares test, but that confidence apparently proved misplaced. Neil Halcyon was playing well, but the Valladar defense, led by experienced center Santiago Mina, had found out a way to disrupt the wheel offense with a zonal defense and good reading of Ceni's passes. Ceni's inability to pass or score led to a 93-79 loss. "Everyone loses," said coach Lauren Vox. "So do we. We aren't perfect."

Free Republics will be a tough opponent to face, especially on the back of the disappointing Valladares loss. They are 2-0, including a win over Valladares, who defeated Ceni, with a solid point differential. Their media has been presenting their team as a righteous defender of the nation, which means that they have strong morale heading into their match against Ceni, despite the rank differential. Ranked number 16 in the world, Free Republics are a strong contender, not to be taken lightly.

Vox said that her team would be focusing on the essentials, as usual. "After the Valladares game, we'll be shooting lots of layups in the practice courts. We really need a lot of work on basic thing like this, as well as strategy. I think we failed against Valladares because we messed up our strategy." Vox said that they wouldn't be so overconfident against Free Republics. "They're playing well, so we'll be looking at how they play and finding ways to combat that."

[North Prarie]

Ja' Khi James slammed his towel against the floor. North Prarie had lost ANOTHER game, this time a 6-point loss to Cosumar. They played well, but the Goldstars were no match for the highly experienced Dragons. The North Prarie team was comprised of college players and players from the NPBA. The NPBA did not have a super-large following, as basketball was only the 5th largest sport in North Prarie. They played in big arenas, but they were mostly for Superball. North Prarie needed to rally here.
"Okay boys, who's ready to actually WIN A GAME?"
The North Prariean players looked up.
Ja'Khi James was getting them fired up.

---

Nicholas Wright was putting his sweatshirt on when he heard someone yell. It was Ja'Khi. He was right. They did need to start winning.
He was going to start on fire.

[South Toronto]

PLEASE READ: I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO POST AS MANY RP'S AS I WANTED TO DUE TO RL COMMITMENTS. I'LL SEE IF I'M ABLE TO POST BUT EXPECT LITTLE TO NO RP FROM ME FOR AT LEAST A WEEK.

Starting Lineup:
PF: Mo’ Abubakar Abdul
SF: Deray Thompson
SG: Rashard Draemont
PG: Demar Crane
C: Toro Juan Maria

Bench:

SF: Levi Lemar
SF: Thierry Comtois
PF: Gang Ji Sheng
PF: Davontay Symere
PG: Timanse Ellis
SG: Jordan Lekkeshe
PG: Jiovan Marcus
C: Oladele Akenzua
SG: Sanjay Chudaahao
C: Jermaine DeGrandes

RP Permissions: Do whatever you want but don't go around killing my players or injuring them over a long period of time.

[Valladares]

THE METROPOLIS HERALD
Metropolis, Friday, March 9^th, 2018

HOME | IN THE CAPITAL | DOMESTIC | RUSHMORE | INTERNATIONAL | ECONOMICS | SPORT | TODAY'S LIFE

Valladares' IBC Campaign Lifts Off, Jaguars Beat Ceni

YOGYAKULTA, FILINDOSTAN (VAP) — After the large loss at the hands of second seed Free Republics in the 25th International Basketball Championships Group E opener, the Valladar Jaguars bounced back with an unexpected 93-79 win over top seeds Ceni to lift themselves to 1-1 in the group while also casting a dark cloud of doubt on the Cenians ahead of their next match against group leaders Free Republics. The Jaguars capitalized every single mistake committed by the Tir Snakes to hand them a painful defeat.

Coming off a disastrous performance in their first appearance against Free Republics, who a priori were (and still are) the team to beat for second place in the group, the Valladars were under great pressure to get a positive result against top seeds Ceni (for whom Crystalline Caverns proved to be no match) in order not to get too far behind from the top two spots after just two games. It seemed to be a really difficult mission for the Jaguars against their Terranean neighbours considering their contrasting first impressions at the tournament, however, the Valladars managed to shake themselves up in resounding fashion.

Center Santiago Mina, who was easily overwhelmed by the Republican artillery in the last match, was able to find some redemption against the Cenians and led the Jaguars defense by intercepting most passes by the Cenians. In addition to this, the Jaguars were able to display their famous fast transition from defense to offense, which allowed them to mount a nearly unsurmountable lead by the end of the third quarter. Shooting guard Byron Mackarin led the Valladar offense with successive two and three point shots which left the Tir Snakes unable to mount a real reaction, for a stunning and refreshing win for the Jaguars.

This solid, albeit unexpected, large win against the Ceni Tir Snakes puts the Valladars back on track in what seems to become a three-horse race for two berths to the next round of the IBC. With top seeds Ceni and Free Republics playing each other in the next round, the Jaguars will be hoping to climb up the Group E table by repeating this recent performance against newcomers North New South Wales, who just like Valladares are 1-1 but placed third on virtue of having a better point differential than the Valladars.

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[Filindostan]

Some players and teams do what they want, they do what they please, they'll do it again, till they got what they need.

Cutoff for Matchday 3.

---

MATCHDAY 3 RESULTS

Group A
Banija 90–62 South Toronto
Qasden 78–67 Omerica
Espezah 67–76 Northwest Kalactin

  Group A               Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Banija                  3    3   0   288  190  +98     3
2 Qasden                  3    3   0   260  205  +55     3
3 Northwest Kalactin      3    1   2   211  276  −65     1
4 Espezah                 3    1   2   216  221   −5     1
5 South Toronto           3    1   2   209  247  −38     1
6 Omerica                 3    0   3   206  251  −45     0

Group B
Omnum 68–87 Vangaziland
Kita-Hinode 94–61 Valliesta
Pridnestrovia 77–80 Great Chota

  Group B               Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Vangaziland             3    3   0   262  192  +70     3
2 Great Chota             3    3   0   234  217  +17     3
3 Kita-Hinode             3    2   1   230  204  +26     2
4 Omnum                   3    1   2   222  240  −18     1
5 Pridnestrovia           3    0   3   211  230  −19     0
6 Valliesta               3    0   3   193  269  −76     0

Group C
Cosumar 91–94 Ethane
Equestrian States 62–79 North Prarie
Aristian Republic 78–92 Segral

  Group C               Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Ethane                  3    3   0   246  212  +34     3
2 Cosumar                 3    2   1   267  257  +10     2
3 Segral                  3    2   1   257  234  +23     2
4 North Prarie            3    1   2   223  228   −5     1
5 Aristian Republic       3    1   2   231  245  −14     1
6 Equestrian States       3    0   3   209  257  −48     0

