IBC XXIX - Everything Thread

[Cassadaigua]

We’re in the playoffs,
by Kaitlin Benson- SG

It’s time for the playoffs! I hope that the washed up has-been Linda Bourne of Starksville will be watching, but more then likely she will not be. Are we going to beat the Free Republics? Who the hell knows! But what I do know is that we did more then we were expected too, proving that the next generation of Cassadagan basketball will be strong. Linda likes to talking about what older people do, and while I have not spent a lot of time looking at the history of our team, because the present is all that matters, I was reading clips from The Rocket Report recently. Look, when you are here in Equestrian States now for the playoffs, you can see publications from all nations, and The Rocket Report can be a good read sometimes. Especially when they are talking about their history. In that, there were pieces about Cassadaigua’s first and eventually the second time in this very tournament. We made our debut in IBC 4, and did not make the playoffs. We used a roster that was mixed bag of younger players and older veterans. In our second tour of duty, we were much stronger, with the younger players carrying the team. Linda Bourne and those who are in their 30's can whine about not getting the chance to represent Cassadaigua all they want but the truth of the matter is that it is myself and my teammates, the younger players, which are going carry our nation to greatness in the tournament. We will get there, and I won’t only be flaunting my beautiful championship ring from NSCAA 9 with New Lakeland University. That’s going to take some time, but I will get that ring before my time is up. What is Linda Bourne and others most jealous of anyway? That we’re making more money in our signing bonus coming out of the entry draft then they are making in two or three years of their career, or that we get to represent the country?

I remember how they were so quick to chastise us for our opening day loss in Abanhfleft, but they say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. You can teach a younger one, and we were able to adapt and adjust to what we did wrong. Knocking off the Fleftics in Concord Heights was sweet payback, and I never got a congratulatory message from the older players who felt that we did not belong on the team. It didn’t matter, as even though there were some games where we were not our best, we stepped up and delivered a win when we needed it most, against Devonta. Once again, we defeated a team in the second leg that we lost to in the first leg. That proves that we have a great ability to adapt and adjust to what goes wrong, and that is the mentality that will eventually turn us into champions.

Next up is the Free Republics, and I am sure that there are people ready to type away on their computers after the game if we were to lose. We are a heavy underdog against that 10-0 team, so if we lose, then you know what? It’d be because they are pretty good. They had a ridiculously positive point differential, and are kicking everyone’s ass right now. They may do that to us too, but even if they do, I assure you that the older players would have suffered any more. The difference will be that we can recover, and know that we can all bounce back in the next tournament. That said, I hate the Free Republics. Go ahead, and put that on your bulletin board, Leon Alexeyeva. I’d be happy to rewrite that in big letters and a giant font and print out in order for you to do so. But I know you aren’t reading this, Mr. Alexeyeva. You’ve stopped caring about what the international opinion is of your nation. In your mind, you have retired, no longer being able to find any precious inspiration to be passionate about the international sports scene. Go ahead and win this game by 50 points, Alexeyeva. How do you properly pronounce that anyway? That’s right, you’re not listening anymore so I can pronounce it any way I darn well feel like. We’ll just call you Alex. So Alex, win the game by 50 and go on and win this whole tournament, and then go on and disappear from the international world because of no inspiration. At least I know that I will be back. But I will say, I’d love to put you out of your misery right now. Take that #1 seed of yours and flush it down the toilet as we pull off the upset. I’d love to do that right here in Stalliongrad in front of a great nation and a great fanbase, some of which a moron political candidate in your country wants to toss in zoos. How disgusting of a thought. Look, some people might say I have an attitude and the players on our team are stuck up and arrogant, and I will wear that badge with honor. I do know who the ponies will be rooting for in this game, and it won’t be for your nation, Alex. Put that on your bulletin board, too. Will you need a larger board, now?

I’m here to have fun, and to represent my country and to do so in Equestria is an honor. Maybe it’s a short stay, but however long it is, I will enjoy every moment knowing there are haters at home that are watching.

[Sarzonia]

Sarzonia's Senior Vice President and External Affairs Officer Bryan Conway hasn't done any foreign travel since a brief trip to Pacitalia with Surgeon General Linda Carswell and other members of the Sarzonian delegation set to meet in Timiocato with dignitaries including her counterparts in Pacitalia and Delaclava.

The meeting was set up in order for Carswell to lay the groundwork for the uphill battle she and President Grant Haffner expected in Parliament for his daring decision to push for a universal health care system for Sarzonia, one of the few developed countries that didn't already have one.

He was expecting to make a trip to several countries in an effort to strengthen some diplomatic ties that seemed to start fraying slightly, or to initiate feelers toward formal diplomatic relations between Sarzonia and some other countries who seemed to be somewhat aligned with Sarzonia's worldview.

However, the SARS 2 novel Coronavirus shelved all those plans for the time being. Conway remembered the conversation with Haffner vividly. As someone who once held his job, Haffner didn't need the explanation for why the trips he was directing Conway to table were vital to Sarzonian interests. He objected to Haffner's decision, telling his predecessor that it was being hastily made, as the pandemic only affected 1,000 Sarzonians nationwide at the time.

"Bryan," Haffner said, "I believe it's imperative to listen to Dr. Hunt and follow her recommendations, and one of them is travel restrictions, except for essential travel. Quite frankly, these trips you've planned, while they would potentially further Sarzonia's interests and improve her standing in the world, are not essential."

Conway grimaced. Christine Hunt was the director of the Sarzonian centre for disease control and prevention, and Haffner felt the need to take precautions, even if they seemed hasty.

Now, the vaccine and cure were working to dramatically lower the infections within Sarzonia, and state governors where the virus hadn't had as much of an effect were gradually reopening. Even Woodstock was beginning to ease some of the most stringent rules in the country.

Haffner and Ostrom were meeting via video conferencing and Haffner now asked Ostrom to set forth a list of countries he hoped to visit in his tour.

"Ok, we've got Cassadaigua, good choice. HUElavia, another good call, Free Republics," Haffner looked up with a scowl.

"Didn't their leader make a threat against Equestria? Something about putting them in a zoo 'where they belong '?"

"Yes, Mr. President," Conway said.

"And why are you looking to visit a country that's threatening that? That's an abject insult to Sarzonian values."

"Mr. President," Conway said, "I scheduled Free Republics in the hope that was simply empty bluster that wasn't typical of their foreign policy."

"Nevertheless, having them on your itinerary for this round of state visits absolutely sends the wrong message. I'm directing you to cancel this leg of your trip. Who else you got?"

"TJUN-ia, Trolleborg, and that's it." Haffner nodded his head slowly with his fingers folded in front of his mouth. He then had a flash in his eyes.

"I think you should replace Free Republics with Equestria," Haffner said. "And not only that, but you should issue a statement that you have included Equestria at the exclusion of Free Republics."

Haffner's next call was to the Department of Defence with instructions to prepare for "an escalation of military readiness operations," including the recall of the Naval Reserves.

Sarzonia wasn't necessarily going to a war footing, but Haffner was damn sure not going to get caught with his britches down.

[Valanora]

August Andreasson was not exactly thrilled with the outcome of the group stage of the IBC, as his team had indeed come out as group winners but it was not without its hiccups. And for all the good it did for his team as well, despite winning the group his Dragons were going to be taking on the number one team in all of the world. While they had not been very best of the world in the form of the tournament, the fact remained that the world had crowned this team as the best team in the basketball world. His team had been ranked eighth, a ranking that it had looked quite well earned in the first half of the group stage but the second half of the group stage had given him pause as to whether it was not true. For all the work that both he and this team had been put into making themselves better, it still felt to August that they were on the outside looking in to the elite of the community, that they were not truly contenders for the Championship. Every single time it seemed as if they had finally turned the corner and started that ascendancy into the elite, there was a setback of some sort that seemed to drag them back into the quagmire of mediocrity.

There was a bit of hope though, hope in that the champions from two years prior had finished on the same group record as the Empire and if they had succumbed to some upsets, then so to was it fine that the Dragons had done as well. Hope did spring eternal, much like the grasp and breath of the Empire which they called their home. All things considered, it was a group stage that had more ups than downs and that he had managed to guide his undersized squad to the group title was in fact no small feat itself. Sarzonia had come on strong and had proven to be quite stiff competition, which was shown by their own finish of second and advancement into the playoffs, as had Xanneria. TJUN-ia was something of an enigma but that was what it was, they had simply needed to make their peace with that anomaly and move on with it. So they had and had put those two defeats in their rear view mirror and finished out the group stage with a pair of convincing wins to secure that group title and now they would have to do it again with this bit of a bad hand that they had been dealt.

The team was prepping for their trip and this was the last chance that he had to get his players in the right mind frame, to get them ready for the difficult task ahead. Alfons Nordström had been the captain but even he had look a bit out of sorts in the second half of the group stage and even now he was looking not himself. This would simply not do, not if the team was supposed to spread their wings and soar once more. It was time to quit feeling sorry for themselves and August was going to set the team straight, it was his duty and responsibility to do so as the head coach of the team. With a bit of a grim resolution to do what was required of him, he stepped into the center of the room and waited until all of the team had stopped what they were doing and giving him their undivided attention.

"Alright lads and lasses, I know that you are feeling a bit hard down by with the playoffs and the team that we have been handed in the form of the current world number one team. Is it fair? No, you are right, it is far from the fairest thing that could have happened to this team that has put so much into their game to improve and make yourselves into a contender. Sport is hardly fair though, sport gives you challenge after challenge that you have to overcome and overcome you have! Was it fair that Xanneria was able to sink a rather unbelievable shot at the buzzer to snatch a victory from you that was not earned in the slightest? No, it was not fair, and yet you overcame and put in two performances that were exactly what was required of you to even get to this stage. This is not fair but this is the chance of a lifetime, we have the best team in the world in our crosshairs as they have been laboring to even make it into the playoffs. They are ripe for the taking and we are in the better form of the two teams coming into this match. We win this match and the path to the championship gets all that more clearer, with the best team already on the sidelines. Even Drawkland is struggling. If this is the hand we have been dealt, then we play the hand rise all the way to the occasion, rise to the top and say goodbye to the history that has kept us down. You are that team to craft history, rise to the occasion, rise and soar like that dragon on your jersey!"

[The Royal Kingdom of Quebec]

Grim Reapers finish 10-0 in Group Stage, to face Qasden

Austin Shoemaker-Shin

QUEBEC CITY, CAPITALE-NATIONALE - 'In honour we play for, in victory we aimed to deliver, and in remembrance we saluted.' Those were the sole words said by the starting point guard Heo Myeong-Yoon in her postgame conference. The 76-66 win over Filindostan, while not the smoothest of the matches, was an excellent way to cap off the group stage that was held over the course of the passing of the late Quebecois monarch, His Majesty Jacques IX, and the mourning period that capped off with a funeral fitting for a monarch of his stature. The match was a wild, competitive and highly exciting match that featured two teams of completely different playing style, and the Quebecois' wild runs in third quarter really helped sealing it. The Quebecois, while trailing at various points in the game, were particularly strong on the defensive side of the game, and they eventually used that and their advantage in the post to comfortably walk off winners on a ten-point win. The second half of the group stage, held over the course of the mourning period and the funeral, was much more closely contested. But still, the Quebecois never really lost their grip on defence.

