International Basketball Championship 31 (IC Thread)

by **Mytanija** » Tue Feb 09, 2021 12:43 pm

ALPHABET HOOP - THOUGHTS ON MYTANAR BASKETBALL
by Almedina Radovanovic

IMPROVEMENTS ON THE OFFENSIVE END RESULT IN FIRST WIN

An Evgeny Fomin triple-double (11 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists) was demonstrative of a much improved Mytanar team in this 74-68 victory away at Baker Park. Fomin had been ineffective in the group's opening two games against Banija and Græntfjall, locked down by fellow bigs from superior basketball nations. Here he was involved in everything good about Mytanija's play at both ends, rebounding aggressively and utilising his soft hands well to play a duo of inventive passes through Baker Park centre Joe Foster's legs in the second quarter. Zelimir Ateljevic was unsurprisingly the man on the end of both of those assists and he scored a team best 21 points - his highest of the tournament - to lead the team towards what had been an elusive win up until this point. The improvement on the defensive end was heartening, although nobody should get too far ahead of themselves as a circumspect Mirko Lazetic: "We found it tough at times out there and we have to remember - with no disrespect intended - that Baker Park are closer to our level than the likes of Banija and Græntfjall. It was a hard-fought game and these are the sort of games we have to learn a lot more from than those against the group's better teams."

Lazetic's words are positive, he's right in saying that games against a similar level of opposition are the ones that this set of players have to learn a lot from. Playing against teams that are the standard of Banija and Græntfjall and receiving a beating may be disappointing but it isn't unexpected. Baker Park are a team that are at a similar stage to us in their development, also unranked and just looking to find their way - as are we - at international level. They gave us some problems too at times, each time we stretched out a ten to twelve point lead they would close it again. Once Mytanija got into the third quarter that lead never came below the six points that the game finished with. Lazetic was pleased with this: "I thought we showed a good level of grit and determination to ensure that our lead didn't evaporate. Everybody was much improved and played with a bit of dog in them on the defensive end. I'd like to give Albin [Jausovec] special praise as he had a particularly tough game against Græntfjall and he was close to perfect out there today."

He's not wrong either, compared to the five turnovers Jausovec coughed up against Græntfjall his one today was paltry. He seemed to be playing with a bit more confidence today and it didn't seem as if his poor performance had unduly affected him. Stepan Bychkov was once again quiet and Lazetic may see fit to start either of the two 20 year old power forwards at his disposal for a bit of a change against either Maccian or HUElavia. Mario Djokanovic and Tose Lekov have looked passable in short spells, Lekov throwing down a couple of especially impressive dunks against Baker Park, but they are a lot more inexperienced than Bychkov (even though he's only 25). It will give Lazetic a decision to make, if he perseveres with Bychkov he may be leaving the team short given Bychkov's performances so far. Kostojcinovski (15 points, 3/3 shooting from behind the arc) was good from the field too and that will help Mytanija space the floor better in the games to come.

by **Newmanistan** » Tue Feb 09, 2021 3:43 pm

THE ROCKET REPORT

MOTIVATED TO RETURN

By Taylor Larson,

The 31st International Basketball Championships is underway, and through three games, the Rockets have been taking care of business with a perfect 3-0 record. This team was put together for the 29th edition, and they had a completely perfect campaign, going undefeated in the group stage, and going on to winning the championship. They weren’t quite as perfect last time out, with one loss (by one point) in the group stage before heading to the championship game against Banija. They would not win, but it was another highly successful campaign. This is not a young team, and in some cases you could fairly call the team old. But as they continue to play at a high level, they all knew they wanted to come back. Coach Kevin Gibson could have done some nit-picking with the stats and opted to make a couple changes here and there, but said that he would not, “because you have to consider what these guys are, as a unit. That’s a chemistry that is special to have, and if you looked to move a player out of the lineup, then they have to get that chemistry. Maybe they would and everything would be fine, but why take that chance.” It was an obvious choice for Gibson, but what about for some of these players? What motivated them to come back?

Lucas Bennerman: “Representing the country. Newmanistan is the greatest nation in the world, and I am so grateful to wear the Rocket on my shirt and work with these other great athletes. It is the one time a year where fans throughout Newmanistan will root for you, even if they hate the team you play for, domestically.”

Brian Danielsen: “I am thankful to still be playing at a high level to be able to get the call. It is an honor to represent Newmanistan, and a great opportunity to win a second title. I am honored.”

Byron Storm: “After the last one, and losing to Banija, I wanted to get back here but I did begin to wonder if I would be able too. I am 36 now, and I have a wife and kids at home who want to see more often. Or at least, I thought that way but they were the biggest encouraging people I had to go back to the national team, so I guess they are able to wait a little longer. I love this team, and all of the fans. It is an honor.”

Warren Peyser: “I expected to be here. I am not like some of the old guys on our team, I am only 28 and playing some of the best ball that I ever have. They know I am just kidding when I call them old, as they are a great inspiration. We have a good team, and I would love to win our fourth title for Newmanistan. We can do more than play baseball!”

Travis Warden: “You know, it’s like this. I just like to play the greatest people in the world. At home, I play the greatest people in the country. I really enjoy the IBC, and want to play in it as long as they will let me. Winning games and championships make it fun. I think for someone like me too, who hits shots from distances that these guys from other teams don’t even attempt, that it is sweet to see the reactions on their faces when you hit.”

Shaquan Bateman: “It’s all about representing the country. I thought that I might get a chance to start but I love that everyone is back like this. I still get good minutes, so I will take whatever I can get to be a part of this team. It is fun and an honor!”

Kevin McCarrick: “It will help try to get Kaitlin Benson of Cassadaigua to go out with me. Love her confidence.”

by **Northwest Kalactin** » Tue Feb 09, 2021 4:40 pm

Wizcity 62–61 Northwest Kalactin

Players	      Mins	Pts	Rbd	Ast	Stl	Blk 	Fls
Josh Abbott	28	14	2	4	1	0	2
Rick Garza	10	2	1	3	3	0	3
Charlie Larson	32	7	4	1	0	1	4
Jorge Sutton	35	11	7	1	0	1	3
Michael Hughes	37	10	7	0	0	2	2
Roy Carter	5	1	1	0	0	0	1
Steven Stewart	11	2	0	2	1	0	0
Joe Green	34	14	6	8	1	1	1
Billy Bell	3	0	1	0	0	0	0
Chris Parker	5	0	1	0	1	0	0
	      200	61	30	19	7	5	16

Now that is what I call, embarrassing. A loss to fucking Wizcity, are you kidding? They come into the the tournament as one of the lowest ranked teams, and didn’t even submit a match card, or statistics for us to go off of. On the bright side, Joe Green and Josh Abbott showed a solid combo at the guard spots, as they put up a combined 18 points and also led the team in assists and steals. Rick Garza started, although after an atrocious first 5 minutes of play for him, he was subbed out in favor of the young combo guard, who may be permanently taking over the position. Overall though, it was a terrible game. The Kalactanian team has many of their passing lanes clogged up by the aggressive Wizcity defensive strategy, and just seemed like a far less athletic team.