Group D
Melbergia 76–77 Alpine Union
Razenthuria 79–60 Augusto del Sud
Newmanistan 75–77 Drawkland

  Group D               Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Drawkland               3    2   1   229  214  +15     2
2 Newmanistan             3    2   1   271  215  +56     2
3 Augusto del Sud         3    2   1   221  213   +8     2
4 Alpine Union            3    1   2   203  244  −41     1
5 Melbergia               3    1   2   223  234  −11     1
6 Razenthuria             3    1   2   217  244  −27     1

[Kita-Hinode]

William Linfield's Journal
March 9th, 2138

It's still quite earth-shattering to be out of the Hinodejin Empire, let alone the realm I belong to. The trip was every bit I've heard about if not more, you feel your stomach clutching itself somewhat, like if the pressure of going through an interdimensional portal actually does affect you from the inside. And to think that I got to this... place called Banija right after being forced to flee from Cambridge five years ago, without a single piece of gold to my good name.

Yes, the more I trudge through the Hinodejin land or other countries like this one, I realize that I've never quite reached peace from my days as a thief. I don't think anyone even knows that, in fact. Nobody asked me when I showed up at Tentai, not too long ago, and right now I doubt that'd be the case. Besides, the Queen's little brother had a thing for a prostitute, I'm sure they could deal with a popular basketballer having a shady past.

I miss Elizabeth, the Canmore's daughter. Contacts with former England has been pretty much impossible... they say that the Hinodejin left quite a sight at my good old island. Still, I refuse to rename myself, think I'll find someone from there that don't remember me as a thief. It's hard to even realize that I should be hyped for the tournament... yet I've never really put a lot of thought into my career. And the more I look at it, the more I think I never will.

He closed the journal, sighing before putting himself to sleep. His dreams clouded by the memories of his good little island in the middle of the ocean. God save her.

[Free Republics]

GameNews

Review: Super Casanova: How to Get Laid
by: Jennifer Bevan

Super Casanova: How to Get Laid is a visual novel by pickup artist Ruggero Romani which purports to teach men how to get laid. It is out tomorrow on all major gaming platforms. For some unGodly reason, my boss decided that I would be the one to review this. While I could have just trashed this game without playing it, I decided to actually give the game a chance even though Ruggero Romani is one of the sleaziest characters in the Free Republics and normally an individual whom we would not provide a platform to here at GameNews.

The game stars Ruggero Romani as both your dating coach and the main character who stars in a number of short skits where he approaches women and asks them out. Before he actually asks them out, the game pauses, giving you a chance to determine what he should say and do. As the conversation progresses, the game pauses to give you a chance to make a move or determine what to say. At first, I tried to be a total creep. I invaded a woman's personal space and grabbed her by the pussy. Appropriately, she responded by kicking my pickup artist character in the balls. I literally laughed so hard I fell out of my chair!

Afterwards, Ruggero explained that such aggressive tactics as I'd chosen usually backfire and advised me never to do that to an actual woman. I agree wholeheartedly with this! If any man ever did that to me, I'd kick him in the balls too. He went on to explain that there is a need for a middle ground between being a "submissive beta male" and sexually assaulting random women in a shopping mall. I'd think that particular point would be fairly obvious.

The graphics on the game are lifelike, which is not surprising given that it appears to have been filmed with real actors. The sound is top-notch and the player has a great deal of control over how interactions go. Technically speaking, this game is pretty well-made. Some of the scenes are also hilarious and, while I don't agree with everything the game encourages, I believe it could be a great teaching tool for men who are way too aggressive toward women. If disgraced Sporting World editor Jasper Chuter had played this game and realized that hiring incompetent bimbos as journalists then forcing them to have sex with him to keep their jobs was inappropriate, maybe he'd still be the editor of Sporting World today. Ultimately, I have to reluctantly award this game a 4 out of 5.

Jennifer Bevan is a game reviewer for GameNews. Growing up, she was introduced to gaming by her older brothers and has had a love of gaming ever since. Upon graduating from Barteaux University with a degree in English, she applied for a job at GameNews and was hired to help expand our coverage of the ever-growing gaming industry.

---

Joakim Lindqvist was obviously distracted during practice. The backup point guard just kept missing his three point shots. Republican shooting coach Mason Dugdale saw what was going on and walked up to the young backup.

Mason Dugdale - Joakim, is something bothering you?

Joakim Lindqvist - Why are you asking, coach?

Mason Dugdale - Its just that you usually make three pointers but you keep missing them today, so I thought something must be wrong.

Joakim Lindqvist - Yes, there is something bothering me coach. My girlfriend dumped me via text this morning.

Mason Dugdale - Can't you just get another girl?

Joakim Lindqvist - I could but I truly thought she was the one.

Mason Dugdale - C'mon man, snap out of that. You can't put your focus solely on one girl unless you want to be miserable all the time. I made that mistake myself for so long...

Joakim Lindqvist - But I'm not like those other guys who just want to get laid all the time. We were saving ourselves for marriage.

Mason Dugdale - Why would you, a good-looking athlete who can get any girl he wants, actually want to save yourself for marriage. You've never seemed like the religious type to me.

Joakim Lindqvist - I'm not. I've just always believed in the dream of 1 man and 1 woman remaining pure until their wedding night and living happily ever after.

Mason Dugdale - Why would you believe in that? Believe me when I tell you this: Any girl your age who isn't religious and isn't from a traditional religious family isn't going to be a virgin. She's just not going to be. All girls are hos. Even the "Christian" girls would be if they weren't conforming to what's expected of them by their Church. The only ones who actually believe that romantic crap are men because men are prone to misguided idealism whereas women are much more pragmatic.

Joakim Lindqvist - That can't be.

Mason Dugdale - But it is and the sooner you realize it, the better off you'll be. No good ever comes out of falling for dreams. The road to hell is paved with the dreams of idealists. Besides, there are more important things in life right now like beating Ceni tomorrow.

Joakim Lindqvist - I guess you're right about that, coach. I'll try to focus on the task at hand.

Mason Dugdale - Good. I'm glad to hear that. If you're interested, I'll take you out to a local bar and help you pick up chicks. I imagine you could really use a one night stand right now.

Joakim Lindqvist - Thank you coach. I may have to take you up on that offer. Maybe I need to stop dreaming and accept the reality that sexual promiscuity is the way of the multiverse.

Mason Dugdale - I'm glad to hear that. Besides, having sex is scientifically proven to improve your performance in sports. Its like injecting yourself with testosterone but you don't have to worry about the "anti-doping" people busting you for it and its a lot more fun too! But back to shooting. I want you to start over from the beginning and do it right this time.