With the playoff spot and one of four top seeds guaranteed, neither head coaches seemed to be particularly keen on overplaying their starters. The Quebecois coaches, long familiar with the rotations and the process in retooling the IBC teams, knew the risks in overextending the players' mileage in group stages, so they kept to themselves with as much rotation flexibility as possible. This likely helped them a ton, as they went on a first half sweep of their opponents with 22 points on average margin per match. Of course, that may have caused the Grim Reapers to be a bit more complacent, but also more flexible when it comes to trying different rotations. In the second half of the group stage, the Grim Reapers particularly struggled as their margin of win, while not completely destroyed, was recognisably smaller at 14.2 points per game. Fortunately enough, the team never lost their grip on the handle when it mattered, and finished the group stage undefeated and on second seed.

Still, the solemnity that came across the whole nation for the past two weeks remained well in place. When asked about the group stage and the round of sixteen matchup against Qasden in March, the women's head coach Goh Gyeong-Rahn was careful in picking his own words. 'Well, it's a thing we have to worry about March.' she said in the postgame media conference. 'I am aware that we will be playing against a team that some of our players remember firmly of, and it's fine. But that's still some time away. Instead, what I'd like my players to think about for the next four months while they'll be out and about, is to focus on what we gotta do and keep it in physical memory. All of our players had to do what we had to do and the guys did it perfectly so, and I know that. Still, I'd rather worry about getting back to the practice tomorrow, than to worry about a match that's on the new year. Think of it like carrots and stick, if you know what I mean.'

That's also one another thing. For some strange coincidence, they were to face Qasden of all teams. Most of the Quebecois basketball fans remember the Second Golden Generation of Women's Basketball in their heydays, and how unfortunate they were to run against several opponents in the Olympics. It goes from facing Vangaziland in the Grim Reapers' down years in IBC, to three consecutive losses against Electrum in the Olympics (2020 and 2024 QFs), and yes. You know it. The unfortunate 67-94 loss in the bronze medal match of the 2030 Novonaya and Provinsk games, held a day after a tough semifinals loss to Kelssek the day before, still sting many in the eye, not because it was a bad loss. But it was a tough one to swallow, especially given the circumstances where two starters and five players were injured, by the end of 66-62 quarterfinals win against Emberwood Coast. The women's team captain, power forward Leonora Bertram spoke about it on the same conference: 'Yes, I'm aware of who we'll be facing against, and I'm sure we all remember. It sucked back then, and it still sucks now because we all knew that the team, had it not been for lots of unfortunate things, would have won it all or fallen short. It's just unfortunate that it didn't work out back then, or in the 2034 IBC Finals. Still, we gotta do what we gotta do and aim for a win. It would be sweet if we win and usher in a new era.'

Since the Basketball Quebec's final reorganisation in year 2032, which allowed both men and women to take part, the Grim Reapers have always made the knockout rounds of International Basketball Championships. This partly means that the Grim Reapers are familiar with easy wins, but also tough losses. The one that should particularly grind their teeth, of course, is both their quarterfinals loss to Banija, a regional and commonwealth rival in basketball, in 2039 and the round of sixteen exit just two years earlier. Both losses stung partly hard because the former kinda reminded us that the Women who won 14 out of 17 previous games (including 2 commonwealth games gold medal matches) were not as dominant as they used to be, and the latter because of the shock that came with not making the quarterfinals, a nod for many but a shock for most of us. With that in mind, the Grim Reapers are going to expect themselves a particular mentality shift, as they now do not necessarily have the teamwork that sustained those great teams that made three consecutive quarterfinals (and a second place), even though their talent is still there.

Fortunately, things seemed to have worked out well with the retooling process for both the Men and the Women. The Grim Reapers, for the first time in over a decade, enter the knockout rounds with top four seeds, and they have a pretty promising opportunity for vengeance against the Qasden team that barely survived the bloodbath that was Group C. Still it won't be easy, since the knockout stages tend to be up and flourishing with upsets, but the Grim Reapers we have right now have solid balance of both sexes (Quebecois men finally being good! What a surprise), generations (the Golden Generation aren't exactly done yet, even though the Big Three have long retired), and defence (lots, lots of rebounds, and tenacious defence too). Of course, whether they will beat the history and make the first semifinals in a decade remains to be seen. You never know though- Equestria is a magical realm and maybe some kind of magic can happen for the Grim Reapers, here in Everfree, and forevermore.

[The Andromeda Island Group]

Sarzonia Stars vs. Andromeda Eagles
Seaddle Arena – Seaddle, Equestria
Less than an Hour before the Round of 16 Match

All of the Andromeda Eagles are in the locker room. Coach Payton comes out of the locker room. Coach Navarro stands next to her as she begins her speech.

“Girls, we have been lucky up to this point. We started out a month ago as 15 players. Since then, we have developed into a real contender for the IBC crown.”

Payton pauses.

“But in recent days, we have all faced an enemy more deadly and more ruthless that anyone, or anything any one of us have seen on the basketball court. Since we’ve arrived in Sequestria…”

Some of the team laugh.

“Sorry. Since we’ve arrived in Equestria, aside from the run through yesterday, we’ve basically been confined to the third floor of our hotel due to a pandemic that has plagued much of the world. Fortunately, Andromeda is in a small, relatively isolated region, so we haven’t been exposed to it, until now.”

Payton looks around the locker room.

“I hope none of you ladies have been ordering too much from the room service menu.”

Some of the Eagles turn to Jane Russell.

“Not naming any names.”

“Sorry, Coach.”

The team laughs. Russell is known for having a voracious appetite.

“Believe me, Jane. With all of this, I’ve had some comfort food too.”

Payton is reaching the point of her pre-game speech.

“But all of the hassle at the airport, in the hotel lobby, and at the walk through will be worth it once we go out on this court. There won’t be too many fans in the stands because of all this Corona madness, but people will be watching from every corner of the NS Universe. We owe it to them to play this game…”

Payton pauses again.

“We owe it to them to play this game as if it’s OUR last game. There are people out there who have lost so much. They have lost their chance to do the very thing that the Eagles and the Stars are about to do in just a few minutes. They WANT to see two teams play each other. They WANT to feel the fire of competition and forget about this cold world of social distancing and isolation. All of us want to see a basketball tournament come to its conclusion with someone, ANYONE raising up a Championship Trophy.”

The team cheers as Coach Payton reaches the climax of her speech. She pulls out a handkerchief and wipes her eyes.

“Win or lose, we play our hearts out. None of the 16 teams here represent our corners of the world anymore. We represent a love that can’t be killed by Covid-19. We represent the warm embrace that so many of us miss due to social distancing. We represent something that could cause people to smile in this season of sadness.”

“We represent Andromeda!” Sadie Smith yells.

“We are Andromeda!” The chant begins.

The Eagles run out frenetically to start their pre-game routine. It's about 20 minutes before tipoff.

[Filindostan]

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BASKETBALL
Previewing Filindostan's impending exit from IBC 29

EQUESTRIA - This has been Filindostan's most lackluster International Basketball Championship campaign in their history.

If not only for Chinese Congo's implosion against Mkabia and the latter's failure to show promise in Group D, the Pula Aguilas managed to pull off a 7-3 campaign, despite embarrassingly losing at home turf against Quebec, which has not won against them at San Marco in the their last visit in the 25th edition of the tournament. Their campaign started auspiciously after a tense opening game against ZSeparatists, despite media outlets describing it as a comfortable win. It was all but comfortable - only able to pull away at the fourth quarter and winning 71-62.

Things took a turn to the worse when they lost they first away game at Chinese Congo, losing by 12 points in the process. Since then, it was catch-up mode for the FIlindos, making sure their home stand against Welzat and Mkabia result to wins, though it would obviously mean damage limitation to keep pace with the challengers, who kept winning their games except when facing Quebec. The Filindos lost to Quebec, who was still on a solemn state after the death of their King Jacques IX, putting them back behind the Chinese Congolese and things were looking grim for the 3-2 Filindos.

The second half of the group stage went well for the Pula Agila, having found their rhythm and their three point shooting back on form, which they have missed for the first five games. After dispatching ZSeparatists on matchday 6, they were able to overtake the visiting Chinese Congo for second after providing them a sound beating in their corresponding fixture. The next matchday sealed Filindostan's ticket to the Round of 16 after some help from Mkabia, defeating Chinese Congo by 2, while the FIlindos did their part in their travel to Welzat, albeit the hosts gave them a fight. They knew after Matchday 9 results that they cannot catch the Grim Reapers, and secured second seed in their group. However there were still some things to fight for for the Filindos - a win and they keep Quebec winless in Filindostani soil, and put them into a better matchup come the Round of 16 proceedings start. The Quebecois however defeated them, and put Filindostan into their worst IBC group stage performance of the five editions they entered.

IBC 24 -  8W 2L, 78.2 PFPG, 68.4 PAPG,  9.8 PDPG
IBC 25 -  9W 1L, 84.2 PFPG, 69.7 PAPG, 14.5 PDPG
IBC 26 -  7W 3L, 82.5 PFPG, 75.6 PAPG,  6.9 PDPG
IBC 27 - 10W 0L, 88.5 PFPG, 63.1 PAPG, 25.4 PDPG
IBC 29 -  7W 3L, 75.8 PFPG, 70.6 PAPG,  5.2 PDPG

In the above graphic, Filindostan's win-loss record is joint-worst, along with their performance at IBC 26, where they also lost twice to the group's top seed as well as an away loss to a low/unranked team at the time. While their defensive record are not as bad as IBC 26 where they posted 75.6 points against per game (PAPG), this edition had the teams' least points scored per game (PFPG), with 75.8, 2.4 points fewer than the 78.2 PFPG they posted at their inaugural campaign, which they were still an unranked team. This resulted to a point differential per game of 5.2, easily the worst of the 5, and 20.4 worse than their best performance in IBC 27, albeit home advantage played a big part of their campaign, and 1.7 points lower than their next worst tournament, IBC 26.

To make matters even worse, they were paired with a team that knows them well, had already seen them play in their own country, and which has not yet beaten by the Filindos. I'm talking about Newmanistan, who just took the 3rd seed with a flawless 10-0 record, and a 17.6 point differential per game this series. Comparing recent performances by the teams, the Rockets have the edge over their Pula Aguilas counterparts.