The Third Quarter was by far the worst part of the game however for the Kalactanian team, while getting out scored 17-8, backup Forward Chris Parker went out with a torn ACL. While he does not play a large role in the team, he is a star back in the Kalactanian domestic league for his home squad Coffs, and they are losing one of the parts of their dynamic Hughes-Parker duo that as lighten up the league in the recent years. Hughes commented that “He feels very badly for his teammate”, and that “He doesn’t think his team will be on the same level that it has been in recent years” due to the injury. This loss hurts the Kalactanian Basketball League, and the nation in general. It will now be up to national pool player Tyrone Jackson to come in and make a difference for the team.

NKBA Draft, Top Prospects
As we come around to another NKBA draft, it is a good time to take a look at the next great players of the Kalactanian Basketball Association.

1. Dontae Wilson, SF, 6-7, 241, Mountaineer Technical School
Regarded as one of the best shooters to ever come out of college, Dontae Wilson is on another level from Mid Range. His 35 inch vertical jump allows him to get an edge over opponents, to the point where his shot is almost impossible to block. A very athletic frame is among the best in the nation, watch out for this kid on future national teams.

2. Leonard Holt, PG, 6-2, 190, Coffs Community College
The only player that has a chance at going #1 outside of Wilson, is Leonard Holt. He is the best defensive player in the draft, and has large potential as a 3 point shooter, if he is able to translate his raw skill, to the court. After averaging a mind boggling 3.6 steals per game in college, he can look to be a very highly touted prospect coming into the NKBA.

3. Christopher Johnson, C, 6-11, 278, Akers University
While Chris is relatively small for a center, he has talent in every part of the game. Even though he isn’t near the level of the top 2 prospects on the list, Chris is a very good player, and one of the best to come from Akers in a while. What is holding him back from being #2 or even 1, is his lack of size and mid range ability. However, if he can get those figured out, he has insane potential.

by **Kriegiersien** » Tue Feb 09, 2021 5:30 pm

The Schoenwetter Joker

Sport

Basketball

Grandiose win over Equestria for the Kriegiersien Basketball team in the IBC.

Kriegiersien 71–59 Equestria

Even though the Winter Olympics take away much attention, a filled MegaGarage in Schoenwetter saw not only a fantastic game, but a Kriegiersien win in the match of the two top ranked teams in the group.

In the duel of the teams from the presumed best and maybe worst league in the World, the latter won in a surprising dominant matter. The Kriegiersien girls, who played without the men, again proved to be a dangerous opponent for the Top team in the group in the first match.

Ivory Fire from Pony City, whose dream it was to play in the Royal Equestrian Basketball League (REBL), but never got a contract, the triumph was a big satisfaction.
She became the MVP of the match with 20 assist.

At the start she changed flowers with the opponents captain and immediately ate them.

“I was really hungry. For points, for food, I just had the bite… We didn’t even train hard in the last days, we even often turned up in fast food restaurants together”, she admitted. That lax preparation had been seen as a flaw by experts, the "winning streak" after the first two wins against the unranked teams from Silvedania and United Vietussia was surely to be ended by Equestria.
But the team played flawlessly, driven by Ivory, who was on fire.
If the team will go on with these “chilled” attitude and if that will be enough to beat Cassadaigua will be seen.

by **Hannasea** » Tue Feb 09, 2021 6:18 pm

Selection of Twitcher posts during the game.

@TOP_basketball_mind

@SuperGenStats

@its_izzie_12

@xX_MegaMegan_Xx

@riverr0b0t

@SulkySuki

@ashlee_plinkett

@43LilyRose34

@IronArmyMQ

@its_izzie_12

@TOP_basketball_mind

by **Crilland** » Tue Feb 09, 2021 6:24 pm

After The Abysmal Start To Crillands First IBC, Brock Percy Is getting interviewed by CSPN.
BP: I really wasnt expecting a losing streak to start off our season. i mean we got the best players from our nation and somehow we are 0-3. I mean I cant Believe it because i thought best would be 1-2. lets just hope we get 1 win.
RP: So, What do you think is the cause? coaching, or teamwork?
BP: Oh, Definitely Teamwork. We Have never Played against each other ( the only one ive played against is orlando.) so we dont know their playstyles or if they are a ballhog. so we need to practice and adapt.
RP: well Good luck on the next game.

by **Chromatika** » Tue Feb 09, 2021 6:44 pm

Chromatika in IBC 31
Part 4: Third Stanza - The Rebound

The First:

A strong second half
Penguins rebound with gumption
Pounce on every chance!

The Second:

Jordan off the bench
With twelve points and fifteen boards
Helped the Penguins' cause.

The Third:

Now comes the true test:
With Vangaziland ahead
Show up or shut up.

by **Delaclava** » Tue Feb 09, 2021 7:51 pm

The Qualifying Round is starting to get more serious. Some teams may be growing weary, but now is not the time to let up. Campaigns are still being made or broken, but Margaret is beginning to choose teams who won't be making a trip to Delaclava. It is a day of wrath, and doom impending... The (ranking and RP) book, wherein all has been recorded, thence shall judgment be awarded.

Day 4 cutoff!

Group A
Hebitaka 78–83 Valanora
Delaclava 73–60 Pemecutan
Saint-Domingues 88–57 Equestrian States of Poland

Group A                              Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Delaclava                              4    4   0   343  260  +83
2 Valanora                               4    4   0   295  251  +44
3 Saint-Domingues                        4    2   2   313  311   +2
4 Hebitaka                               4    1   3   289  312  −23
5 Pemecutan                              4    1   3   280  296  −16
6 Equestrian States of Poland            4    0   4   241  331  −90

Group B
Equestria 73–76 United Vietussia
Silvedania 73–87 Crystal Empire
Kriegiersien 86–83 Cassadaigua

Group B                              Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Kriegiersien                           4    4   0   311  272  +39
2 Crystal Empire                         4    3   1   327  305  +22
3 Equestria                              4    2   2   289  264  +25
4 Cassadaigua                            4    2   2   322  326   −4
5 United Vietussia                       4    1   3   291  319  −28
6 Silvedania                             4    0   4   270  324  −54

Group C
Squidroidia 67–92 Srednjaci
Nova Anglicana 88–58 TJUN-ia
Zeta Reka and Hügeltaldom 80–73 Smosh games