Joakim Lindqvist - Yes coach.

Joakim Lindqvist started the drill over from the beginning. This time around, he was on fire, nailing pretty much every shot as Leon Alexeyeva looked on. Watching that display, the Republican coach was already making plans to increase his minutes during the Ceni game.

[The Royal Kingdom of Quebec]

The Second Ring

Part Two: Shoot until you pass out, Allie!

The train ride back to Montreal could not have come at much better time for Allie. She was tired, tired and tired after all that she's poured. The past three years had Allie mostly going out of town for basketball matches, focusing on her collegiate and national team career, and putting everything else second. This was going to change once she was back.

The train ride back to Montreal came right on time for Allison. With all the energy spent on dethroning the home team Gaels, with her only achieving this through a 32-point, 6 three-pointer performance, being close to all the excitement with home crowd giving the Martlets all the hatred to absorb, it only made Allison more exhausted. Of course, every match against a tough opponent gave her the exhileration, but her past history with the Golden Gaels always made the win even more worth it. Now Allie could go back home and think all about the medical school interviews, the lab experiments she had to do on neurological institute and of course get some hours of rest before grinding it all out, Monday at 05:30. Sans exception.

Once Allie got off the subway station to walk to her home, she took a deep breath. It intrigued her to see her rival looking like how she did on media conference. For someone who's known for not focusing enough on her game, Riley Jeon-Keane now seemed very positive, excited and most importantly of all, pissed. Allie remembered watching the media conference at the back of her table (she knew she had to pay a fine at some point for refusing interviews with media, but the team got that covered anyway), hoping for a moment to laugh her ass off. But instead of witnessing another mental collapse off the media, Riley Jeon-Keane seemed to find the right groove in answering the media this year. Was this going to be a different year from typical multi-entertainer versus the 24/7 practitioner?

-----

Fortunately enough, Allison Dubois only had 2 seminars and a lab that started at 8:30 but finished at 13:00. So what she did the next, as she changed her mind quickly enough to book some practice time, was to go back to the gym. She had already practiced from 05:30 to 07:45 by that point, but this was just routine ahead of a tournament. That's one way to stay ahead of opponents, and that's in another way, how to stay ahead of her rival. She had always thought she had superior work ethic to the 6'9" centre she once dunked over (out of many blocks), but now that Riley's going to be more pumped up before the Final Dance, Allie knew she had to....

-----

One shot down, Allie. 3,289 made so far today, Allie.

How many more do you need to go, Allie? Would another shot be enough, Allie?

Not sure, but I nearly gave the match away when I got blocked by their freshman on your 12th 3-pointer attempt. That was embarrassing.

Yeah, but you know I already scored 24 by that point and reduced the deficit by 5. The next time, I would pass for a no-mark floater to Marianne and she scored the tying point.

But can you do that the second time you meet them?

I've faced the Gaels way too many times not to know, brain. Can't do the maths perfectly but I'm sure it's the 14th or 15th time I've faced them last night. Besides, 8-7 is more than a pleasant record. Don't worry about it.

Also 3,290th shot down, Allie. Let's go for 710 more, Allie.

You know me, my brain. I'm a neurosciences student. I will get there sooner than later, preferably sooner.

What you getting for dinner Allie?

I don't know man. I don't know if the cafeterias will be open by then, so maybe check out the malls?

Sounds good. I also want some dinner or should I say, Deee-nahhhhhh! Anyways, keep shooting Allie! I know you can!

-----

"Wait, what's going on?" Coach Charleston said to the freshman point guard, Yoon Song-Hwa, when he witnessed his superstar point guard move to head into the locker room. There was no one there right now, no one except for Allie Dubois.

The point guard tried to explain, "Coach, it's just Allie-", but it was not needed. The roars of fury could be heard from outside, and it wasn't hard to tell why. The coach kinda figured out from that alone that today hasn't been a particularly pleasant day for Allie. For whatever the reason he didn't know, but this would happen occasionally whenever something's not working out. So he immediately thought he had to figure out by going into the locker room.

Coach Charleston knew there were not a lot of questions to ask. Was Allie Dubois the best player on the Martlets? Yes. Was Allie Dubois the best guard in Quebec? Absolutely. You don't get a lot of 25 point/game guards in history, let alone this day and age. Was she the team leader? She led by her example.

But, even with all the successes she's had, and all the free throws she generated, her three pointers made, et cetera, she was still developing. In some ways this was just part of Dubois growing up from just focusing on school and basketball.

"Leave her be," coach Charleston said, waving off a concerned Yoon to take a break from the shooting practice that has been going on for past 4 hours. He was very aware that Dubois gave Yoon a lesson or two about motion offence and how to utilise the forwards more effectively- the freshman struggled a lot the second half of the season, causing Dubois to spend way too much time for her liking. "Take a break, Song-Hwa. Come back at 8 tomorrow and let's do it a bit differently this time."

"Yes coach," Song-Hwa quickly walked off to the exit for swimming pool (one of coach Charleston's bizarre pre-tournament training exercises), just as they heard a huge roar. It clearly seemed like Allie wasn't satisfied with whatever that was going on or off the court, perhaps more than what he had originally expected. The coach sighed, knowing that sometimes he should really try to rein in her temper. Maybe that's what he will have to do that this time; he still remembered what happened on national semifinals when Dubois got fouled out early in the game, because nobody went home happy.

[Great Chota]

3-0!

IBC PRESS ROOM (GCNS) -- The impressive run at the International Basketball Championships continued for Great Chota, the Roundball Roses taking home another bullet-sweating win, this time against 27th ranked Pridnestrovia by a score of 80-77.

Unlike other games though, Tsiyi was a non-factor in this game, scoring only 6 points while being on the bench for nearly the entire second half after getting into foul trouble. The real scoring machine was Torrance Taylor, who managed an impressive 20 point, 22 rebound performance -- the 6 foot 10 center being too much for the 6 foot 6 inch center Ajdin Smajic from Pridnestrovia.

Wohali also turned in a very good performance as well, scoring 15 points with another 8 rebounds and 2 blocks.

Sequoya Jackson managed to have his first real good game of the tournament, scoring 12 points with 9 assists and 5 rebounds, along with 3 steals.

The game was noted for having 2 squads who both liked to run. Both Pridnestrovia and Great Chota's players were seen with their hands on their hips sucking air in due to the frenetic pace.

"What do you mean that Coach Becky suspended me?" Tsiyi asked. A bit of sweat started to bead up on his brow, shining in the open-bulbed light outside the room.