Newmanistan - 10W 0L, 84.7 PFPG, 67.1 PAPG, 17.6 PDPG
Filindostan -  7W 3L, 75.8 PFPG, 70.6 PAPG,  5.2 PDPG

This looks to be a one-sided affair at least, and an impending blowout at worst. Also note that Filindostan has never beaten Newmanistan in basketball history - they were grouped together in IBC 26 group stage, and had their asses handed to them in both games, losing by an average of 16 points per game. At least the Filindos would not have to go to the same venue where they were eliminated by Banija - instead of Manehattan, they will play the Rockets at Ponyville, if Filindostan win, then they would have a prospect of facing either Valanora or Vangaziland. Both prospects would be grim, especially the latter, as the Royals have proven that they are the gatekeepers in Filindostan's perspective at least, between mediocrity and a semifinals spot in IBC. Vangaziland have eliminated Filindostan in two of the last three quarterfinals trip of the Pula Aguilas, while Valanora have been a constant threat in the IBC as well.

While nothing is expected for the Filindos at this point, given the matchup, an upset would give them hope, as well as an opportunity for some of the players to be scouted by different teams in the Equestria's domestic league, REBL.
Written by FSNA Staff.

[Equestrian States]

Free Republics 92–71 Cassadaigua

Abanhfleft 91–93 Banija

Andromeda Islands 75–65 Sarzonia

Drawkland 68–66 Kita-Hinode

Quebec 91–88 Qasden

Equestria 80–66 Lisander
(Scorinated by Delaclava)

Newmanistan 96–68 Filindostan

Valanora 79–68 Vangaziland

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#1 Free Republics vs. #9 Banija
at Seaddle Arena (cap. 7,750) in Seaddle

#4 Andromeda Islands vs. #5 Drawkland
at Mountainside Arena (cap. 6,800) in Stalliongrad

#2 Quebec vs. #7 Equestria
at Ponyville Sports Palace (cap. 6,880) in Ponyville

#3 Newmanistan vs. #6 Valanora
at New Indigo Arena (cap. 8,610) in Everfree

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Host Note: My sincerest apologies for the continued delays. Going forward, scorination will be at ~8 PM EDT for the remainder of the tournament. See the thread OP for the updated playoffs schedule.

[Banija]

Amadou Secka, 30 seconds left, Banija v. Abanhfleft

It was coming down to the very end of this possesion, late in this knockout stage battle between Abanhfleft and Banija here in Stalliongrad. Abanhfleft led by a singular point at this point, and were trying to get a bucket that could put away their Banijan opponents. The Banijans, of course, were going all out to stop them. They knew that they had one more timeout, so they put out their strongest defensive lineup to try and get the stop here, and give the squad the opportunity to hit a go-ahead shot.

With 10 seconds left in the shot clock, Abanhfleft finally started to run a play. "Screen right!" Sadio Bartaba yelled out as the 7'5 Fleftic center Jazz Higgs came bearing down on Secka, to set a screen. There'd be no way Bartaba would be able to stick with a guard as quick as Billman Paguio. Secka yelled stay, and quickly went out to get undernearth the screen. Bartaba stepped in front, just to ensure Paguio didn't have a straight path to the spot he wanted, and as soon as Paguio got around the Banijan center, Secka was there in his face once again. Clock still ticking. Paguio tried a few dribbles, but Secka planted his feet- he wouldn't reach, he wouldn't get beat, he would not foul.

Secka was locking down the opposing player. Paguio would not be able to get a good shot up- and there was no time to pass. He couldn't beat Secka on the dribble, and got up a fadeaway three pointer, with a hand in his face, just before the shot clock buzzer sounded. The ball clanked off the back of the rim, and Bartaba tipped it. "C'mon!" Secka yelled. And Saihou Uster grabbed the ball that was in the air. He immediately threw it to Amadou Secka, who asked to use the team's final timeout. 17 seconds left, down 91-90.

"Hell of a possesion guys!" Head Coach Isaiah Lavaga said as the 5 players on the floor took their spots on the bench. "That's the type of intensity I like to see- hard-nosed, defensive basketball, staying disciplined. We need to create a bucket here." An assistant handed the coach a clipboard. "We're going to draw up a play to get a basket. Bullo! You're coming into the game for Itraba on this possesion." Ezekiel Bullo nodded. "We're gonna put you guys in a position to score. They're probably going to try and ball deny Secka. But we got plenty of time- 20 seconds. Bartaba, you set a screen at halfcourt, and Secka can race into the backcourt and receive it there. Bartaba can set another screen, if necessary, to help Secka get over halfcourt. With about 10 seconds left, Secka will call for the play to start. Nabongo will pop up to the free throw line, from the block. He gets the ball there."

The coach paused, and then continued. "Of course, Amadou, you are our captain. If the pass isn't available, call Nabongo out, get a screen, and play the two man game. The defense might collapse- we'll have Uster and Bullo in both corners. Ready? Banija on three!" The players put their hands in the middle. And then the play started. The 6'7 Fleftic point guard, on the much smaller Amadou Secka. Banija's captain getting the ball deep in the backcourt. Nabongo racing out to the free throw line- nothing doing. Secka calling for the screen, and then rolling past it, saw his chance. He attacked the rim. The defense all naturally collapsed towards the rim on the play of the game. And then, Secka jumped, and threw it cross-floor to the opposite corner. Saihou Uster wide open in the corner. He received the ball. A defender desperately leaping towards the ball to try and contest, but far too late.

"YES!" Secka screamed as Uster's three point shot was nothing but net. 3 seconds left in the game. But he needed to scramble back on defense- the Fleftics didn't have any timeouts. The ball went to Paguio, who raced down the floor, and Secka was going step for step with him. Paguio threw up a prayer from half course, and Secka was careful not to foul. Paguio missed the shot, with the heave clanging off of the top of the backboard and harmlessly away. What a win it was for the Banijans! The team briefly raced out onto the floor, celebrating. And then, calming themselves, shook hands with their opponents.

Secka took a couple of questions after the game. "You had the game winning assist there." An Istria Times reporter said. "How tough was it to get rid of the ball in that situation? Why not try the floater?"

"Well, sometimes, you have to make the right basketball play." Secka said. "I know my own talents, I have confidence in my ability. But that would have been a highly contested shot. I am driven and this team is driven, but my teammates made me captain because they know I will always try and do what is best for the team. Uster was open, and he drilled the shot." And he took more questions. After that, he finally hit the showers. So sore- and a trip to Seaddle coming up to take on the Free Republics, who gave them an early elimination from the IBCs last time around.

It would be a good one. A chance for the Banijans to get revenge on the Free Republics for IBC XXVIII, when FFR unceremoniously dumped us out in the Quarterfinals. Roles are reversed now- now the Lions will be the underdogs. And it will be a good moment for Banijan basketball as well. 4th consecutive quarterfinal appearance- and the 5th in the last six tournaments. Secka knew that this would be his best, possibly his last, chance to win international basketball's greatest prize. But could he exact vengeance on the Free Republics?

[Free Republics]

When the Sarzonian government decided to cancel a state visit to the Free Republics after erroneously confusing Senator Samuel Izmailov with the Consuls (Scarlett Nicholls and Kyle Bolton), Izmailov's poll numbers went through the roof. Suddenly, he was polling neck and neck with Assembly members Nova Hellstrom and Valentin Svensson. It had helped his cause quite a bit when he added a line mocking Sarzonians for "overreacting" to the "Sherpa Flu". The 3 candidates were all polling around 25% in the polls with "Undecided" polling around 15% and the other candidates polling below the margin of error.

In basketball, the Free Republics had remained undefeated. Leon Alexeyeva's team had adopted a new policy around the middle of the group stage to refuse all interview requests from the press. They wished to let their basketball do the talking. They were on an extremely impressive run having won 10 consecutive games by double digits. Before the Cassadaigua game, Kaitlin Benson had run her mouth in the press claiming that the Republican team had "stopped caring about international opinion" and "retired" due to lack of "inspiration to be passionate about the international sports scene". She'd also gone on to declare Senator Izmailov a "moron political candidate".

Before the game started, Coach Alexeyeva had read Benson's entire article to his team. This had lit a fire under his team and they specifically made a point of neutralizing Benson even if it meant other Dagan players had open shots. Demeter Moricz, who would have the primary responsibility for defending Benson, made sure to play her with extra physicality while making sure she stayed within the rules. On the offensive end, Moricz went off as well, scoring 40 points and missing just 2 shots on the night. Patricia Thibodeau, realizing how hot her shooting guard was, just kept feeding her the ball and the Republicans jumped out to a big lead early. Then they made sure Cassadaigua never got back into the game. Even though they took their foot off the gas towards the end, the Republicans would still win by 21.

Next up was a rematch with Banija, the team they had upset 90-78 a year prior. Technically, it wasn't much of an upset as the Republicans had come into the tournament ranked 5th while Banija was ranked 3rd. This would be the 4th straight quarterfinal appearance for the Republicans, who had finished 3rd in 2 of the past 3 IBCs. There was also this feeling that this could be the last chance for Republican basketball to make its mark in the history of the tournament...

[Newmanistan]

THE ROCKET REPORT

REMEMBERING COREY OSTROFF

by Taylor Larson,

As we talked about all of the early editions of the International Basketball Championships, it was great to remember all of those teams. But what about the players? They should not get lost in history either, and Corey Ostroff is a person that should not be forgotten about. The man hit the IBC winning shot at the buzzer against Sarzonia not once, but twice. All nations that have won titles, especially those with multiple titles in close proximity to one another will have tales about legendary players, for Newmanistan, that man was Corey Ostroff. These days, the young kids want to see highlight reel basketball, and can name you the modern day stars, but only Newmanistanians, and maybe some Sarzonians too, remember Ostroff.

Corey was 21 and a fresh face to the International Basketball Championships for the fourth edition, being drafted by the Seminole Bay Gators, but was acquired in a blockbuster deal by the Loudon Leopards before he even played for Seminole Bay. Some felt that Seminole Bay would not be able to afford him, and they may have been correct. He was a 6'10" power forward, so not one of the guards that often get attention in the media for their outside shooting prowess. Even if you have sharp shooters, you still want to pick up points in the paint, and Ostroff was very good at that. Corey was physical, and able to out muscle opponents on the boards, leading the nation in rebounding nearly every year of his professional career. Defensively, he was also a star, making him a complete package. But despite all of that, Corey was best known for his work off the court. He was especially active in causes for the disabled, but would also spend a lot of time visiting children in hospitals and in schools. After winning the two championships, those visits would only increase, he was not one to just sit on his riches that he would obtain from his professional contract and multiple endorsement deals. Not only would he donate to many causes, but he would deliver those donations personally, getting a large sense of enjoyment from that.

Ostroff went on to play in the ENBA for seventeen years, retiring at 37 years of age. He spent most of his career with the Leopards, but spent the last three seasons with the Putnam Lake Eagles, after Loudon was unwilling to give him the contract that he was looking for. He’d win four championships, three with Loudon, and a super sweet fourth one with Putnam Lake in what was his first year with that organization. Ostroff was named the league’s MVP six times, and led the league in rebounding eleven times. He averaged 25.5 points per game, an impressive number especially when you consider the outside-driven offenses of Newmanistanian basketball. He was a career 84.5% free throw shooter. At 42, Ostroff was formally inducted into the Newmanistan Basketball Hall of Fame, being a first time ballot inductee with 99.2% of the vote, which was a record at the time for someone on the ballot in their first year of eligibility.