Group C                              Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Zeta Reka and Hügeltaldom              4    4   0   330  280  +50
2 Nova Anglicana                         4    3   1   342  254  +88
3 Srednjaci                              4    3   1   320  288  +32
4 Smosh games                            4    1   3   256  311  −55
5 TJUN-ia                                4    1   3   284  315  −31
6 Squidroidia                            4    0   4   268  352  −84

Group D
Kohnhead 69–74 East Lemyone
Royal Kingdom of Quebec 91–59 Crilland
Chromatika 79–65 Vangaziland

Group D                              Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Royal Kingdom of Quebec                4    4   0   348  274  +74
2 Chromatika                             4    3   1   363  279  +84
3 Vangaziland                            4    2   2   268  272   −4
4 East Lemyone                           4    2   2   265  319  −54
5 Kohnhead                               4    1   3   270  314  −44
6 Crilland                               4    0   4   247  303  −56

Group E
Southwest Eastnorth 65–62 Oscioru
Omerica 69–90 United Volcano Isles
Juvencus 63–70 Drawkland

Group E                              Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Drawkland                              4    4   0   331  254  +77
2 Juvencus                               4    3   1   311  292  +19
3 Southwest Eastnorth                    4    2   2   284  293   −9
4 Oscioru                                4    1   3   289  300  −11
5 United Volcano Isles                   4    1   3   310  346  −36
6 Omerica                                4    1   3   285  325  −40

Group F
Ethane 68–93 Hannasea
Valladares 85–70 Nateros Sill
Filindostan 78–70 Sarzonia

Group F                              Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Sarzonia                               4    3   1   315  263  +52
2 Valladares                             4    3   1   319  282  +37
3 Filindostan                            4    2   2   288  331  −43
4 Hannasea                               4    2   2   316  325   −9
5 Nateros Sill                           4    1   3   286  304  −18
6 Ethane                                 4    1   3   283  302  −19

Group G
Rwekazaland 74–79 Newmanistan
Xanneria 76–71 Khytonya
Mapletish 93–84 Trolleborg

Group G                              Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Newmanistan                            4    4   0   336  275  +61
2 Xanneria                               4    4   0   299  269  +30
3 Rwekazaland                            4    2   2   296  284  +12
4 Mapletish                              4    1   3   300  313  −13
5 Khytonya                               4    1   3   278  307  −29
6 Trolleborg                             4    0   4   284  345  −61

Group H
Banija 84–83 HUElavia
Mytanija 62–69 Maccian
Græntfjall 73–67 Baker Park

Group H                              Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Banija                                 4    4   0   350  277  +73
2 HUElavia                               4    3   1   319  267  +52
3 Græntfjall                             4    2   2   301  296   +5
4 Maccian                                4    2   2   281  314  −33
5 Mytanija                               4    1   3   256  318  −62
6 Baker Park                             4    0   4   287  322  −35

Group I
United States of the Adirondacks 66–83 Lisander
Hispinas 92–75 Acastanha
Qasden 80–79 Marigred

Group I                              Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Qasden                                 4    4   0   345  293  +52
2 Hispinas                               4    3   1   350  315  +35
3 Lisander                               4    3   1   333  299  +34
4 Acastanha                              4    2   2   308  316   −8
5 Marigred                               4    0   4   300  354  −54
6 United States of the Adirondacks       4    0   4   258  317  −59

Group J
Abanhfleft 83–72 Indusse
Northwest Kalactin 83–55 Sannyamathland
Savigliane 89–82 Wizcity

Group J                              Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Abanhfleft                             4    4   0   339  250  +89
2 Indusse                                4    3   1   337  306  +31
3 Northwest Kalactin                     4    2   2   291  259  +32
4 Savigliane                             4    1   3   280  331  −51
5 Sannyamathland                         4    1   3   269  328  −59
6 Wizcity                                4    1   3   278  320  −42

by **Hebitaka** » Tue Feb 09, 2021 8:40 pm

MST Analysis

It has been about a week since the International Basketball Championship's 31st edition has boosted in. The tournament has seen a total of 3 gamedays yet and amidst that is our national team, the Hebitakish national team. Facing grand loss in the ODI World Cup in Cricket on one corner of the world, the basketball team of Hebitaka are in better form here in Delaclava. The team, playing four games has won one of them only. But that has kept them intact in the rankings at 4th position out of 6, having hope for them yet.

This tournament has also been really great for Domon. The 32 year old man is likely into his final tournaments. And in his final days the man has played whoping games for the top team. The man scored 22 out of the 62 scored points against the hosts Delaclava. The game ended as a loss though.

The next game was a heat for the Hebitaki team as it defeated Pemecutan by 11 points. The score rested at 75 - 64. There were last minute trials by the star man Septiandi could not bring a victory for the opposite side. Domon, again, scored 37 points in this game! This was also his first international MOTM he won in that game.

The next game was again a darkness as the team lost to an Unranked team. The Deshmukh nearly cried off in this game when the final whistle blew. The team lost a bitter loss of 83 - 74, nine points behind the opponent. The opposition man Auclair got the MOTM with his performance of 47 points in a single game. Domon did not hit the standards this time, but the star Charan Rai, did hit it off scoring 27 points.

The most recent game had a far better result for the falcons. The team did not win, but gave a hard time to Valanora, a team placed fifth in the world rankings. A game expected to be ended as a loss, the falcons played a grand game. At a point of time, the Hebitakish team was looking like it could have made it. But the final minute three pointer by Mogen ended all expectations. The game was won by Valanora, but the hearts were won by Deshmukh. The player got the man of the match for not his scoring, but his guarding and blocking.

All of this has ended the Hebitaki team end up at a position of 4th in the group stage. Here is the table:-

Group A                              Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Delaclava                              4    4   0   343  260  +83
2 Valanora                               4    4   0   295  251  +44
3 Saint-Domingues                        4    2   2   313  311   +2
4 Hebitaka                               4    1   3   289  312  −23
5 Pemecutan                              4    1   3   280  296  −16
6 Equestrian States of Poland            4    0   4   241  331  −90

We expect a better performance in the upcoming games to take the team up to the final stage for the first time in basketball. This is where our analysis end. We will meet next time with a far better analysis. Until then, peace!

by **Delaclava** » Tue Feb 09, 2021 10:39 pm

DSGN.com Basketball

IBC Qualifying: Ntenga the surprise hero in homecoming
Laurelum Dolphins star emerges to keep the Phoenixes undefeated

When North Beach Arena in Laurelum was slated as the venue for Delaclava's home game against Pemecutan, many fans of the collegiate Dolphins team were excited to watch All-DUSA selection Sifiso Ntenga take part in the world's premier basketball competition. Few expected to see him in a starring role.

But basketball is a game of strange twists and turns, where anyone can become an unlikely legend when given the right opportunity, and Ntenga took advantage of his.