"Dog, I don't know man. She was just like, 'man, I'm tired of Tsiyi's mouth'" said Sequoya Jackson. "Look, go talk to her man."

"You playing with me man," Tsiyi snapped. "I literally have put this team on my back. Without me, we gonna lose." Tsiyi could feel the heat in his face start to well up. He turned and snatched the door handle when the light in the room snapped on, the sudden glow of the florescent light making him squint.

A loud "surprise!" echoed through the cramped space. A mass of large, muscular bodies jumped out from behind the couch. One guy had squished himself under the coffee table, making him look like a jack in the box when he sprang up.

"Yo....yo" a bewildered Tsiyi said. He recognized his teammates, then looked at Sequoya, whose face had gone from a smile to a cackling laugh. The door's knob turned, then opened. Coach Strong strided in, then wrapped her arm around Tsiyi's shoulder.

"We felt like Mr. Big Mouth needed to get got," she said. "Besides, we know it's your birthday." One of the players, Aaron McQuade, wheeled out a large chocolate cake.

"Yo, but why?" Tsiyi said. "Y'all ain't nice for this." He felt the tension in his shoulders ease.

"I thought it'd be funny," Coach Strong said. She smiled.

"You should have seen the look on your face. It was priceless."

[North Prarie]

The mood in the Istiria practice gym that North Prarie had rented out for the IBC was very loose. Players were doing open shoot, and were listening to hip-hop, rap and the Top 40 from various North Prariean radio stations. The team had beat Equestrian States 79-62, and had played a freat game. Ja'Khi James scored 24. Nicholas Wright was 1 assist away from a triple-double. The Prarieans were hitting 3s all over the place. And today in the practice gym, even though the mood was chill, they were on fire.

The Player's Playlist:
https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLN ... LUJWrQQBAZ

[Banija]

He lives in you! And ohhh, he lives in me!

He watches over! Everything we see!

In every creature.... In every star! In your reflection... He lives in cutoff time!

*Note: Abanhfleft's RP below me was graded for MD3.

Group E
Crystalline Caverns 84–92 The Purity Complex
Valladares 63–76 North New South Wales
Free Republics 76–76 Ceni (85–92 OT)

Nation Name               Pld   W   L    PF   PA   PD    Pts 
1 Free Republics           3    2   1   248  209  +39     2
2 Ceni                     3    2   1   272  246  +26     2
3 North New South Wales    3    2   1   208  203   +5     2
4 The Purity Complex       3    1   2   227  231   −4     1
5 Crystalline Caverns      3    1   2   221  252  −31     1
6 Valladares               3    1   2   209  244  −35     1

Group F
The Andromeda Archipelago 84–80 Lisander
West Phoenicia 82–62 Aji No Moto
New Doltania 69–93 Abanhfleft

Nation Name                  Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD    Pts 
1 West Phoenicia               3    3   0   262  189  +73     3
2 Lisander                     3    2   1   284  213  +71     2
3 Abanhfleft                   3    2   1   231  207  +24     2
4 The Andromeda Archipelago    3    2   1   246  235  +11     2
5 Aji No Moto                  3    0   3   203  265  −62     0
6 New Doltania                 3    0   3   201  318 −117     0

Group G
Hudson Islands 61–77 Valanora
Quantilia 73–65 Juvencus
Siovanija and Teusland 51–75 Natanians and Nosts

Nation Name                Pld   W   L    PF   PA   PD    Pts 
1 Natanians and Nosts       3    2   1   221  186  +35     2
2 Juvencus                  3    2   1   224  210  +14     2
3 Siovanija and Teusland    3    2   1   217  227  −10     2
4 Valanora                  3    1   2   224  219   +5     1
5 Quantilia                 3    1   2   209  230  −21     1
6 Hudson Islands            3    1   2   202  225  −23     1

Group H
Vakolicci haven and Celeria 81–83 Filindostan
Royal Kingdom of Quebec 80–71 Azadeshia
Humaliwo 83–76 Golden State Warriorz

Nation Name                     Pld   W   L    PF   PA   PD    Pts 
1 Humaliwo                       3    3   0   245  230  +15     3
2 Filindostan                    3    2   1   244  219  +25     2
3 Royal Kingdom of Quebec        3    2   1   251  228  +23     2
4 Vakolicci haven and Celeria    3    2   1   230  208  +22     2
5 Golden State Warriorz          3    0   3   211  251  −40     0
6 Azadeshia                      3    0   3   194  239  −45     0

[Abanhfleft]

So Abanhfleft now sat on a 1-1 record after just two matchdays in the 25th International Basketball Championships. Not bad, but also not good, especially not from the country now considered the best in the multiverse in basketball, at least rank-wise following Saint Kanye's shock exit from the IBC after four rings in a slightly larger number of years. It meant that the onus was now on the Fleftics to take advantage of their new rank and finally win their second IBC, but that was pretty much easier said than done. And it didn't help that the Kanyeans made it look so easy when they were the ones doing it.

It could be said that Abanhfleft finally attaining the top rank in basketball couldn't have come at a worse possible time. The fact of the matter was that the Fleftic starting five wasn't growing any younger, and while the five of them could still tear up the parquet floor on their day, those days were becoming more and more distant from each other. They were all 32 years old, mind, and at that age basketball players usually start considering what to do after the sport itself. At the moment, though, it looked like none of the five have really begun seriously thinking about life post-basketball, and it could very well be a dangerous thing. When a bunch of great players nearing the end of their peak years still think that they had what it takes to carry out the task before them, then it could make for a very dangerous situation indeed.

And it isn't fair to say that the bench couldn't do the job if it was asked of them. The Fleftic bench was quality, for Fleftic standards, and the fact that they were all on the bench when they could all very well be on the starting lineup of any other team shows that the starters for Abanhfleft are just really that good. And maybe Ivan Opanasenko doesn't trust anyone else to deliver on the same scale as the starting five.

Still, perhaps it was time for some good old retrospection. This team was simply not on the same level as the Rebolusyonaryos of old. Sure, they could all still run down the court but if one took the time to compare the team's current performance with their performance during the so-called "glory days" when they actually won the IBC, one would notice that the guys were running just that little bit slower than usual compared to the "glory days". That wasn't a good sign. And the problems compounded with their first game in IBC 25. Yes, the Rebolusyonaryos won, but it was a game in which nobody felt that the Fleftics were really in control. Abanhfleft never led the Andromeda Archipelago by more than ten points throughout the game, and there were even points in which the Andromedans led by as much as three points. Not much of a point gap from the neutral's perspective, but for Fleftic fans who had become used to their team dominating in the most popular sport in the Democratic Republic, this performance was lackluster to say the least.