Corey continued to be active in the ENBA, and would take a brief attempt at coaching, serving three years as the head coach of the Seminole Bay Gators, an interesting spot considering that was who drafted him originally but someone he never actually played for. He led the Gators to the playoffs in his last two years there, and picked up Seminole Bay’s first playoff series in, at the time, 37 years, when they surprised the Centralia Firebirds in the first round. However, Ostroff retired from coaching after the third year, citing an interest to spend more time with his wife and to enjoy a life out of the spotlight. Corey and his wife, Gabrielle had five kids, four of whom were boys. Shawn, the oldest, played college basketball at Putnam Lake University, and was drafted in the fourth round by the Olympia Gladiators, but never appeared in an ENBA game. Byron, the second oldest, did not pursue a basketball career. Sherman, his third son, would play for Loudon Empire University and play six years with the Daytopia Racers. His fourth son, Nathaniel, also did not pursue basketball. His lone daughter, Melissa, born third of the five children, played for Silver Lake College for four years.

Ostroff would live until he was 82 years old, succumbing to brain cancer. People that were influenced by him opened up the Ostroff Cancer Institute in Loudon, in his honor, five years after his passing. Many believe that these days, he has taken his place as one of the Spirits of the Proving Grounds in Tundra Falls, and he certainly would be a candidate to be one of them, if you believe in that sort of thing. Which of course, I do.

[The Andromeda Island Group]

Sarzonia Stars vs. Andromeda Eagles
Seaddle Arena – Seaddle, Equestria
IBC Round of 16

Although the Seaddle Arena is about as big as the average basketball stadium in the Allied States, the sparse number of spectators combined with strictly enforced social distancing guidelines made the venue seem much larger.

There were less than 10 minutes left before tipoff. As the Eagles and the Stars were running through their paces, Coach Payton took a few minutes to talk with Rosie Johnson, the leading scorer in the Andromeda Women’s Basketball League.

“Rosie, you’ve been holding out on us. What gives?”

Despite her scoring prowess back home, Rosie Johnson hasn’t scored quite as much since she’s been on the Eagles, often deferring to her teammates.

“Coach, in Angeles City, I’m option #1. I’m it. Now, there are so many options, and it’s a beautiful thing. You know?”

“So, you don’t want to be Bella Donna unless you have to be.”

“Right, coach.”

Payton stopped Johnson before she headed out to do drills.

“One last thing. This whole hassle with the hazmat suits and the masks? How do you feel about it?”

“Coach, if WE ALL use the same HORSE SENSE as Equestria, we’ll get through this.”

As Coach Payton nodded, she remembered why she called Johnson over.

“Rosie.”

“What’s up, Coach?”

“Tonight, you’re Bella Donna.”

Johnson smiled as she joins her teammates in warm-up drills.

----------

After the Eagles 75-65 win over Sarzonia, Rosie Johnson, the Eagles’ leading scorer with 28 points, takes time to sign autographs for a few fans. Coach Payton comes out of the locker room after about 20 minutes.

“Rosie, the bus is headed back to the hotel.”

“Just one more minute, Coach. I just have these two to sign.”

“You sure this is safe, what you’re doing, Rosie?”

“Coach, they were screened before they could come in. It’s safe.”

Payton nods her head. Johnson has a point.

“And besides, Coach, the Corona Virus will fade into the past. At present, these little ones, they’re the future.”

Coach won’t argue with Johnson’s logic. Instead, she waits for another minute while Johnson signs the last of her autographs.

----------

PLAYER OF THE GAME

#30 Rosie Johnson

Age: 30
Height: 6’3”
Team: Angeles City Sun Spots
2020 Stats: 28.0 ppg, 12.2 rpg

The leading scorer in the Andromeda Women’s League, Gypsy Rose Johnson has led the Angeles City Sun Spots to two league titles in eight years. Johnson has also been the leading rebounder in the Andromeda Woman’s League for three of the past four seasons.

Johnson won national championships in basketball and volleyball during her senior season at the University of Angeles City.

[The Royal Kingdom of Quebec]

OOC : Updated version of my most recent WC RP, the part 2 of 'Sir. Alexandre Kim' series. Posted here, because it's closely tied towards an IBC RP series that has since crossed over to the WCC.
OOC : Updated version of my most recent IBC RP. Posted here, because it's closely tied towards an IBC RP series that has since crossed over to the WCC.

Somewhere on Highway 21, Capitale-Nationale, Royal Kingdom of Quebec

Meanwhile, minor order of business were underway on the way to the Catherine III International Airport, with the car at the very front carrying the Queen Consort Elizaveta and our protagonist, Sir. Alexandre Kim. Small number of the Royal Staff were being prepared of their schedule at a relatively long notice, and had already been confirmed of their overseas schedule, as did the flight crew of Aeroquebec, whose flight to Concord Heights was being used for such purposes. And of course Christine, Princess Royal, was on the way at the car right behind them.

Those who didn't know very much the Royal House would wonder why Sir. Alex, the King's Principal Private Secretary, and not Sir. Shi-Gyeong, the Queen's Principal Private Secretary, were arranged to be on the sides. Everybody knew it wasn't because of coincidence, and it was rather a practical matter of concern. In some ways, Queen Elizaveta, who first came to Quebec to attend Lakeland College 39 years ago in 2003, one of Quebec's historic boarding schools located five hours away in Lake Berman, Frontenac, was initially viewed as even more fitting of a Queen Material than her benchmark predecessors, Queen Mother Nathalie Ginzbourg-Blais and the late Queen Mother, Noh Chae-Ran. She always had the right status or prestige, and had little trouble grasping quickly with the cultural coding of the Royal cultural code that her middle-class predecessors have had trouble grasping.

Still, this took little away from her status as the princesse etrangere (and Novopetrogradian too!), in the Shingoryeoite Court where the Buddhist-Confucian influences still seeped into its wooden walls, and she would more often than not be faced with critical blocks. One of the most notable ones, was translation; for all the rep Quebec would get as a francophone nation, especially given Quebecois French's use (OOC: the French used in France) on both the Quebecois intelligentsia and culture, Korean still held particular significance language of the Court and Politics. Queen Elizaveta, even though she has now lived in Quebec for just short of four decades now, was still not at ease with her command of Korean, and as a result, continued to be considered entrangere by many. Because of that, the Queen found particular relief in the presence of Sir. Alex, whose perfect Classical Russian hailed from her grandmother, a pedagogy professor of emigre origins, and often asked for his assistance with the language. Sir. Alex, supportive as always, appreciated the level of trust given to him by both the King and the Queen.

'So, as we can clearly see here, Christine is heading to Cassadaigua for her reading week,' the Queen, looking at the view of the Fleuve St. Laurent right next to the Highway, said in Russian. 'My, the time has certainly has passed, not enough for us to forget the mistakes that were made, nor too much for the people to see the chromatic sunsets off the legacies, but just enough for Christine to travel on her own to see her beloved. How the time flies, and how the time flies. Alex, what are your thoughts?'

'I'm afraid it is not of my place to express my opinions about a Royal member of another nation, ma'am.' He responded in Russian, his moustache not moving one bit as he flicked through the roof of his mouth with the tongue. 'Especially when it involves a direct, intermediate descendant of the very monarch, and one who seems to have deservingly earned the favour of His Majesty.'

'Well, absolutely, My husband, having grown up in the same generation of royales mondiales as Cassie the Second, always held positive opinions about the Dagans and I'm also aware that he, having already redeveloped precedence before with our marriage, is very much in favour of the relationship. Still, I would appreciate if you give me your honest opinions because frankly, while I have only the best intentions for my daughter, am also a foreigner myself and cannot accurately speak enough of the manner.'

'Well, in that case, ma'am, I will say my words as asked and give my honest words about the very Prince of concern.'

'Will do, Alyosha. What kind of a Royal, or Man, do you exactly see in this Caspian?'

'An unique creature of his own, and especially of his age, ma'am. He is certainly intelligent in his fields of interest, handles himself adequately and respectfully in his governance in Brattleboro, and still possesses normal interests that ground him to the ground.'

'That's good. Still, even with those of remarkable abilities, they usually possess respective hubris that brings them to a certain downfall. How has his behaviour been, in manner of conduct on the presence of my daughter or other distinguished guests?'

'Absolutely, absolutely respectful, ma'am. From what I have seen of the very Prince, from their encounters at the previous Olympics, or various entourages and moments the two may have enjoyed the past couple of years, it is rather clear from the onset that the Prince, while appearing awkward at times, is no abnormal seducer nor a deranged m*******, and I doubt his fidelity can be challenged, when his eyes seldom turned red like that of the late Prince Louis, whose cheating remains unforgivable in the eyes of many.'

'So, this prince is not a mere gold digger or a glory hunter, if that would be a better way to put it forward.'

'Absolutely not, ma'am. Nor is he an inferior kind of Royalty who, frustrated by smaller roles one may have been given in birth or through education, would see this opportunity to climb up through the social ladder. His head is screwed meticulously to the every last nut and bolt, and, however lunatic or disgraceful some of the Dagan royals may have conducted their behaviour in past, this prince Caspian bears more semblance towards both the Queen Cassie the Second and the King Consort Charles.'

'Well that is good, in that case. In that case, there needs to be no queries being raised of his capabilities.'

'Still, I would be concerned about him, if I were you, ma'am.'

'And what would that concern be, if this were to be said?'

'Well, ma'am, from what I have seen with Prince Caspian of Cassadigua is that he, while clearly intelligent in his thoughts or gestures, may not be the most socially adept nor active child. He, being the third of four children, and long familiarised to the level of expectations in his lycées, appears quite timid in comparison to some of the more boisterous royal children that we have seen in the courts of the House of Jeong or that of our allies and relatives, most notably so in the case of Prince Daniel of Valladares.'

'Yes, but indeed a child can be awkward. Prince Consort Seung-Heon had the very problem too, and the Early Arlenian Era were lot grander in terms of indulgences. Yet, the Prince Consort eventually became no less than the stepfather of the Empire, and Prince Laurent eventually learned to grow into his own fold as well. Still, would this likely mean that he be more harmful or helpful for my daughter?''

'With that, I do not know, ma'am. Neither I do not speak for the entire generations of the Royals out there in the Capital, nor do I intend to serve as the Senex, but it is something to be taken note of, given that the Quebecois nobility, and even more pronouncingly the House of Jeong, is known for the social lives of its most senior members. It has been the case since the era of Jacques IV, King Gwangjong, and is arguably among hardest to challenge any outsider face. To paraphrase a famous letter to her daughter, Princess Elisabeth, by Ana Maria of Aguablanca, the Queen Mother Imperial, there lies huge difference between being married into a Royal and being married into the Cultural Coding of a Royal, and that completes a marriage, whether royal or noble in nature, be doubled to its initial weight and value. While some, highly unaware of the context, may find this frustrating and inflexible in this day and age of excessive egalitarianism, it is nonetheless true that there lies plenty of higher social milieus among palace portraits, who have struggled more than the late Queen Mother Chae-Ran or the Queen Mother. And that, too, can fall into Prince Caspian, however desirable he may be, should they marry with the Lord's Blessings.