With Đorđe Zubić hobbled and Rick Jones fading down the stretch, Ntenga rose to the occasion with 13 of his 17 points coming in the second half, and Delaclava recovered from a slow start and hard-fought midgame to finally pull away from 25th-ranked Pemecutan in a 73-60 victory, improving their record to 4-0.

"We're really proud of Sifiso for stepping up tonight," Jones said. "Sometimes you get into these games and matchups don't happen how you except. We all needed to adjust and he showed so much confidence and calm in doing that. Hard to believe after tonight that he's as young as he is."

Ntenga's productivity wasn't limited to his scoring: he added seven rebounds and three assists, but was largely responsible for shutting down Gede Weda Darmawan, who got off to a hot start as Pemecutan jumped to a 10-3 lead and led 20-14 at the end of the first quarter. Jones and Zubić seemed to struggle with the frontcourt counterparts of Darmawan and Darma Putrajaya, with Zubić eventually being shut down due to his lingering calf injury, and Jones needing to sit out for much of the second quarter after picking up three fouls.

But Ntenga seemed to provide the necessary quickness and physicality to slow down Darmawan's ability to drive and use space, and Lorenzo Austin looked solid in replacing Zubić and frustrating Putrajaya with more forceful coverage and rebounding. Austin in his own right tallied nine points and 13 rebounds.

With the Pemecutan frontcourt mostly neutralised, and Omar Harris almost completely shutting down Komang Agus Satriawan on rebounds, the Pemecutan guards were forced to take more bad shots and Pekko Ranta began to find his own range, leading Delaclav scorers with 22 points. Delaclava managed to creep back in the lead at the end of the first half, 34-33, but they knew their work was still cut out for them.

"That was an absolute dogfight," Ranta described, "where we were just banging bodies and trying to wear each other out, but with the chess component of trying to out-strategise the other team. I think it was one of the more stressful games I've ever played."

Fortunately, the crowd became somewhat of an X-factor for the second half, truly coming to life in the second half as they realised that coach Jim Levins would be heavily relying on Ntenga and Austin in place of Jones and Zubić. Much of the 27,313 fans were Laurelum students and alumni who had their own cheers specific to the Dolphins and to Ntenga to go along with the more common Phoenixes songs and chants. And they remained busy, as Ntenga continued to pick up steals and blocks, tipped passes and challenged shots, while Ranta put up 11 points in the third quarter alone to put Delaclava ahead 51-46.

Pemecutan was up to the task, with Darmawan finding a bit more room to start the fourth quarter and tallying the last of his 18 points and the team closing to within three of the Phoenixes. But fittingly, it was Ntenga who sealed the deal. The small forward put together a run of two points, block, two more points, steal and assist to Harris on the fast break, then a steal and break down the court before stopping in transition and swishing a three at the top of the arc - sending the crowd from its sustained enthusiasm through a crescendo to pandemonium. That made the score 65-55, and despite the typical late-game shenanigans, Pemecutan never drew any closer.

"I honestly can't believe it," Ntenga told reporters courtside after the game. "When I saw this one on the schedule, I was hoping we'd get the win and give these fans a good show, with how grateful I am for their support of the Dolphins... This was such a wild game, I'm glad I did my part."

"This was tough, but we definitely are learning a lot from it."

The win brought Delaclava's record to a perfect 4-0, alongside Valanora in Group A, and the two teams are already two games clear of third-place Saint-Domingues. While six games is enough time for these teams to close the gap, the Phoenixes and the Vanorians have clearly demonstrated the level their competitors will need to find if they are to qualify for the Final Group Stage.

But one element of parity will soon be thrown into the mix - Delaclava travels to somewhere in Valanora and the two Group A leaders will finally square off. "Someone's oh has got to go", as you might hear for a boxing or mixed martial arts bout; the winner will move to 5-0 and be nearly assured qualification; the loser may well fall to within striking distance of the chase pack. The Phoenixes, for one, are very much keen on the challenge.

"No disrespect to anyone else, but there are the games we signed up for," Ranta said. "We're good at winning the games we're supposed to win - now we want to get into the games where anyone can take it. Pemecutan was a great test like that. Valanora's going to be even tougher. We're so hyped for that trip."

Valanora has escaped with two consecutive five-point victories, while Delaclava's four wins have come to a combined margin of 83 points - fourth among all teams and second among undefeateds (Abanhfleft in Group G). But Jones cautioned against making any predictions based on recent run of form.

"You can't go by point margins, because each game is so different, it has its ebbs and flows. Teams and players are different, and we always have to do the free throw crap at the end of the game... We know what they are. They'll beat us by 40 if we walk in there cocky.

"But we're feeling really good. We think if we bring our best, it's going to be a hell of a fight."

by **Graintfjall** » Wed Feb 10, 2021 5:03 am

Posted on the In Brief section of the GTV Sports website.

Butcher, baker, three-point-shot maker: Skíðisson shows versatility in welcome win

by **Indusse** » Wed Feb 10, 2021 5:05 am

LoopHole.net
Defeat

Group J
Abanhfleft 83–72 Indusse
Northwest Kalactin 83–55 Sannyamathland
Savigliane 89–82 Wizcity

Group J                              Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Abanhfleft                             4    4   0   339  250  +89
2 Indusse                                4    3   1   337  306  +31
3 Northwest Kalactin                     4    2   2   291  259  +32
4 Savigliane                             4    1   3   280  331  −51
5 Sannyamathland                         4    1   3   269  328  −59
6 Wizcity                                4    1   3   278  320  −42

The Fourth Matchday ended and the fate was defeat. In the match against the topper Abanhfleft, Indusse successfully lost for a score of seventy two against eighty three. The eleven point difference was a big difference which ceased the efforts of Indusse to be the group toppers. The match had Cheeranjeevi S as the best player in the Indussean squad. The former medalist played as well as one could do. The match against Abanhfleft was the first one after the Maoist uprise, the Maoists were said to be completely routed from Indusse and currently the intelligence Service of Indusse say that they have been camping in Madhyarashtra and the borders of Hindu Ram Rajya. The increment of Maoist attacks have alarmed the national security forces and the operation was super success. In other breaking news, it is said to be that Zedox Inc. which is the largest group of companies in Indusse is planning to get its wings widen towards the Internationale. Zedox Group is known for its GFX Services, Hotels, Golf Courses and Medical Sources. The GFX of Zedox is known as Zedox GFX company, the hotel group is known as Zedox Group of Hotels. Zerphyr is the name of the Golf Courses owned by Zedox. The Medical Sources and companies are called ZedMedix, which is the short for Zedox Medicals.

by **Sarzonia** » Wed Feb 10, 2021 7:23 am

For all the talk of "trap matches" that Sarzonia's sport teams have been talking about since the return of the Sarzonian national lacrosse team to the sporting pitch, there isn't as much talk about letdowns after big matches.