And now the game against West Phoenicia. The fans from both sides were really fired up with regards to this particular game as both sets of fans had been involved in an altercation that happened at the tail end of the previous IBC in Newmanistan. Details from that particular fight were still sketchy even at this point in time, but all everyone knew was that the West Phoenician team was there, and one of their players had jokingly mentioned that the bill should be charged to the Fleftic team. Well, the Fleftic fans didn't like that joke one bit and so they initiated a campaign to get the West Phoenician team to pay for all of the damages and injuries that happened in that fight. The West Phoenicians responded with their own campaign to discredit the Fleftic fans and their legal defense capabilities, with the end result being that while individuals paid off individual damages, nobody was really truly satisfied as the case was dropped simply because there was no use pursuing the matter in an international court of law.

So the fight would have to be settled on the parquet floor. Abanhfleft got the upper hand initially, but then the lead began swinging both ways in the second quarter until a long two-pointer from the Phoenicians gave them the lead coming into half-time, and they never looked back after that. The Phoenicians led by as much as twelve points at one stage of the game, early in the fourth quarter, but the Flefts rallied and cut the deficit to just four points with 1.9 seconds left to play in the fourth quarter. Coach Ivan Opanasenko used the Rebs' final timeout so they could inbound the ball from half court. Their game plan at this point was simple: get the ball to Newton Isaacs, who at the moment was the hottest three-point shooter on the team, and then hope that a foul gets called on the defender so they could get an and-one and take the game to overtime. Newt had been practicing a move that always get a foul called on him regardless of who the referee was, and it also had the advantage of being a shot that goes in more times than not.

Boris Barry inbounded the ball to Leo Baxter, who immediately hoofed it over to Newt. Newt dribbled once and then pump-faked to get the Phoenician defender to jump. Newt then ducked underneath the Phoenician's arms and made to shoot at the hoop. And then everything fell apart when the ball struck the Phoenician's elbow, catching Newt completely by surprise that he actually dropped the freaking leather. The Phoenician was surprisingly quick on the uptake and the took the ball immediately, passing it to the surging point guard who was already on the fast break to kill the game even further and maybe rub some salt on the wounds of the Fleftic players and fans. The shooting guard then threw the ball from right at the halfway line, and as luck would have it, the ball found nothing but net somehow from that distance, meaning that West Phoenicia won the contest by seven points.

"Goddamn it," Newt Isaacs and Ivan Opanasenko said at the same time. "God-fucking-damn it!" And the tension between both teams' fans eventually came to a head outside the Jakultarena as, despite the FIlindostani authorities' efforts to keep both fans separated, a few fans from both sides eventually came to trading blows and a mini-riot ensued outside the Jakultarena between the Flefts and the Phoenicians.

It was not the most auspicious of starts for the team that was now considered the best in basketball.

[Vangaziland]

Royals Ride Streak

Vangaziland played a tougher game against the nation of Pridnestrovia. The latter entered the match ranked 27th. Apart from Kita-Hinode, they were the toughest opponents the Royals would face in the group stage. This was a game they would not take lightly. "We've game-planned against them", said Coach Kate Foyleson before the game. "We won't be reinventing the wheel just for them. We will play a sort of game that works best against them though."

The Royals got off to a slow start for the match, their second game of the season. The team was playing more of an isolation style. Players spread to the wings, Ironwrought and Ewingson. Sampsen and Parkssen would move around the post. To spread the floor, the big center would move up towards the top of the key. This would usually come with movement and passing that would see Yulssen with a diagonal angle on the rim. One of the wings would often be in motion.

The problem is that shots were just not falling. The Vannish would run their play and put the shot up only to have Pridnestrovia rebound. The Vangazi lost the battle of the boards in the first two quarters. They entered halftime down by two. Yulssen gave the mid game interview for the Vannish Sports Network.

"We need to knuckle down", said the team captain. "We need to move the ball better. A lot of that comes down to me. We're forcing it though." When asked how his team could improve, he said the following. "We just need to find our offense. Let the shot come to us, you know? Let's run it back for the second half."

The team had an important meeting at halftime. Yulssen reminded his team that a loss in the second week could define the season. They 'had to beat these tougher teams in the conference early'.

The third quarter was all about motivation. Mark Ewingson caught fire at shooting guard. He put up a quick 10 points in the 3rd. Two threes fell from opposite corners for him. He also sped up court during a fast break and became the last one to catch the pass before showing an impressive leap for a one handed dunk. Ewingson's hot streak drew attention to him. Pridnestrovia answered with at least a 2 pointer for each on of the Vangazi's scores on this run. The last 2 points of the streak came from a simple fade-away jump shot.

Mark woke up the Vannish offense and as the defense shifted to guard the SG, the ball was able to find more open Vangazi. Parkssen was open for a bounce pass, which kissed the court and skipped around a charging defender. The center snatched the pass, rotated backwards on his pivot foot until he was facing the basket and took off for a heavy two-handed slam.

The bench stood and cheered for the slick pass and monster finish. The team rode this motivation into the 4th quarter.

Sarah Overson came in for crucial late game minutes. She proved herself a threat from the lane with a strong drive. She was quick enough and tricky enough with her handle to get her defender alongside her in a run down the paint. At 6'4, she was tall enough to hold her own as a PG. The others were drawn out, except the center. The lane to C Knucks down low was blocked, but the opposing center was too far to stop her.

Sarah took body contact as she put up her layup. She fell to the floor, but it was good. 2 big points towards what was a close Vannish lead. The Royals went on to win. Yulssen put up 9 points and 8 assists. Ewingson scored 24 and added 6 rebounds and 3 assists. Sarah had 2 late game steals, a product of her lanky arms.

The Royals made up for a lackluster 1st half with Ewingson's third quarter streak and a rejuvenated fourth quarter. Vangaziland would win 76-66. It was a tough match that came down to the wire. Coach Kate's late game management came into effect to break the late game stages down. Foyelson became known for her playcalling as an assistant to former coach Tim Tomasson.

Game 3 against Omnum would be more one sided. Things started out well for Vangaziland's opponents. Yulssen wasn't getting his passes through, already giving up 2 steals. He was also cold, trying to force shots and missing. He ended up sitting in the 1st quarter for Steven Eaglesen. The reserve player came at the basket more aggressively. Even after he was blocked, he drove again the next time. This time, he had the surprise element of a player who was expected to stay away from the lane. His eyes turned towards Ewingson in the corner for 3 before turning back to the basket and putting up the layup. 2 points.