'Still, please confuse me not, for I do not think that he will bring harm into the Royal House. If anything, I could see this Dagan Prince, given his awkwardness, bring back the sense of both the control and the rational into the Court that we have lacked long since the days of Henri VIII. You should still be concerned, however, for I can also see that, perhaps in the intermediate future, High Royal Highness may...feel trapped in the setting.'

'Well, well. In that case, we will have to see what lies ahead, and what we should consider, for her happiness. Thank you, Alyosha, as always.'

'No worries, ma'am.'

Then, the car finally stopped. After forty minutes of drive, hey have finally arrived at the Terminal 5 of the Airport, landing at the Gate 0A that lands directly to the departure state. There Sir. Alex and the Queen proceeded to open their door and enter the door to bid Princess Christine short adieu before her short trip to Cassadaigua.

[Equestrian States]

Free Republics 66–74 Banija

Andromeda Islands 67–74 Drawkland

Quebec 68–83 Equestria
(Scorinated by Delaclava)

Newmanistan 82–82 Valanora (96–89 OT)

---

#9 Banija vs. #5 Drawkland
at Manehattan Harbor Sports Park (cap. 9,150) in Manehattan

#7 Equestria vs. #3 Newmanistan
at Manehattan Harbor Sports Park (cap. 9,150) in Manehattan

[Drawkland]

THE WHEEL ROLLS ON
Written By: Andrew Miller and Jimmy Fisher

---

It was not going to be an easy ride for Drawkland in these IBC playoffs. In a volatile sport like basketball, it's no secret that single elimination playoffs can be crazy and chaotic. A little bit of momentum for one team can see them pulling away and coming away with a shock win. Why do you think most domestic basketball leagues feature long-form series playoffs to decide their champions? In those formats, it helps ensure that the more skilled team would come away with a win. After all, Drawkland's IBC 27 final run would've been finished in the Round of 16 if it were a single elimination playoff ... the best of three format allowed the team to fight back from Game 1 losses to advance all the way to the final. Of course, we lost that final, but we still made it.

That being said, Drawkland's best work has been done in single elimination. Literally, both of our championship runs have come out of single elim, but we'll touch on that again in a little bit. For now, let's regale the tale of the Net Corps' travels in the early rounds of this IBC 29 playoffs.

vs KITA-HINODE
For a team that had boasted of its offensive prowess in the group stage, the Net Corps' shooters were not performing at full capacity tonight. Instead, it was more of a defensive game against the formidable Kita-Hinode and the Jiangshi. The Jiangshi squad is actually mostly comprised of cyborg players, all of which play normally in their domestic league. For many teams, this comes as a bit of a culture shock (and likely even plays as an advantage for Kita-Hinode). For Drawkland's Net Corps, this is not the case. For one, the Drawkian technological curve far ahead what many countries consider normal, so cyborgs and advanced robotics are not unexpected. Not to mention the fact that the Corps has already played Kita-Hinode recently. They were our first round opponent in the previous IBC, where we went on to win.

Their last meeting was a close affair, and the rematch here was not much different. However, while Drawkland went 8-0 to start the fourth quarter and pull away for the win in IBC 28, this game had no such dominant closing run. From tip-off to final buzzer, the match was tightly contested. As we said, Drawkland's usually powerful offensive attack was muted for the most part, and it turned into more of a defensive effort.

The game came down to the wire, with both teams locked up at 64 points with a little over a minute left on the clock. The Net Corps had the ball, and had a sequence ready to feed the ball to Gerald Madison in the paint. The play worked to perfection, and he dunked it in to take the 66-64 lead. This left Kita-Hinode in a tough spot. With a little over 40 seconds left, they had no chance of making a shot with no time left. Unfortunately, they had no chance of trying to intentionally miss and get a rebound to reset the shot clock, because the Drawkian height advantage is too great to risk an idea like that. The Jiangshi had no choice but to put up a shot and play solid defense to try and keep a lead or tie. With a second left on said shot clock, Chan Seo-Joon (the only human Hinodejin on the court at that time) launched a deep jumping shot. It looked like he was trying to hit a three-pointer, but both his feet were clearly on the inside of the arc, tying the game at 66.

With the shot clock off, and less than 20 seconds to work with, the Net Corps called their final timeout of the game. Cody Morgan recollected his team, calmed down their nerves, and drew up the play they were gonna go for. With a good amount of time to work with for insurance, and a tie to ensure a miss would only mean overtime, they were in a comfortable spot. The plan, according to the team after the game, was to get the ball to Madison again for an easy layup with no time left. The Jiangshi were out of timeouts, so even with some time left, they'd have to make a long shot to even think of scoring at the end.

Things did not go to plan. Kaito Nagasaki, the Hinodejin manager, was no fool. With the defensive game stifling the Corps' perimeter sharpshooters, the brunt of the scoring fell to the inside men and women, especially Madison. It was obvious they'd be favoring him to take the final shot. The defense was concentrated more around the paint, looking to prevent a close-range shot. It was a smart gamble - after all, the sharpshooters hadn't been knocking them down tonight. Trallen, Holland, Restici, none of them had the hot hand. Forcing them to make a deep shot for the game when they weren't expecting to? It could've been an ingenious play ... but it wasn't.

The four cyborgs and one man of the Jiangshi played to perfection, stopping the Corps' play in its tracks. There was no way Madison would be able to make the final shot. The Corps was forced to improvise. With time dwindling, the tiny Seaddle Arena rocking, both coaches losing their minds yelling, the noise all seemed to quiet for the players. Autumn Trallen and Taveon Holland, the most prolific shooters of Drawkland's national team, had played together for years. Their chemistry was strong, and without having to communicate, they set up a quick misdirecting play. The clock was nearing zero, Trallen drew a few defenders her way on the outside of the arc, looking to make a shot. Holland slipped nearby, and Trallen sent a bounce pass his way. He charged towards the paint, forcing Thór Magnussen to back up and raise up to defend what he thought would be a leap for a layup. Instead, Holland jab stepped at exactly the right moment, and pulled up for the midrange jumper. The ball seemed to hang in the air for a moment, and sunk into the basket with complete certainty.

Just under two seconds remained on the clock for Kita-Hinode to save their campaign. The ball was inbounded, and a deep shot went up, but it didn't matter. The clock hit zero, the buzzer sounded, and the ball hit the rim hard, bouncing back onto the court as the Net Corps and fans began celebrating. Once again, they had defeated Kita-Hinode, and once again, they'd be going on to the IBC quarterfinals. Their work was far from over, though.

vs ANDROMEDA ISLANDS
If you don't remember from the end of the group stage, Drawkian sports social media has been abuzz with #PackThePonyPockets, the movement to pack as many fans into the tiny Equestrian basketball venues as possible. Drawkland always travels well, especially in the playoffs, and especially when the stakes are high. Our fans are used to being able to pack tens of thousands of fans in arenas and stadiums every game, even on foreign soil. When people realized (or remembered) how tiny the venues in the Equestrian States were, being able to actually obtain tickets and get into the building for Drawkian playoff games became extremely coveted. Not only having to compete with fellow Drawkians, but with opposing fans and Equestrian fans, it was going to be a cutthroat race to try and fill the seats.

For the Andromeda Islands matchup, things were a little different. With a supposed virus spreading through some parts of the world, teams like the Andromeda Islands and Sarzonia were enforcing strict distancing regulations. Here on Sonnel, we really hadn't heard of anything like this. In fact, many people didn't even learn about it until we found out how easy it was to book seats for the quarterfinal against Andromeda. The Sarzonia-Andromeda matchup in the last round was nearly empty thanks to these so-called restrictions, making the tiny capacity even smaller, technically.

However, neither DISC nor the government of Drawkland had any reason to realize these restrictions or precautions. With the physiological differences between Drawkians and humans, as well as the advanced medical technology, it was decided this virus was "nothing to worry about." With this in mind, the #PackThePonyPockets ideology came into full force for this quarterfinal tilt. The Kita-Hinode match ended up being about a 70/30 split between Drawkian fans and others. For this game, the split was at least 90/10. The Andromeda fans were not traveling well, understandably, and there was no dedicated fan presence in any section of Mountainside Arena. The stadium was a sea of black and red, with little specks of Andromedan red, white, and blue interspersed throughout.

It was essentially home-court advantage for the Net Corps, and despite their relative offensive ineptitude against Kita-Hinode, they were looking to bounce back with momentum on their side. We can't discount the Andromeda Eagles' performance in both the group stage and against the challenging Sarzonia in the first round. Really, this was a pretty even matchup. Makes sense, as we were seeded #4 and #5 for these playoffs. The pundits were saying that it was anyone's game. Once the Drawkian fans streamed into the tiny venue, it was apparent who would be punching down for the course of the game.

The match was competitive, but the Net Corps took the early advantage, scoring with a three-pointer after the opening tip. Throughout the game, the Eagles and the Corps were neck and neck, trading leads, until the final minutes of play. A couple errant shots by the Eagles followed by successful Drawkian three-pointers suddenly turned the game from a tight affair to a 6-point lead by the Corps with under a minute left. The odds were no longer in Andromeda's favor, and the aggressively pro-Drawkland crowd was not going to help matters. Their next possession finally resulted in points, with the reliable Rosie Johnson knocking down a deep two-pointer, but it was returned by another three-pointer courtesy of Autumn Trallen. It was realistically too late for Andromeda by then, and their last shot was off the mark.

Drawkland was advancing once again, thanks to their 67-74 win. While it was no doubt a disappointing ending for the Andromeda Islands, going 9-1 and beating the current world #1 team in the group stage alone and making it to the quarterfinals on their first cycle back in years is still an impressive feat. The last time they were in an IBC, they won the whole thing. We would know, because it was our first IBC. We even played them in the group stage ... but I'll let you find out how that ended yourself. I hope the world didn't forget about Andromeda, because they certainly haven't forgotten what they're made of.

THE FINAL FOUR
Ever since Drawkland finally broke out of the Round of 16 doldrums and rose the trophy IBC 25, they have never missed the semifinals. It's strange to see a bubble team with very little real success in the IBC suddenly rocket into the championship conversation and cement themselves as a stalwart of the sport with what seems like the flick of a switch, but the Net Corps have made it happen. The competitors have been whittled down to four elite teams, including us. Let's take a quick look at each.