Sarzonia's national basketball team manager Thomas Manningham better get started. One day after Sarzonia's stirring victory over Valladares in front of a packed house at The Palestra in Woodstock, the team shit the bed against Filindostan away, dropping a 78-70 decision that wasn't even as close as the score suggested.

Sarzonia (3-1) trailed by as many as 22 points in the first half before clawing their way back. Unlike the previous match when Mike West logged minutes at both the point and at shooting guard, he was largely absent for long stretches as Manningham chose to use both reserve guard Jayne Cruz and Kent Bradley and give depth players a chance. The Stars bench led a comeback that saw the Stars close to within a missed Cruz 3-pointer of taking the lead with 2:39 remaining. Filindostan then went on a 9-2 run to close out the match.

"I was very disappointed with our effort tonight," Manningham told reporters after the game in a voice that creaked a bit. "I knew it would be a challenge facing a ranked side in their building, but I didn't expect to see such an uninspired effort as I did tonight."

Cruz led the way with 22 points and five assists, but she committed six turnovers as she played significant minutes at the point. Bradley added 17 points and five rebounds, but he was the second leading rebounder on the team after forward Trent Klatt's seven. Centre Terry Rutledge spent the majority of the match on the bench after drawing three quick fouls in the first half.

"I've got to do a better job of decision-making," Cruz said after the match, staring at the floor as reporters gathered around her in the team's dressing room. "I know how to handle the press better than I showed tonight, that's for damn sure."

The Stars remained in first place despite Valladares defeating Nateros Sill 85-70 due to Sarzonia's head-to-head victory.

Manningham dismissed talk that the Stars might be exhausted after six matches in the Atlantian Oceania Basketball Championships, including their multi-overtime victory over Qasden, and the Cyanea Tipoff Classic played in Athens.

"We're a basketball team," he said. "We've been mindful of minutes in matches when we've had an opportunity to keep players rested and sharp. We've also been training well."

West said the team's effort was "a personal disappointment."

"We let down our fans tonight," he said. "I'm truly sorry."

by **TJUN-ia** » Wed Feb 10, 2021 8:47 am

Final: Nova Anglicana (21) 88-58 TJUN-ia (10)

I don't want to talk about the performance we have just seen in Londinium, but I know I have to give you all something. Before this competition began, this age would've been one people wrote down in the dairy: The top-seeded Hoops-Jags on the road against their nearest foes in a true fight to the death in the National Arena. But after a 1-2 start to kick off their campaign, Bao Zhou's side was looking for answers as to how to fix their woes - and that wouldn't come here at all.

In the simplest terms, we were annihilated in Londinium. Sure, our players tried their best to play with the game plan they always played, but the Lions weren't just going give us anything here. Jonathan Stephens basically turned us to dust and we just couldn't do anything here - like at all. We lost by 30 points, our worst defeat of all time if I can remember rightly, and things certainly aren't looking good for us at all. One person who knows this very well is Bao Zhou himself: he would be left on the bench for 45 minutes post-game, crying his sorrows away for all to see. I guess that sums it all up: no one, not even he, knows what is going on here.

We end the first half of action against undefeated Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom and if we can somehow pull of the win at home, then maybe we do have a chance of salavging something from this nightmare called IBC31. GO JAGS!

SCHEDULE (Group C)
MD1: @Smosh games (UR) L 73-75 (4th)
MD2: @Squidroidia (35) - Mako Arena, Inkopolis W 76-65 (5th)
MD3: vs Srednjaci (UR) - Unity Centre, Riverside L 77-87 (5th)
MD4: @Nova Anglicana (21) - National Arena, Londinium L 58-88 (5th)
MD5: vs Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom (41) - Unity Centre, Riverside
----------------------------Break----------------------------
MD6: vs Smosh games (UR) - Unity Centre, Riverside
MD7: vs Squidroidia (35) - Unity Centre, Riverside
MD8: @Srednjaci (UR)
MD9: vs Nova Anglicana (21) - Unity Centre, Riverside
MD10: @Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom (41)

by **Srednjaci** » Wed Feb 10, 2021 2:19 pm

WORLD ARENA SPORT CHANEL 1

THIRD WIN IN A ROW

REPORTER DARIO PEŠIĆ : Dear spectators good evening to you and welcome to the evening of basketball.
You saw in the live broadcast a great game of our basketball players who won the third game in a row.
Who did not follow the result is Squidroidia 67–92 Srednjaci!
The president of the basketball association, Mr. Kurjak, and the selector of the women's basketball team, Mr. Damir Rivić, will comment on the great game, but also on what awaits us tonight.
Gentlemen, welcome.
Mr. Kurjak, can you comment on the performance of our basketball players?

KURJAK: Good day to you and the spectators. A great game in which our team broadcast that fluttering youth game from the previous game against TJUN-ia. Great in defense as well. We did not allow the opponent even 70 points and we scored over 90.

REPORTER: Yes, what do you think is the key to victory?

KURJAK: access to the game, that was the key. When the approach is serious and when everything that is agreed is fulfilled, then there is compliance.

REPORTER: Mr. Rivic?

RIVIĆ: I am pleasantly surprised how these young players played maturely and actively and at the same time beautifully and flutteringly.
The future of basketball in Srednjaci is not in question.

REPORTER: Mr. Rivić, what is the situation in the women's national team.

RIVIĆ: we have a good base of players, three professional leagues with 45 clubs is a good number and when you add 3 junior leagues with 32 clubs and 19 cadet clubs in two leagues, then it's really good.
It is a growth trend. However, we have not yet had the opportunity to play in any competition to check on our basketball players.

REPORTER: There is an incredible demand for basketball team games.

KURJAK: yes, in order to expand the availability of basketball outside of Katanija, matches will be played in other cities as well, so you can see the queue in front of Melarit Arena ...

REPORTER: wow! This is going to be a great atmosphere.

KURJAK: That's right, it's a sale for a home game against Squidroidia.

REPORTER: let's look at all the matches of our group and we will comment on the situation together.

Group C
Squidroidia 67–92 Srednjaci
Nova Anglicana 88–58 TJUN-ia
Zeta Reka and Hügeltaldom 80–73 Smosh games

Group C                              Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Zeta Reka and Hügeltaldom              4    4   0   330  280  +50
2 Nova Anglicana                         4    3   1   342  254  +88
3 Srednjaci                              4    3   1   320  288  +32
4 Smosh games                            4    1   3   256  311  −55
5 TJUN-ia                                4    1   3   284  315  −31
6 Squidroidia                            4    0   4   268  352  −84

REPORTER: So here the situation is far from resolved.

KURJAK: let's actually see that [nation]Zeta Reka and Hügeltaldom[/nation] is an undefeated team for now ...

REPORTER: 10. carriers in disaster?

KURJAK: I don't know what's going on with TJUN-ia, but yes, they don't write well. This is a big surprise.