Ironwrought cleaned up a few missed opportunities, getting 5 offensive rebounds and 9 in total. That edge on the boards helped Vangaziland come away with this one. The "put backs" from these rebounds also helped Ironwrought lead the team in scoring. He finished with 25 points and became the focal point of the offense. It was the first time Ewingson wasn't so for the season. The SG would fall back into a role player, making himself a capable threat behind the line.

"We went inside more tonight", said Hectare Yulssen. "We have the capability. It's good that we don't fall into too much of a pattern." Yulssen had another quiet night as far as scoring. His scoreline of 12 points, 8 assists and 1 steal are more like the Hectare of two years ago. Last year, he really stepped up his scoring. This year he was barely averaging over 10 points. By the end of last season he was over 16 PPG.

A lot of this comes down to Ewingson. Hectare knows when he's hot and as a floor general he looks to put the ball in his hands. Gravu was a great shooter for the Vangazi in the past, but he didn't have the low post game Ewingson has. This makes Mark a threat from all over the field. Ewingson also knows how to move to make himself a good target.

Defense was another big part of the 87-68 victory against Omnum. Parkssen and Knucks, the two top centers to come from Vangaziland since Fred Hurcle, shut down the paint. Ironwrought and Ewingson make physical, aggressive defenders. They are strong and quick. Yulssen is motivated and fast. The bench players know the coach is watching. The team plays a half court press, even if the press is as simple as keeping hands up on defense. The goal is to shut down the lanes.

The team moves to a record of 3-0 and looks poised to make another run in the playoffs.

[Filindostan]

A letter of notice is sent to all teams taking part in the Filindostani half of the IBC. OOC: This host communication was sent ICly prior to Matchday 3.

HOST COMMUNICATION

---

To all participating nations in Filindostan,

We would like to announce that starting the third round of matches, all matches until Matchday 10, if necessary, will be held at the primary venues of each island. Thus, all of Group E games will be held at Yogyakulta, Group F games at Jakulta, Group G at San Rafael, and Group H in Anetta Coliseum. The first listed match will occur at 1 PM local time, the second listed match at 4 PM local time, and the last at 7 PM local time.

Participating teams can use the secondary and tertiary venues for their practice and media sessions, free of charge. Should there be a need to hold simultaneous games in Matchday 10, the committee will notify the teams where they will play after the matchday 9 games are completed.

--COMMUNICATION END--

[Espezah]

After getting their first win in the competition history thursday night, the national team disapointed the estimated 5.000 espezins present at The Kabaka's Court, in Busukuma, Banija. The team led at the half with a good advantage (51-32) and was still in front after the third quarter (60-55), despite letting a 19 points advantage drop to just 5.

At the last quarter, however, the team showed lack of stamina and had a hard time facing those considered starters from Northwest Kalactin, that played the whole 4th. With that, the boys saw the opponents score 21 on the quarter while limited to score only 7, with a great defensive performance from the Bashers, who had Ross Wilson, Noah Emilson and Jackson Guidry ending with the infiltration plays that worked easily on the start of the night. Wilson was actually the highlight of the evening, scoring 26, half of them on the last quarter with a great advantage to Espezah captain Terence Britt's defence.



Coach Woods had few words to say at the post game press conference, being rude in his responses and leaving as soon as the minimum staying time was up. When asked about the ridiculous second half, assistant Trevor Dillard blamed the physical difference between the two sides, with Espezah's college team not being used to play intense matches in consecutive days.

What the espezian basketball fans wonder is how John Woods will be able to rotate his players on the following matches to guarantee them to be rested until the end of the group stage.



Espezah will play again at The King's Court, against Omerica 8PM local time (6PM Espezah). They are also unranked and have a 0-3 record in the championship, indicating a must win scenario for the espezins if they still wish to get past the group stage.

[Banija]

Istria prepares for massive top of table clash between regional rivals Qasden and Banija at Liberty Stadium


Liberty Stadium hosting a Banijan basketball practice before the big game

ISTRIA- What a massive event coming forward for Banijan basketball, don't you think? The challenge of putting a basketball game inside a football stadium is massive- putting the court down, putting the extra seating into the stadium, blocking off seats where you have absolutely no chance of seeing- it is a behemoth of a challenge. Yet, it is one that Banijan basketball wanted to take on, and they wanted to make sure that they could pull it off without a hitch. With Banijan basketball in unanimous agreement that the championship game should take place in Filindostan, a richer country, the challenge was this- how do you find a game where you could draw enough interest to bring at least 70,000 fans to a basketball game?

For starters, you needed the right type of game that would draw fans. But of course, that meant that they would have to wait until the group draw, that took place in Busukuma, to figure out what games and what matchups were going to be played. Without the title game, it only made perfect sense that they needed a game where Banija was playing to get that kind of draw to fill the 3rd largest stadium in the country, as well as Banija's largest indoor stadium. Having the host nation would help draw fans, but you didn't want TV cameras to pan over large sections of empty seats. They had to do a group stage game, to ensure that Banija would actually be playing in it. The host nation would need to not only draw home fans, but encourage away fans to come to Istria and witness this spectacle.

Banijan basketball was going to pull out all the stops to get people to come to this game. Kabaka Albert III, Banija's popular constitutional monarch, would attend the game, and be featured in an elaborate opening ceremony. All the stops would be pulled- Banija's tribal leaders would be invited, Banijan superstars like our first-ever gold medalist John Nampoza would be honored, and Banija's two medalists from the most recent Winter Olympics in Prescott would be invited as well. Even Alastair Jobs, the two-time NSCF championship winning head coach and Kiggwe Mavuto, one of the stars of the national soccer team, would be invited.

Of course, with all those stars invited, it would still be tough to find a game. They watched the draw closely, hoping for the Lions to draw a team that would be a big draw for Banijan basketball fans. A team like the Royal Kingdom of Quebec, who is always a big draw for Banijan fans, or a team in the top 3- maybe Abanhfleft, who was a major Banijan rival in lacrosse? They watched the draw occur, and out of Pot 2, the highest ranked team was drawn into Banija's group- Qasden. A tough draw? Yes. But they slowly realized that Qasden was, indeed, the perfect opponent for the game to occur in a football stadium.

Their first game was supposed to occur on Matchday 4- perfect timing for Banijan basketball, as the stadium was free to be used the entire week leading up to the game. These were the two top teams in the group, and two of the best teams in the world. Qasden is ranked 7th, with Banija just four spots behind them, at 11th. That was a huge help for the Banijans. Two of the top 11 ranked sides in this tournament would be facing each other, and on Matchday 4, as well. It will be after teams have gotten their feet wet, and hopefully, for the game's organizers, both teams would be impressive during the tournament. And that is exactly what has happened.