First up are none other than yours truly: Drawkland and its Net Corps. If you've been reading our content, you probably know more about us than you care to, but still. Coming in as the #3 ranked team (somehow) and defending champions, we had a decent group stage. We went 8-2 after an upset loss on the road to unranked Kriegiersien, followed by a home loss to our group's pot 2 team, Lisander. Still, we came out with the best offense from the group stage, and were undoubtedly the best 8-2 squad in the tournament, earning our #5 seed. After a nailbiter win over Kita-Hinode and returning veterans Andromeda Islands, it's clear we're ready for the semifinals. We still haven't played a Top 10 squad though, and three of the remaining teams are all Top 5 (including us, at least).

The next semifinalist is our opponent for the round, Banija and its Lions. They've been hovering in the Top 10 for the last several cycles, but have never been able to truly capture IBC glory. They've been impeccable in the last four group stages, going 10-0 in IBC 25, 9-1 in IBC 26 and 27, plus 3-0 in the bizarrely fast IBC 28. However, they've only cracked into the semifinals twice, IBC 24 and 27, neither of which resulted in final berths. All Banijan national teams have been famously bad in semifinals, so we might've gotten a lucky draw. That, or we're about to be the villains in Banija's heartwarming first IBC championship campaign movie. They did go 8-2 this group stage, their worst group stage performance since IBC 24. They only beat Abanhfleft by two, after a clutch three by Saihou Uster in the waning seconds. They followed it by getting revenge on the Free Republics in the quarterfinals, and now they have to face us. Two determined teams, hungry for a championship. More on that later.

Once again, our unofficial basketball rivals in Newmanistan have made it to the semifinals, though (un)fortunately not drawn against us. Similarly to the Andromeda Islands this cycle, Newmanistan were a returning veteran nation not too long ago. Time flies though, and it's been over a half-dozen cycles since they've been back, and ever since, they've re-established themselves as a force to be reckoned with. This IBC they were one of the three undefeated teams in the group stage, though notably the weakest of the three. Not like that matters though, because those other two undefeated teams in FFR and Quebec went down in the quarterfinals, and yet Newmanistan is still standing after smacking out Filindostan and outlasting Valanora in overtime. By the numbers, they might be the best team still standing ... but considering their opponent, that probably isn't something to worry about.

Finally, we have our beloved hosts in Equestria and the Weavers. While their domestic league may be surprisingly one of the best, their national team's performance has left something to be desired. Sure, they're ranked 11th at this point in time, but they're like pre-IBC 25 Drawkland. Call it home court advantage, call it good fortune, call it home cooking, call it whatever, but they've beaten both our group foes in Lisander and the returning juggernaut of Quebec. They're a force to be at least somewhat reckoned with. Either way, they've never made it past the Round of 16 before, so this is their first time making it to the semifinals. Haha, just like us in IBC 25- oh shit. We might be in trouble.

THE RACE FOR IBC #1
As the tournament is coming to a close, the IBO ranking officials centered in Drawkland have been hard at work calculating the in-progress ranks for the tournament. We took a sneak peek at them, so we decided to look at what the situation is at this point in time. For the purposes of calculation, every eliminated team is at their final resting place point-wise. The four remaining teams (Drawkland, Banija, Newmanistan, and Equestria) have all been listed at 2 series wins, which is what that nation would be at if they lose their semifinal and the third place game.

1	Free Republics	26.500
2	Drawkland	26.333
3	Newmanistan	26.250
4	Banija       	25.250
5	Quebec     	23.500
6	Vangaziland	22.750
7	Valanora	20.583
8	Equestria	20.333
9	Abanhfleft	19.750
10	Lisander	17.500

It's no secret that the Net Corps has been longing for the #1 spot in the IBC rankings ever since we first achieved success in IBC 25. Finally, this goal seems to be in reach, but we still have work to do. Here's the deal, the three big semifinalists are all neck-and-neck in the rankings (they wouldn't be if Drawkland would actually not lose games in the group stage so damn often, but I digress). Technically, with a semifinal win, Drawkland will be ahead of Free Republics and capture the #1 spot. However, if Newmanistan were to win the semis and go on to beat us in the final, they'd be ahead of us and take the #1 spot. Silver lining with that is, if Equestria wins the semi and goes on to beat us in the final, they're far enough behind that we'd stay in the #1 spot.

So for Drawkland, the work is cut out. Win the IBC, or lose to Equestria in the final, and we'll finally be IBC #1. For Banija and Newmanistan, it's much more straightforward. If you win it, you'll be #1, if you don't, you won't. For the Equestrians, a win will at least get you into the Top 5, but not any further. Just like us in IBC 25, it takes more than one crack championship run to capture #1. We might also get lucky: if we lose to Banija in the semis, but Banija loses to Equestria in the final, and we beat Newmanistan in the third place game, we'll still capture #1! That requires not one, but three upsets to happen though. I find it unlikely. I'd rather just go the direct route and win it all.

#PACKTHEPONYPOCKETS
Speaking of winning it all, we now find ourselves at the precipice of greatness again. It will not be an easy game against Banija. It could go either way. No pundit could possibly expect to make a surefire guess at who will come out on top in this semifinal. Both Drawkland and Banija had less-than-stellar group stages followed by relatively convincing playoff wins (though it could be argued that Banija's were slightly more impressive). This game hinges on a very certain truth: Banija seems to be snakebit in semifinals. It transcends basketball, it transcends all sports really. Very rarely have the Banijans ever made it to championships, and never in the IBC. One thing's for certain, the narrative of this entire campaign comes down to this. It's like one of those sports movies where the actual climactic match isn't even the championship, it's a symbolic and crucial match in the playoffs right before it. Either Banija's curse continues, or they will triumph, and be seen as the team of destiny heading into the championship game.

After the success that was the Andromeda Islands crowd situation, it's fair to say that #PackThePonyPockets, despite the name I'm really starting to hate, is in full swing. Banijans travel well, and luckily it seems they don't have issues with the so-called virus. It won't be as unfair of a crowd advantage for this semifinal in Manehattan Harbor Sports Park, but it'll still be an intense affair. Drawkian fans, as many know, are rowdy, and the close quarters of the smaller venue will not help those matters. No matter the outcome, this game against Banija promises to be an instant classic (this is where I'll eat my own shit, because knowing my luck it'll be a boring 20-point blowout).

So what is my extremely informed prediction? Like I said, it's impossible to say. You know what horse I'm gonna back, anyway. But if you need a little help, maybe to make a bet with friends or something, let me point you in the right direction. IBC 25. Drawkland is a perennial round of 16 loser, coming out of the group stage 7-3 and facing a 10-0 Banija on their home grounds. It's expected to be one of the bigger blowouts of the first round. Even many loyal Drawkian fans in Banija have already booked plane tickets home. Do you know what's coming?

Banija 75, Drawkland 94.
Ethane 70, Drawkland 86.
Newmanistan 69, Drawkland 82.
Quebec 57, Drawkland 68.
Championship.

Who do you think I'm betting on? On Corps, baby. On Damn Corps.

[Banija]

Banija must overcome two rivals to reach the IBC XXIX Title Game- Drawkland and our Fear of the Semifinal


Sadio Bartaba, Banija's starting center, during Banija's Quarterfinal upset win over the Free Republics

SEADDLE, EQUESTRIA- For the third time in the past six editions of the International Basketball Championships, Banija has reached the semifinals of this tournament. This time, they exacted revenge on the Free Republics. Disappointed after the Free Republics upended Banija's title hopes 3 years ago in Lisander, the two faced again, with the Free Republics this time the favorites to reach their second consecutive semifinal. But the scales were tipped away from their favor this time. The #1 team in this tournament, 11-0 entering this game, and the favorites to win it all- upended by the Lions in what is always a chaotic format, single elimination basketball.

Isaiah Lavaga put it simply. "Banija v. Free Republics, in basketball, is always going to be a star studded matchup." The Head Coach said in his post-game press conference. " You saw it in the last tournament- two heavyweights, going after it in Lisander. Then, the Free Republics, in that quarterfinal, upended this team. This team has been on a mission since the beginning of this tournament. We've set high goals for ourselves, and we expect to be able to go out and meet them. We know that if we want to meet those goals, we have to be the best. And the only way to be the best, is to beat the best." And the Free Republics, as the top team in the knockouts, was the best. And thanks to a suffocating defensive performance, holding the Free Republics to just 66 points, the Lions will be in the semifinals once again.

And now, we get to face a pair of very crucial opponents. Of course, we must talk about the actual opponent- Drawkland. A long-tenured rival on both the gridiron and the hardwood, Drawkland is an opponent that we have a long and storied history against in two of Banija's biggest sports, both football and basketball. Four times, have Banija and Drawkland met in the knockout stages of the World Bowl, forming them as one of our biggest rivals in that sport. We met them in the semifinals of World Bowl XXX, as Drawkland slipped by the Banijans to get a World Bowl XXX. Their title defense in World Bowl XXXIs started swimmingly, going 15-0 before falling to the Banijans in the quarterfinals. And then, in the semifinals of World Bowl XXXVI, Drawkland slipped by us again.

We're 0-4 in World Bowl semifinals. Two of those losses are to Drawkland. But this isn't gridiron- this is basketball. But it sets the scene for whenever this nations meet. We don't play Drawkland in low-stakes game. No- whenever teams from Banija and Drawkland meet, it's single elimination, it's when so much is on the line. And that is true in this sport as well. The most recent era for Banijan basketball are the past 6 IBCs- IBC 24-IBC 29. And at the beginning of this era, we played Drawkland in the knockout stages in three consecutive tournaments- IBC 24 through IBC 26.

IBC 24- Banija's return to the big stage. It was a Cinderella run for the Lions- not many expected us to even get out of the group stages, but we did much more than that, getting all the way to the semifinals, before St. Kanye dropped the Banijans to wrap up their impressive three-peat. But that would be the first meeting between the Banijans and Drawkland. In the quarterfinals of that tournament, the Lions would pull off the upset victory, taking down a Drawkland team that many thought had legitimate title ambitions, only to be slain by the Banijans.

The 25th IBCs were one of the most open tournaments in years. St. Kanye, after effectively conquering international basketball with their third consecutive championship, have not entered a team since IBC 24. Ever since then, the top two nations in international basketball have been Drawkland and Vangaziland, with each winning two a piece. Let's set the scene for the 25th IBCs, however. Co-hosted by Banija and Filindostan, coming off of our miracle run to the semifinals of IBC 24. The three-time defending champions not even entering. And then the Banijans having an absolutely stellar group stage. We went 10-0 in the group stages, with all 10 of our games played on home soil. With the team in great form, playing on home soil, fans were dreaming of another deep run- but this time, a triumphant one.

And yet, this would be the only time in the past six tournaments where we wouldn't at least reach the quarterfinals. 10-0, flying high, all sorts of confidence- and then we got blown out on our home court. Alonzo Busk, the head coach at the time, described the loss as 'humiliating'. Many consider it the worst loss in the history of Banijan basketball. So much good form, so much momentum, playing at home- and they essentially got pantsed on our home floor, in the knockout stages, by a major rival. The 19 point loss is one that hurt. And it drove the Banijans. Going to IBC 26, we wanted Drawkland. And when the tournament switched from Qasden to Equestria, and eventually got Drawkland in the quarterfinal draw, we, as Banijans, were excited.