REPORTER: Mr. Rivic?

RIVIĆ: I agree with Mr. Kurjak, it is unbelievable that they fell like that. Mingauskas Karnišovas cannot be alone against everyone. The rest of the team does not follow his rhythm.

REPOETER: but here we now have our next question, tonight's opponent of the New Anglicans.

KURJAK: They are on an upward trajectory like us, just look at the massacre they committed by TJUN. They lowered them below 60 points which is amazing.

RIVIĆ: they play fast and solid defense and you can hardly impose your rhythm of the game. They try to disrupt your game by pressing and if you are not concentrated then they quickly reach the ball and score easy points with counterattacks.

REPORTER: What would be the key to victory?

RIVIĆ: In my opinion, we must not allow them easy points, we must play long attacks, play calmly, then they lose their nerve and start making mistakes and playing aggressively by committing fouls.

KURJAK: It will be difficult, I believe that the selector will set up our game well.

REPORTER: let's see who was the best in yesterday's game with us.

Nikola Tomljanović  25 pts , 12 asis., 12 reb., 3 fouls
Davor Paradinović   20 pts , 10 asis., 10 reb., 3 fouls
Danijel Matković    15 pts , 11 asis.,  4 reb., 2 fouls
Stjepan Marković    10 pts ,  9 asis.,  6 reb., 4 fouls
Ivan Kotromanović    8 pts ,  4 asis.,  4 reb., 4 fouls
Josip Mikić	     7 pts ,  2 asis.,  2 reb., 2 fouls
Ante Marinović	     3 pts.,  0 asis.,  2 reb., 1 fouls 
Vedran Jurković	     2 pts.,  1 asis.,  1 reb., 1 fouls
Kornelije Turković   2 pts.,  3 asis.,  0 reb., 1 fouls
Darko Vučemilović    0 pts.,  1 asis.,  4 reb., 2 fouls

REPORTER: Let’s take a look at what our guys have aroused in our youngest.
More and more children are playing basketball and in schools the basketball sections are constantly growing. An increase in the number of girls is also noticeable.

KURJAK: great shots really great. I think if our basketball players watch this that victory will be guaranteed for these little kids.

REPORTER: We hope it will be so and that ours will win tonight as well. We play against an opponent who is on the rise but we are at home.
Dear guests, thank you for your visit and dear viewers, I want you to stay with our program because the game Srednjaci vs Nova Anglicana is coming up.

ARENA WORLD SPORT CHANEL 1

by **Banija** » Wed Feb 10, 2021 2:31 pm

Veteran role players come off the bench to power Banijan comeback as Lions earn buzzer-beating win over HUElavia at the IBCs

Janko Jawo celebrates his buzzer-beating jump shot to beat HUElavia here in Busembe

BUSEMBE, KITARA- The energy was palatable here at Afolayan Central Arena in Busembe. For three and a half quarters, the Banijans had kept it close, but the HUElavians had largely been the better team for the majority of this game. They were not intimidated by anything- not by the raucous atmosphere presented to us by Banijan fans, not by Banija's #1 ranking or status as favorites, not by Banija's AOBC or IBC titles. Nope- they came here, fearing nothing, and played aggressively. They attacked the game's biggest mismatch. Time and time again, their 7'1 point guard, Tomas Oluwole, caused all sorts of problems for the 1-3-1. We could not guard him. And he essentially put a muzzle on Akabueze, our own point guard. Akabueze's final line? 3-12 from the field, 8 points, 3 assists, 6 turnovers.

One of his worst ever performances for the Lions. And Ebrahima Faye, a former #1 national recruit out of high school for the Kingdom, could not get going either. He had a tough matchup on offense, being guarded by the 6'10 Mohamed Alcaide. Faye had an even worse game than Akabueze, being stifled by such a large shooting guard in Mohamed Alcaide. What were Faye's final numbers on the night? Well, Faye ended up only 1/7 from the field for 4 points, and did not get to the charity stripe once. He could not drive. Banija's backcourt being completely shut down allowed HUElavia to truly take control for large parts of the game. It was only Ezekiel Bullo's heroic efforts that could keep the Banijans in the game.

That's why, with 5 minutes left, the backcourt completely dominated and lacking confidence, Isaiah Lavaga decided to make a bold, risky choice- take out his trusted backcourt of Faye and Akabueze, and put in two veteran players. 35 year old shooting guard Saihou Uster, and 34 year old point guard Janko Jawo. He explained the decision after the game. "It's a big risk, of course, to not use your usual closeout lineup." Lavaga said. "Of course, our general minutes rotation won't change after this- I still have complete faith in Akabueze and Faye. But neither could do much of anything today, and we needed a change. They had both played well in their shifts in the game so far, so I felt that maybe they could give us a spark. They're both scrappy, veteran, hard-working players."

The score was 77-70 in favor of the HUelavian visitors. So that means Banija's closeout lineup for the final five minutes of this one looked like this- Janko Jawo at the 1, Uster at the 2, Bullo at the 3, Nabongo at the 4, with Bartaba playing center. A very experience heavy lineup- with two guards who are known more for short bursts of energy. But both of them stepped it up. The first possesion with that lineup was a defensive one. They were able to force a bad fadeaway from Fernandes, which was quickly rebounded by Nabongo. He passed the ball to Bullo, who brought it up the floor. When Bullo drove and the defense collapsed, he found Uster open in the corner. The veteran shooting guard was always going to drill that shot, and then it was 77-73.

Then, the teams traded possesions back and forth. A stop saw the Banijans fly up the court, but Janko Jawo missed a layup right at the rim. But the Banijans got another stop. We came back down the floor, and a high screen and roll put Jawo on Tiago Medeiros. It was a mismatch, even for somebody like Jawo who is certainly not known for his offense. Jawo blitzed towards the basket, flying by Medeiros and making it himself. Just like that, it was a 2 point game. The crowd was getting into it. But HUElavia would have an answer. With about 2:30 left, the 7'1 point guard Tomas Oluwole got to the rim essentially at will, getting fouled and making the free throw to make it a five point game.

Jawo brought it back up the floor again. He was playing with a real confidence, one that was rarely seen from the defensive specialist. The Banijans ran another screen and roll. Same result- Jawo guarded by Medeiros. Jawo flying past Medeiros towards the rim. This time, the HUElavians collapsed on him. But he simply lobbed it up to the rim runner on the other side of the basket, and it was an uncontested alley-oop to Ezekiel Bullo. Two minutes left, the Banijans were down 80-77. Just three points. After getting a stop on the other end, the Banijans brought it back down. We put Bullo in the post, who almost immediately faded away against the smaller Theo Dubuc. Dubuc didn't have a chance, and it was the perfect shot. 1:20 left in the game, 1 point game, HUElavians leading 80-79.