Another reason why Qasden was the perfect opponent for this game was, of course, the geographic proximity of Qasden. Banija's neighbor in the Glorious Southwest, it is quite an easy trip for people from Qasden to make, to come to Banija to watch this game. And with that proximity comes both familiarity and a rivalry, as Banijan sports fans in general see quite a lot of Qasden, from the AOCAF to this tournament to other sporting competitions. Wins against your neighbors are that much more sweet, aren't they? With all of those factors, the game sold out just yesterday, and Banija is expected to shatter all kinds of basketball attendance records in the country, with over 70,000 fans turning up for this game.

It is indeed quite a feat that Banijan basketball has pulled off. It is one of many things that the Silver IBC Committee have done right, in pushing for and marketing this venue. The ability to market the sport of basketball in a venue like that, used to hosting major international sporting events, and marketing Banija's largest city in the process, is killer. And while Banijan basketball has not exactly been uncontroversial in their selection of basketball venues, only picking four venues and then, on top of that, leaving the Busoga Islands out completely(more on that in our next edition), this decision has merited much praise for the powers that be in Banijan basketball.

This event will contain a little bit of everything. The Kabaka is making what is his first trip inside Liberty Stadium, which will be quite an event to see. He will be on the court, and as is tradition for Banijan athletes competing in front of the Monarch, each member of the Banijan basketball team will kiss his ring, and this hasn't occurred on Banijan soil in quite a few years, with the last time this happened in general being Banija's away World Cup Qualifier to Bostopia, when the Kabaka visited the country for a game and members of the [i]Kadongo Kamu kissed his ring before a tough, 2-1 loss to Bostopia.

Ultimately, while the reviews will come in later, the IBC game at the Liberty Stadium is expected to be an unqualified success, and it will be a thunderous showcase about Banijan culture and Banijan basketball.

[Filindostan]

Which teams can overcome adversity to get into position for a playoff spot?

Cutoff for Matchday 4.

---

MATCHDAY 4 RESULTS

Group A
South Toronto 85–70 Northwest Kalactin
Omerica 73–78 Espezah
Banija 91–67 Qasden

  Group A               Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Banija                  4    4   0   379  257 +122     4
2 Qasden                  4    3   1   327  296  +31     3
3 Espezah                 4    2   2   294  294    0     2
4 South Toronto           4    2   2   294  317  −23     2
5 Northwest Kalactin      4    1   3   281  361  −80     1
6 Omerica                 4    0   4   279  329  −50     0

Group B
Vangaziland 112–51 Great Chota
Valliesta 73–95 Pridnestrovia
Omnum 74–91 Kita-Hinode

  Group B               Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Vangaziland             4    4   0   374  243 +131     4
2 Great Chota             4    3   1   285  329  −44     3
3 Kita-Hinode             4    3   1   321  278  +43     3
4 Pridnestrovia           4    1   3   306  303   +3     1
5 Omnum                   4    1   3   296  331  −35     1
6 Valliesta               4    0   4   266  364  −98     0

Group C
Ethane 75–80 Segral
North Prarie 76–83 Aristian Republic
Cosumar 83–82 Equestrian States

  Group C               Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Cosumar                 4    3   1   350  339  +11     3
2 Segral                  4    3   1   337  309  +28     3
3 Ethane                  4    3   1   321  292  +29     3
4 Aristian Republic       4    2   2   314  321   −7     2
5 North Prarie            4    1   3   299  311  −12     1
6 Equestrian States       4    0   4   291  340  −49     0

Group D
Alpine Union 59–64 Drawkland
Augusto del Sud 77–77 Newmanistan (82–85 OT)
Melbergia 85–92 Razenthuria

  Group D               Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Drawkland               4    3   1   293  273  +20     3
2 Newmanistan             4    3   1   356  297  +59     3
3 Razenthuria             4    2   2   309  329  −20     2
4 Augusto del Sud         4    2   2   303  298   +5     2
5 Alpine Union            4    1   3   262  308  −46     1
6 Melbergia               4    1   3   308  326  −18     1

Edit: Formatting - Bolded the incorrect team.

[Banija]

Banija Men's National Basketball Team

As presented by the Olympic Committee of Banija

Information
Country code: BNJ
Denonym: Banijan
Nickname: The Lions
Head Coach: Alonzo Busk
Assistant Head Coach: Drake Ispen.
Captain: Saihou Jallow.
Jerseys designed gratefully by Filindostan!

Away Jerseys


HomeJerseys


RP Permissions
My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my Scorers: Yes
Choose Scoring Events: Yes
Godmod Scoring Events: No
RP Injuries to my Players: Yes(please specify the amount of time that they will miss).
Godmod Injuries to my Players: No
Godmod Other Events: No
Style Modifier: +3


Starting Lineup
PG #2 Amadou Secka. 6'3. 21 years old. Banija's only decent three point shooter.
SG #5 Abbas Taal. 6'4. 28 years old.
SF #22 Saihou Jallow. 6'7. 29 years old. Captain.
PF #4 Faraba Savaneh. 7'2. 28 years old. Twin borther of Katamba Savaneh. They are nicknamed the "Twin Towers", and are far & away Banija's best players.
C #10 Katamaba Savaneh. 7'2. 28 years old. Twin borther of Faraba Savaneh. They are nicknamed the "Twin Towers", and are far & away Banija's best players.

Bench
C #13 Bora Ceesay. 6'11. 32 years old.
PG #3 George Walongo. 5'11. 22 years old.
SG #12 Ya Kuyateh. 6'2. 24 years old.
PF #36 Edrissa Colley. 6'10. 25 years old.
SF #14 Wandi Kambi. 6'7. 29 years old.
PF/SF #9 Tombong Sanyang. 6'7. 34 years old.
PG/SG #7 Olayod Ontambu. 6'2. 19 years old.

Notes:
- We almost always play a 2-3 zone defense. It works well with this team, which has lots of size, and is getting faster, especially at guard.
- Banijan basketball, only recently having adopted the 3 pointer domestically after the 24th IBCs, has young players who love to run and shoot, with older players who like to run and not shoot. Secka is our only major three point threat, but is essentially a three point specialist who almost never takes the ball to the rim himself.
- This team loves to play halfcourt offense and very aggressive defense. They will almost never run, and are excellent defensive rebounders. While they had an excellent frontcourt, their backcourt leaves a lot to be desired, and the guards will consistently get dominated on both ends of the floor.
- Pursuant to the point above, this team's points are mostly scored by their PF and C in the paint. They post up a lot, and the offense is centered around getting the ball on the post. That being said, their bigs are actually decent free throw shooters(both shoot around 70% from the line).