This was our chance! An opportunity to get revenge. And then... Drawkland beat us again. By 10. Not a huge blow out, as they pulled away at the end, but still- it was clear who the better team was. For the second straight tournament, it would be Drawkland sending us home early. And that, of course, is not it. Let's take it back to NSCAA 10. Two editions ago. Drawkland schools have always been successful in this tournament. Banija's first entries struggled, but eventually, we got some swagger in this tournament. Led by the University of Moravica, we had our first really strong season, and the University of Moravica went all the way to the title game. They defeated Elmanden District College of Drawkland in the semifinals, before losing to Drawkland in the Finals.

So you've seen a pattern. We've been paying for our IBC 24 run ever since we beat Drawkland. Everywhere we look, Banijan title ambitions in this sport have been thwarted at the last moment, but there's one nation that always seems to circle back- Drawkland. The Sonnel giants are consistently around, and here, we finally have a chance to cast off our Drawkland demons and get to the final. "Our nations certainly have a history in this sport." Amadou Secka, the captain said. "The arena in Manehattan sits what? 10,000? I'm sure every seat will be filled. It'll be as loud as you've ever heard it. But I'm tired of having our ambitions ended early. We want to beat those teams that have beaten us. We want Drawkland. And rest assured- we certainly want to take them down."

And that takes us to our other challenge on this Matchday. Banija and the Semifinals. Now, don't get it twisted. This is specific. Banijan national teams struggle in semifinals. This is a fact- there is no way around this. Across multiple sports, this is a stage, so close to glory but yet, so far, where Banijan teams traditionally trip up. They say Krytenia is the unluckiest nation in semifinals. While we won't try to verify that claim, it is true that Banija, at this point, is certainly giving them a run for their money. Before we dive into this, we'll start with the exception to the rule- youth sports. Our young athletes have consistently won semifinals. Loyola-Istria has been to four NSCF Championship Games, all requiring semifinal victories. The same thing for Northern Moravica University. The University of Moravica has been to the NSCAA Championship Game two seasons in a row. And, of course, we have recent victories in both the U18 and U21 World Cups. So maybe that next generation can throw the weight of history. But we're not talking about what the future might hold- we're talking about what's true, today.

Let's start with our most famous semifinal streak- the World Bowl. The Banijans have always felt as if their national team is not as good as it should be. That is true now, as we find ourselves falling down the rankings after having losing records at the last two World Bowls, despite continued success in both the NSCF and the Champions Bowl. While we've won there, we've never quite put it together as a country. We've been better than our recent results have indicated- but we've never been the best. World Bowl 29-31, we lost three consecutive semifinals(and three straight third place games, while you're at it). World Bowl XXXVI, we finally got back, but we lost there again(to, you guessed it, Drawkland). That's 0-4.

But wait- it gets better. In this tournament, we've been to the semifinals twice- IBC 24 and IBC 27. IBC 24, we were ranked 58th, and took on St. Kanye en route to their third straight championship. It was probably a miracle to get there, to begin with, so that may be OK. But it continues the pattern. IBC 27, the team was riding high, and had a heavyweight fight in a best of 3 with Vangaziland, the defending champions. Vangaziland crushed us, blowing out a Banijan team twice in a row that went in with confidence, and prematurely ending our title dreams. We were truly humbled in a way that we haven't been before in that Best of 3. So that's 0-2 in this tournament.

Let's even take it to lacrosse. Lacrosse? Banija has always been trying to reckon with itself how good it should be at lacrosse. We've always felt that we should do better than we have. In our first ever WLCs, WLC 21, we, as an unranked nation, made a run to the final, defeating the hosts in the semis, and lost to Cosumar. We've had 13 tournaments since then? And we haven't been back to the Final. It's hard to make it to the final, and that's a sport that uniquely knows just how hard it is. WLC 22. WLC 25. WLC 31. All long climbs back to the semifinal. And yet, in those first two mentioned, crushing losses to Abanhfleft. In WLC 31, loss to West Phoenicia. So that's three consecutive WLC semifinal losses. And then, of course,there's that World Cup 83 Semifinal loss, although to even get to that point was a miracle run in and of itself.

Banija. The semifinals. The stage that we traditionally melt at. This team is definitely good enough- you saw it in performances against Abanhfleft, making plays in the dying minutes. You saw it throughout this quarterfinal against FFR. But that's just on paper. Can we finally put it together in this late stage, and give ourselves a chance to have a date with destiny?

[Newmanistan]

THE ROCKET REPORT

ROCKETS HEAD TO SEMIS

by Taylor Larson,

Down by three with 3.4 seconds to go, there was not going to be much time for the Rockets as they emerged from their timeout. 67-year old James Parsons could have gone over a great strategy for the team, but the legendary coach, who announced that this tournament would be his final coaching venture in anything, didn’t have that strategy. “I’m not ready for this to be my last game,” was his message to the team. It was not insurmountable, and the sky blue would certainly have the guns to fire up the game tying three that would send the game into overtime. “Don’t overthink the play,” he said, “Get the shot up and in.”

Warren Peyser would inbound the ball from halfcourt, with the hope of getting the ball to Travis Warden to put up the shot. However, the Vanorians had Warden well covered in anticipation of him putting up the shot. Peyser remembered the message of the coach, and not to over think it. He saw a slight chance to get the ball to Peyser, but then in the corner of his eye, saw Lucas Bennerman with great position. Bennerman may not have been the first choice to put up the shot, but he was known to be an accurate three point shooter as well. Peyser didn’t overthink, and delivered the pass to Bennerman. Lucas put it up, and in it went, just as the buzzer sounded to end regulation. The game was all tied up, at 82. That would prove to be all the team needed, as the Rockets outplayed Valanora completely in overtime, and went on to the 96-89 victory. It was a well played game by both sides, but it is the Rockets that move on.

From the beginning, the players talked about doing this for their coach, James Parsons, and they made sure that his last game would not be against Valanora. Now, the coach knows with certainty that he will have at least two more games to coach. Naturally, he hopes that second one is for the championship, and not in the third place game. The home side from Equestria is in the way next, and Parsons says he feels good about the team. “We have been great throughout, winning all of the games in the group stage, but I still don’t know if we’re getting enough respect from everyone. We keep hearing that we were the worst of the undefeated teams. I am not sure how one is a bad undefeated team, but now we are the only one of those teams remaining. Now I am sure there are people saying we won’t be able to beat the Ponies on their home court. People can say what they want, but I believe in this team.” As for having just two games to go in his coaching career, Parsons is fine with that but says, “I want to be cutting down the nets at the end.”

The play of the basketball team is certainly giving Newmanistanian fans a reason to be excited and take their minds off the greatly underachieving soccer team.

[Equestrian States]

Banija 74–74 Drawkland (90–80 OT)

Equestria 61–76 Newmanistan

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#9 Banija vs. #3 Newmanistan
at Celestial Gardens (cap. 12,115) in Canterlot

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#7 Equestria vs. #5 Drawkland
at Celestial Gardens (cap. 12,115) in Canterlot

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Host Note: I scorinated the second semifinal myself, as Newmanistan requested via TG that I not use a third party scorinator for the game.

[Banija]

'One more till glory' as Banija will face Newmanistan in the IBC XXIX Championship Game


Banijan basketball team celebrates overtime victory over Drawkland

CANTERLOT, EQUESTRIA- Third time's the charm. It's an ancient saying used in all walks of life. How true this statement is, well, varies. But let's look at it from the context of Banijan basketball. This is our third ever trip to the semifinals of the International Basketball Championships. The first time, of course, was in Newmanistan, in IBC 24, when our 58th ranked side made a miracle run to the semifinals, only to be felled by a St. Kanye that was en route to win their third consecutive title. It took us a few tournaments, but we finally made our way back in IBC 27, where we got rocked by a Vangaziland side that was playing at their peak, on their way to the second of back-to-back championships. And now, here in IBC XXIX, just across the water in Equestria, we took on the tournament's defending champions in the semifinal.

Third Time's the charm. Our third ever semifinal. And our fourth knockout stage matchup against Drawkland, although the details of that rivalry were combed through during our preview. We've lost two semifinals to teams that used that as the finishing touches of their respective dynasties. But the Banijans were determined that their rivals from Drawkland would not be able to do the same. And as the game tipped off, the defending champions against the Lions of Banija, it was a fierce, physical, and competitive battle from the start. Drawkland has always held an advantage in this sport- their natural size advantage against everybody they play making them an extremely tough matchup. How do you defeat a team that is simply that big?

You go small. Isaiah Lavaga talked about it. "Look, there are very many challenges at this level. We've been playing the best teams in the multiverse this whole tournament, and there really haven't been an easy games. We had the group of death in this tournament, and it lived up to its names, with both teams getting out of our group making it to at least the semifinals. We played against Abanhfleft, which was a heavyweight fight that went all the way to the final play. We played the #1 overall seed of the knockout stages, who were rolling at 11-0. And then, of course, we faced off against Drawkland, the defending champions. We had to adjust our strategy because of the unique problems that Drawkland can cause their opponents."

It meant a slight lineup adjustment. Ezekiel Bullo, the 6'7 small forward, being asked to play the four. Labanzi Nabongo, who was a superstar in the previous season of the DBA, sliding down to the 5. And Bartaba coming in off the bench. Early in the game, this looked to be a winning strategy. The instructions from Lavaga were simple- 'Run, Run, Run'. And run this team did. With Capable ball handlers up and down the floor, this team would get the ball, immediately look up, and start flying down the floor. What the Lions lacked in size, they made up for in pure speed. Don't get stuck playing the halfcourt game when everyone on the other side is a full foot taller than you- that is simply a losing strategy.

While the Lions raced out to an early 15-3 lead, thanks to hot shooting and their ability to run, Drawkland would eventually slow the game down. They weren't the defending champions for nothing- they were out here to try and win this thing. They, slowly but surely, pushed their way back into the game. While we had that 15-3 lead to start the game, it was 20-12 at the end of the quarter. At halftime, the Banijan lead was just 5, as we led 39-34. At the end of the third quarter, the Lions held just a one point lead, leading 64-63. The fourth quarter of this semifinal was some of the most intense basketball we've ever seen played.

While the Banijans essentially led all the way through the third quarter, the fourth quarter was simply a great back and forth between two stellar squads. The defense was impeccable- it was to the point where it felt that neither team could've bought a basket. Couldn't get to the rim without being challenged, and the referees were simply letting the players play. Even though we couldn't match the champions in terms of size, the heart and will and skill allowed us to really matchup defensively even in that last period. Denial of passing lanes. Playing a zone defense that essentially forced Drawkland to bomb away from deep. And Drawkland's shots simply weren't falling. It happens sometimes- the three point shooting fades away at the worst possible time. Lavaga's defensive game plan for the fourth quarter denied passing lanes, and made their opponents shoot from deep. It paid off, as they held the Drawkland opponents to just 11 fourth quarter points. However, the Lions only had 10 fourth quarter points, which meant regulation finished at 74-74.