The HUElavians would look towards key three point shooting. With the shot clock expiring, Tomas Oluwole was able to drain from deep to give Los Amarillos a four point lead. Lavaga, of course, had to take a timeout. Down 4. But he ran out with the lineup that he had been using. Jawo ran another high screen with Bartaba. He drove, and then kicked out to Labanzi Nabongo. The star power forward held the ball for a second, and then shot the ball. He drilled a three pointer in the face of his defender, making it a one point game with 38 seconds left. All the Banijans would need is a stop.

In a rocking stadium atmosphere, the HUElavians came down, ran down the clock, and then ran their play. It would be 6'10 guard Mohamed Alcaide cutting to the basket, receiving a pass from Oluwole, and then shooting about a 10 foot jumper from the baseline. He shot the ball short, and it went to Bartaba. Lavaga called our penultimate timeout, with 12 seconds left. Bullo would get the ball at the top of the key, after a screen from Bartaba, tried to drive to the basket. He, unfortunately, let the ball go and missed. Meideiros got the rebound and was fouled. Four seconds left- HUElavia had the 83-82 lead and a pair of free throws.

However, you wouldn't normally want your center shooting those free throws. But what could you do, right? The building was deafening. Meideiros missed the first. ANd then, the miracle happened. Meideiros missed the second! Nabongo got the ball, and immediately called Banija's final timeout. 3.8 seconds. The ball moved to halfcourt. Nabongo inbounding the basketball. He looked for Bullo, who wasn't open. He looked for Uster, who was blanketed. Jawo raced toward the basketball, with Oluwole all over him, as the third option. Nabongo got the ball to Jawo. He took two steps to his left, got around a Bartaba screen, and took a jumper right in front of the three point line as the buzzer sounded. THe shot was perfect.

The reaction? Chaos. He ran off to celebrate as the team mobbed him at center court, celebrating our buzzer beating victory over HUElavia to move to 4-0 and in sole possesion of first place in the group. Janko Jawo, the unlikely hero, who has come off the bench his whole national team behind star point guards, first Amaodu Secka, and now Akabueze, had his moment in the sun. He spoke after the game, almost in tears. "Man, what it means to play for this team!" He said. "That's the kind of shot, in this kind of tournament, that you imagine yourself hitting as a kid. Day after day, on the playground. I'm so glad I got the chance to actually do it. Saihou and I- scoring 9 of our final 14 points in a comeback, it's a dream come true."

Isaiah Lavaga, the head coach, celebrated his player. "Janko Jawo has always been there for this team." He said. "He's been on the national team for a long time. Never started a game for us. And yet, has never complained. Never demanded more playing time. Always wanting to know what he can do. Great locker room presence. The perfect pro. The consummate international. He had a chance to win the game, as the third option on that play no less, and did what he was supposed to do."

It was an exciting win for this national team, that moves to 4-0 and puts themselves in a position to be in pole position for the second half of the first group stage. THey will do well to get over the exciting win quickly- Baker Park await them on Matchday 5. But it is a win that showcases the versatility and depth of this Banijan squad, one that, if it happens, will be seen as a key moment on Banija's road to heights beyond the first of two group stages at IBC 31.

Banijan Box Score v. HUElavia

Position	Name	Minutes	Points	Rebounds	Assists	Turnovers
Starters	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
PG	Ibezimako Akabueze	24	8	1	3	6
SG	Ebrahima Faye	27	4	1	0	1
SF	Ezekiel Bullo	32	28	4	4	1
PF	Labanzi Nabongo	25	19	9	5	1
C	Sadio Bartaba	23	4	10	0	1
Bench	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
PG	Odion Ozoemena	7	0	0	2	2
PG/SG	Janko Jawo	12	8	0	1	2
PF/C	Antouman Ceesay	13	4	7	0	1
SG	Saihou Uster	10	7	1	0	0
SF/PF	Kizza Alonso	8	0	0	0	0
C	Oluwasegun Tionge	15	2	6	0	0
SF/PF	Koman Shomari	4	0	0	0	0

by **HUElavia** » Wed Feb 10, 2021 2:54 pm

Last-Gasp Shot ends HUElavia's Win Streak.

Banija 84-83 HUElavia
(Afolayan Central Arena, Busembe)

HUElavia came into Matchday 4 taking on the No. 1 team in Basketball: Banija. The Banijans were seen as overwhelming favorites, but it didn't matter to the HUElavians. This game was one for pride and respect of the team, a way to show that they were growing and meant business. The game was at Afolayan Central Arena in Busembe, in a sold out crowd. Despite a very passionate and rabid Banijan crowd, it did not faze Los Amarillos/Os Amarelos.

The match for three and a half quarters was run by domination by the HUElavians. Oluwole had a game to remember, giving the Banijan defense all sorts of trouble to stop him. Oluwole even had scored 23 points in the game, the most by anyone on the roster up to now. Alcaide also had a stellar game defending the rim and keeping Banija out. But, the Lions began to play well and in the final minutes, they began to click, while HUElavia would miss the simplest of shots and free throws. Bullo's efforts helped the Lions to stay in the game, getting 32 points to his name. In the final seconds, with HUElavia leading 83-82, Nabongo gave the ball in a throw-in to Jawo, who was just inside the 3-point line to take a shot, and it went into the net, as time expired. The arena erupted in celebration while Jawo was mobbed by his teammates in celebration. The HUElavians were left shocked and disappointed that they fell short in what could've been a historic upset. Despite the loss, there was a sense of pride for the team and the small amount of fans for HUElavia in the arena, as the players shook hands and gave hugs to the Banijans, this was a watershed game for HUElavia and they felt that if they could go toe-to-toe with the No. 1 team in the Multiverse, they can take on anyone.

The next game will be in Palacio de los Reyes in Curumba against Mytanija. Los Amarillos/Os Amarelos look forward to a large crowd waiting to support the team, especially after their prior match that was filled with bravado. Here's to hoping the team can play strong and finish the 1st half of qualifiers on a positive note.

FORCA HUELAVIA! VAMOS HUELAVIA! GO HUELAVIA!

by **Hannasea** » Wed Feb 10, 2021 2:54 pm

Last night saw the meeting of two combustible chemicals, C₂H₆ (Ethane) and C₁₀H₁₄O (Hannasea). Let's look at the data sheet for the latter:

Properties

Mass: About 50 pounds heavier every time Jacques Brazier is in the lineup.
Appearance: A bunch of confused and mildly incompetent guys in nondescript black jerseys running around trying, and mostly failing, to get the ball through the basket.
Odor: After a full 40 minute game? Yes.
Density: In Joe Tanner's case, extreme.
Melting point: Having Mike West score 20 points on them.
Boiling point: Having Mike West benched after scoring 20 points on them.
Solubility in water: Based on the tears shed after their opening defeat, high.
Vapor pressure: Tends to explode whenever Cash Pittman gives up on a defensive assignment i.e. very often.
Henry's law constant: Would probably be a lot higher if there were anyone called Henry in the lineup.
Acidity: T.J. Floyd can make some really cutting comments about his teammates' dress sense.
Basicity: Team confirmed for basic bitches.
Conjugate acid: Can get you acid? Uh, I guess I know a guy, but look, you don't want to start off on something milder...?
Magnetic susceptibility: If the rumors about Brody Navarro's nipple piercings are true, very high.