[North Prarie]

Prarieans switch jerseys mid-IBC.

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By Collin Drake

(SBT-Istyria, Banija) The North Prarie national basketball team has announced that they are getting new jerseys mid-IBC. Why? Well, the Prarieans first got uniforms from a designing company of Saint Kanye, a nation who held the #1 IBC rank before they suprisingly announced their desicion to resign from the IBC. Saint Kanye had provided jerseys for many other IBC participants, so the government thought it was the way to go. So then, Saint Kanye released the jerseys for the Prarieans. They did not get great feedback. Many fans said that "There is too much going on" and a "Horrible misrepresentation of our national symbol". But what they didn't know was that the NPSC had also contacted the jerseymaker UNAF of Espezah, after their jersey, along with partner Neo of Lisander, had been called "One of the best jerseys of the tournament" by onlookers. On March 8, the NPSC received the designs and called a vote on the desicion wether to switch. The jerseys from UNAF won 23-9, and it was announced. The players should be happy as well, since the new jerseys have AtomicSport technology, which soaks in sweat and redistributes it into cool ventalation for the wearer, providing a cool breeze for hard-working players. We at the Times also hope it will give more success for the Prarieans too! Follow Collin Drake @drake89hoops and the Times' account @sbt on Chirper! Also, happy belated International Women's Day!

[Great Chota]

Absolutely Demolished! Great Chotan National Team Suffers Massive Defeat

Team		1	2	3	4	F
Vangaziland	39	22	35	16	112
Great Chota	12	20	7	12	51

BANIJA (GCNS) -- In many ways, the Great Chotan run seemed too good be true. The nation, an infant in international competition, had won their first three games, and won them against very good teams.

Yet, the 112-51 defeat to world #2 Vangaziland seemed a bit too much of a setback, even though they're still second in the table, the same place they were before the start of the game. Vangaziland absolutely poured it on from start to finish, starting the game scoring 22 straight before Great Chota made a basket.

The team looked completely shellshocked after the first quarter, and things didn't improve much at all in the next three quarters. Great Chota almost scored as many points as Vangaziland did in the 2nd quarter, but they still took a 61-32 deficit to halftime.

Any miracle comeback was crushed in the 3rd quarter, as Vangaziland turned up the pressure, and Great Chotan players seemed to just give up, letting all kinds of contested shots fly from distances where they knew it wasn't gonna go in. The 4th quarter saw Vangaziland throw in their backups, but even then, they outscored the Great Chotan starters 16-12 in the final quarter.

Shoulders down, they puttered into the locker room, slumping down on the wooden benches sheened in a coat of sweat. Tsiyi, ever the competitor, threw his fist into the blue locker aside from him, shouting all sorts of obscenities before Wohali managed to calm him for a moment.

"All that complainin ain't gonna help us now," said Torrance Taylor.

Tsiyi's eyes threw him a nasty glare. His face was flush, his eyes open.

"You ain't mad about how we played like crap out there? You ain't mad that Great Chota gonna be remembered for getting smacked around like that?" Tsiyi whipped his eyes around, glares shooting through the rest of his teammates.

"No wonder we lost. Y'all ain't got no heart."

Coach Strong came in. Her hair was frazzled. Yanking it like a rope in the 2nd quarter probably wasn't a good idea, but after the 17th fast-break dunk allowed, she really didn't care about what her hair seemed to look like.

"Maybe if you didn't throw up 20-foot shots with someone in your face, we would have not lost by 60," she said, matter-of-factly.

"So what I'm supposed to do?" Tsiyi said. "We had nothin' out there. Nothin'. Maybe if you didn't constantly tell us to play this 7-seconds-or-less BS..."

"My style of play is my style of play, and I am not gonna let someone tell me otherwise," Coach Strong snapped back. She breathed in a heap of air. Exasperated, she regained her calm.

"You're lucky you're even here," she said. "Look, after that, I gotta bench you. If you won't do what I tell you, then I can't have you playing."

"Really? That's how it is huh," Tsiyi said.

"Yeah, that's how it is," she said, solemnly, before motioning over to Jamar Brandon, who was projected to be the starter. "Jamar, you're in." Jamar did a little fist pump where nobody could see.

"Go back to your rooms, do whatever you have to do," Coach Strong said. "But don't come back out here with a performance like that unless all of you want to be sent home."

[Aji No Moto]

Upon arriving in Filindostan's Tanjung Pagi island, the team went immediately into the UTP-J gymnasium for the practice sessions. Unfortunately despite their preparations, they are yet to get a win in their first three games. To add insult to injury, the basketball jerseys they ordered to Filindostani jersey makers, NNS, has not arrived yet. Misaki Horiyama, the team's manager, sent a facsimile message to the NNS office in San Marco to give them the jerseys as soon as they have it.

The team have been wearing practice jerseys for their first three games, all resulting to losses. After the third loss to West Phoenicia, a 20 point loss, they went to their accommodation in Jakulta, and ranted about their jerseys.

One player said "When will our jerseys arrive? It's been lightyears since we ordered for them!"

"Chill, team, we have been told that they will send it later today."

"Good grief."

Their doorbell rang, and when Misaki peeped thorough the peephole, a young-looking guy appearing in delivery man clothes, with a box, probably containing the jerseys. He opened the door. "I'm looking for Misaki Horyama."

"Um, that's me."

"Package delivery for you."

"Okay. Um, can you stay here? I'll check the contents."

When Misaki and the delivery guy opened the package, they thought that it was their jerseys that were delivered. It was a basketball jerseys with the NNS logo, yes. But...

"Hmm, that isn't the color we ordered for. It was supposed to be yellow, purple, and white. What I'm seeing is... black... and bloody red."

Misaki opened one of the jerseys, in red. And it has the words "QUEBEC" on it.

"Guys, is Quebec participating in the IBC?"

"Yes, but they're playing in San Marco, not in Jakulta."

"Good grief. Fortunately we're able to open the package in front of the delivery guy."

Misaki turns to the delivery guy and tells that the contents of the package were incorrect.

"Sir, they might have unintentionally exchanged the two packages."

"When we can expect our jerseys to arrive? We are three games already in the tournament."

"We'll send it by tomorrow or the other day."

"Make sure to provide it pronto."

"Okay."

The team would have to wait another day for their jerseys.