Overtime in Manehattan! All that basketball having been played, and nothing between the two teams. Five minutes to decide whether Drawkland would have the opportunity to go back to back, or whether the Banijans would enter their first ever IBC Championship Game. The Banijans came out with an interesting lineup. Lavaga was really going to go all in on the offensive side of the basketball to try and win this one. Akabueze at the 1, Secka at the 2, Bullo at the 3, Nabongo at the 4, and Antouman Ceesay at the 5. Just two regular starters. Why would three normal bench players be brought off the bench for overtime? Lavaga told reporters it was about gaining an advantage. "Matchups are everything in international basketball." He told reporters. "A national team in basketball is much different than a regular college or pro team. This is the rare level where teams can really go 10, 11 guys deep, even when your deep into your biggest games. I figured we had a chance to gain some momentum this way, and throw off our opponents mentally a little bit, seeing unexpected players out there in our biggest moments."

All the lineup tinkering from the head coach worked. Here is how the overtime period started. The Banijans, of course, were going to lose that jump ball to start the overtime period. The champion's first possession ended in a shot clock violation. The Banijans were able to, almost exactly at the end of their shot clock, convert their first basket at the end of the shot clock. Akabueze was able to knife his way through the big bodies, and lay one in. And then, the Banijans put on a full court press. They weren't going to play Drawkland in the half court game- they would win, or lose, on their own terms. They forced a trap in the corner. Autumn Trallen threw the ball away. Turnover. The Banijans got the ball back. Akabueze drove towards the basket, then kicked out to Secka in the corner. Secka was never going to miss that open shot. A 3 pointer- 79-74. This time, the Lions fell back. But then the half court trap came. Trallen panicked again, and Akabueze stepped into the passing lane, taking the ball. It was two on one on the fast break. Trallen didn't stand a chance as Akabueze threw the ball high into the air, and Bullo rose up on the other end of the alley-oop to slam it home.

81-80. Approximately 3:30 left in overtime. But that short, 7-0 spurt, was essentially the dagger. Saihou Uster came in for Akabueze, but played the two as Secka shifted back to the 1. Nabongo shifted to the three, Ceesay to the four, and Bartaba to the 5, to at least try to have some rebounding while they defend their lead. While Drawkland scored on the ensuing possession, the 81-76 score made it close. The Lions couldn't score on their next possesion, although Drawkland didn't either. With 2 minutes left, however, Nabongo hit a dagger. He got the ball at the free throw line, quickly turned and drove at the Drawkish center. He gave up 16 inches, but still went at him. The center's feet weren't set, Nabongo converted, and a foul. 83-76. Hit the free throw. 84-76. And that was the dagger.

The Lions ended up victors, 90-80, after a single overtime period against Drawkland. It was a titanic win. A great one in Banijan basketball history, where so many close calls over the years had been vindicated and turned into the team's first ever IBC title game appearance. The team celebrated. Amadou Secka, the captain, was ecstatic. "People have said my whole life that we couldn't get over the hump! And yet, here we are. We've finally won a semifinal. We've finally made a Final. But of course, our job isn't done. We've never been there before, but the job is simple- accomplish what we've all wanted in our wildest dreams."

Finals are special moments. A Final is a special place. One more win till glory. And Banija has had quite a road to get here. Entered into the group of death? We were runners-up, but got to the knockouts anyways with a game remaining. We beat Abanhfleft, not taking the lead for the final time until there was 5 seconds left. We won a scrappy game against the knockout stage's #1 overall seed, the Free Republics. We've knocked out the defending champs. And now, the toughest challenge of all- Newmanistan.

They've accomplished a lot in this sport. They are two-time champions- although their championships were long ago, IBCs IV and V. Still- more recent than any Banijan basketball championships. There isn't any history between these basketball teams. But yet, a Newmanistan team that hasn't won in many years, against a Banijan team that's never won it period. Both teams will have sights of the trophy dancing wildly in their eyes. But who will have the focus? Who will have the mental edge? The pressure of a final can do unexpected things to even the most experience of players- will either side wilt under the pressure?

Even beyond that, it will be a fascinating watch. The Banijans, as we showed against Drawkland, are capable of running. We are also capable of posting up. Both teams are capable of running 10 or 11 deep off their bench, so players should stay strong. The baby blue wearing Newmanistan side is extremely good at shooting. Their domestic four point line means maybe the opposite strategy we used against Drawkland- if we let them bomb away, we will fall. The man defense will have to be strong. Can we leave it all on the floor, and win our first ever International Basketball Championships?

We'll find out, very, very soon. Go Lions!

[Newmanistan]

THE ROCKET REPORT

ONE WIN AWAY

By Taylor Larson,

Here we are, in Canterlot, on the verge of our third ever International Basketball Championships title. Pretty much all of us can only remember the stories that have passed down from those who were able to see them live. I spent a lot of time talking about the early editions of this tournament, so we know how much time has gone by. In those early years, Newmanistan was one of the greats, with basketball being right up there near baseball in terms of a sport where we were known to thrive. For most of us, those tales of championships past are something we will cherish, but we all yearn for something new now. Standing in the way of the sky blue are the Lions of Banija. They have never won a basketball championship, which is kind of surprising if you consider how good they have been in the college ranks. Newmanistan does not have much history with Banija in basketball, perhaps you can find the odd college game between schools in the NSCAA tournament, but that is certainly not the case at this level.

When we look at Banija, we see a team that is just as hungry as us to win a title. They have never won, but for most Rockets fans, the feeling is similar because it is not happened in their lifetime. Each nation has been climbing the ranks, with the Banijans seemingly having been ahead of us. They went 8-2 in their group, finishing in a tie for the group title with Equestria, and not having the tiebreaker over them. This saddled the Lions with just a #9 seed, and a pretty tough road to get where they have been able to go. They would defeat Abanhfleft, 93-91, needing late game heroics from Saihou Uster, who left open from downtown to hit the game winner with three seconds remaining. This placed them against the top seed from Free Republics, who were not only undefeated, but destroying all of their opposition. Impressively, the Lions held the Republicans to just 66 points in their 74-66 triumph. Up next was Drawkland in the semifinals, a familiar foe for the team, just like they would have been for us. In overtime, Banija pulled off the win, bringing them to their first championship game in their nation’s history.

For the Rockets, all they have done is win. After a perfect group stage, they have gone on to defeat Filindostan and Valanora, before most recently knocking off the ponies of Equestria, 76-61. The defense was smothering, but where the Rockets really excelled was on the glass. We said at the outset that if Newmanistan wins the battle on the boards, you can put it in the books that the team is going to win the game. That’s a large statement, but also said with the understanding that this team does not usually win that battle. Here, they did, with Lucas Bennerman having a big game. Warren Peyser was the leading scorer in the game with 22 points. The Ponies were also excellent on the defensive side of the ball, with the game only being 30-25 at halftime, in favor of the Rockets. Newmanistan seemed to make some good adjustments during the intermission, and were a lot better in the second half, doing well to silence the crowd. It will be the fourth time that Newmanistan will play for the championship, but interestingly, it is the first time that they will do so in a winner take all match. Since you have to go back to the early days of the tournament, there best-of-five series that determined the winner of each IBC 1, 4, and 5.

It will represent the final game of head coach James Parsons, who concludes his legendary coaching career at any level with this game. The former Loudon Leopards coach has also guided the national team on every occasion since Newmanistan returned to the tournament. Being able to go out in a championship game of this magnitude is special, but can be made even better if he can cut down the nets, as he has often said. Parsons himself has dismissed the notion that the players are playing for him, but those very players all seem to be motivated to allow Parsons to go out on top. Another thing to bear in mind, is that in each of our IBC 4 and 5 title wins, the game came down to last second shot on the buzzer that was made by Corey Ostroff. These players have seen replays of those shots hundreds of times ever since they were little kids. Now, they have the opportunity to be the next one to hit that clutch game winner. It is all going to come down to this, and I can not wait!

[Equestrian States]

Equestria 57–87 Drawkland
(Scorinated by Mriin)

[Equestrian States]

Banija 82–86 Newmanistan

[Newmanistan]

THE ROCKET REPORT

ROCKETS WIN THIRD TITLE

by Taylor Larson,

Newmanistan has now come all the way back in the International Basketball Championships. After losing in the first one, and winning in the fourth and fifth, it was a nation that was once seem as one of the greats. Then, the team stopped playing, leaving the nation’s hoopsters without a chance to show their talent or follow in the leads of players like Corey Ostroff. They could only dream and watch the players on those nations that were still taking part.

When the Empire returned, basketball success was a gradual climb, doing a little better each time out, but they were always in the midst of other national dynasties. They would be knocked off by Saint Kanye in their final championship run, and then would become a team that one could count on to make the playoffs. Gradual progress led them to a campaign in the 29th edition that will only be looked upon as perfect. They would never lose, going 10-0 in the group stage, and knocking off all of their playoff opposition, including the final one here in Canterlot against Banija. The team was led by a 67-year old coach named James Parsons who had an outstanding career with the Loudon Leopards and the national team. He would declare that this would his final coaching venture at any level, and expressed to players in the playoffs how great it would be for him to cut down the nets. It was not a direct “win it for me” type expression, but he was smart enough to know that it could spark these fine athletes to give it their all every second of every game.

Banija has become one of the top sporting nations in the world, and was looking to win their first ever title in this competition. Both squads were well aware that this would be a tough game, and one where they would not have any room for error. The teams played smart basketball, and the officials did well to let the players on the court decide the outcome. As for the game, it would go back and forth the whole way, and at no time did one team have more then a six point lead over the other. With 26 seconds to go and the score tied at 82, the Rockets had the ball and were looking to hit the game winning shot. Coach Parsons didn’t have to remind the team, because they have seen the highlights of Corey Ostroff hitting the game winning shot at the buzzer to win both IBC 4 and 5. This is probably just how they wanted it, their chance to make their own highlight. After the timeout, the team worked the ball around enough and got it to Warren Peyser, who put up the three with 3.6 seconds remaining. He would be fouled on the shot, but it would not keep the ball from going in the net, setting the Rockets fans into a frenzy. There were still 0.9 seconds remaining on the clock, but Peyser would have the chance to seal the deal at the free throw line. His stone cold concentrate focused on the net, and he would cash in on the shot, putting Newmanistan up, 86-82. In Newmanistan, Banija would have had the four-point line to try and hit a game tying shot, but here, there was no chance at a comeback. The final buzzer sounded as the desperation heave was still attempted, and the Rockets had won the game.

Perfection, from start to finish. They never lost in this tournament. After shaking the hands of their talented opponent, it was time for a celebration at center court, and the eventual cutting down of the nets.

The final snip, to James Parsons. The man who saw our return to the hardwood, and now the man to lead us to a championship. What a great way to put an exclamation point on one’s career.