Thermochemistry

Heat capacity: Capable of getting very hot (see: Logan Hall's shooting splits v. Ethane) and very cold (see: Nate Evans's shooting splits v Filindostan)
Std enthalpy of formation: I mean, probably.
Std enthalpy of combustion: Yeah, and actually, you might want to tell your sister to get tested, too.

Hazards

WSSA Pictograms:

Severe risk of shattering backboard glass through powerful dunks / severely bricked threes

Occasional risk of burning down arena when they lose to rosterless opponents.

10% risk of going Super Saiyan and pulling off a big upset.

Risk of droning about boring cricket statistics during breaks in play.

Even higher risk of droning about inane factorial jokes during breaks in play.

Visiting fans during the group stage might want to give Hannasean drinking water a miss.

I'd also skip the fish course.

Putting this sticker on your bedroom door has a 100% risk of showing your stepdad you're a badass

Small risk that a portal to the Undead Realm will open in Ben Santiago's chest and a tentacled monster devour him from within if he keeps missing easy open looks.

WSSA Signal Word: Hamsters.

WSSA Precautionary Statements: Warning, watching Tanner attempt to hit a free throw may be hazardous to the eyes, and severely corrosive to enjoyment of basketball.

Flash point: If you cheer loud enough and are at least an 8.

Autoignition temperature: Winning margins capable of going up in flames whenever Nate Evans has ball in hand.

Explosive limits: Literally none.

by **Kriegiersien** » Wed Feb 10, 2021 4:14 pm

Picture

the news site that tells you everything eye-friendly

Raid on the hotel room of the Kriegiersien Basketball team in the Hotel Court in Schoenwetter!

After beating Cassadaigua in the IBC the team got raided by a special force of the Police under the accusation of illegal religious practise.

“We had the clear indication that they were worshipping Margaret. If you look what happened in Group B in the qualification for the IBC and how the Kriegiersien team comes out until now you have to askk questions. And we had witnesses reporting us about a strange mass going on, so we had to step in”, explained the captain of the ARSEN (Attacking Religion with Suicidal ENgagement) strike force.

When they stormed the room they only found the members of the team looting the hotel bar and playing Twister. One of the guests on this party was a women named Margaret who had been called upon numerous times.

The president later gave a statement that of course Religious practice from Top athletes is not pursued with the same brutal force as in other cases.
“If our Top athletes need such prayers from time to time it is absolutely ok to do so. As long as they don’t forgot that I… I mean Kriegiersien is their real deity.. duty to. Those responsible for this attack will be dealt with.”

by **Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom** » Wed Feb 10, 2021 4:21 pm

National Basketball Team of Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom
Košarkaška reprezentacija Zeta Reka i Hügeltaldom

The Rekan Team has come from of nowhere to win four in a row in the 31st IBC while being the fourth seed. Basketball is a popular enough sport in Zeta Reka that the victories were seen as a high honor for Zeta Reka fifteen lucky men. The aggressive Rekan team lives to score, two by two. Two points that is. A mid range shot is always fun to see too.

Rosters
Starting Five
PG: Joel Iwanić (5) (age 24) (Ogroven Sportlich)
SG: Dušan Ljubomirić (6) (age 18) (KK Aleiusia)
C: Zoran Wasiljewić (9) (age 29) (Ogroven Sportlich)
PF: Marko Zec (7) (age 23) (KK Aleiusia)
SF: Perdrag Milanić (c) (8) (age 27) (Ogroven Sportlich)
Backups
SG: Muhammed al-Hakim (10) (age 24) (AK Stanimir)
PG: Nikola Bartowić (11) (age 25) (KK Aleiusia)
C: Prwano Jowanowić (12) (age 20) (Astra AK)
F: Iwan Djordić (13) (age 21) (Ogroven Sportlich)
SF: Miloš-Bronimir Stefanić (15) (age 26) (KK Aleiusia)
F/G: Wald Lukić (17) (age 30) (Proud Tigers)
PF: Albertow Schnabel (18) (age 28) (Proud Tigers)
PG: Žarko Wukić (20) (age 19) (VZRH Matov-Uri)
SF: Čadjo Agustyn (21) (age 34) (Aleiusia Dunkerz)
C: Ala al-Din Twafiq (23) (age 28) (Hügeltaldom Košarkaški Klub)
Head Coach: Wladmir Dubrakowić (age 64)

Depth Chart
PG: Iwanić, Bartowić, Wukić
SG: Ljubomirić, al-Hakim, Lukić
C: Wasiljewić, Jowanowić, Twafiq
PF: Zec, Lukić, Schnabel
SF: Milanić, Stefanić, Agustyn

Oufits

Čast, Zeta Reka's largest sportswear company, brings itself to the forefront of Rekan basketball. Their newest jerseys, are called "5-Odred ZRH" and make their debut in the IBC. This use of the 5-Odred template blends white with the red and yellow of the national flag. A sleek color change on the left sleeve gives any player a distinct, asymmetrical look to strut around the court with.

"Fun" Trivia

Three of Zeta Reka’s starter from the last campaign remain starters, two are now on the bench. Wasiljewić, Zec, and Milanić see Rottmanner and al-Hakim replaced by Joel Iwanić and rookie Dušan Ljubomirić.
Defending champs KK Aleiusia are the the joint best represented side in the roster, with four of their starting five on he lineup sheet. In addition, Wladmir Dubrakowić is their head coach. Dubrakowić and KK have won two titles in three seasons, and finished second two seasons ago. Sportlich isalso her four times, and they won the title two seasons ago.
Backup Albertow Schnabel played basketball from age 14-24 before moving full time into association football. He was bought by Proud Tigers, and is registered right now as a reservist for the club’s football branch.
The ascension to the Rekan throne of Queen Neda after the passing of Queen Maria I was the only time an adult female succeeded a female.

OOC
Permissions: Yes
Comments: You're not supposed to go 4-0, guys.

by **Saint-Domingues** » Wed Feb 10, 2021 4:44 pm

Quiz-off! Banza versus Jacquinot
Q: Welcome to our next social media feature, which is a little quiz competition amongst the squad. Today we have two of the Liberators, Jacques Banza and Colin Jacquinot. We're going to be asking basketball questions about the LLB and the other team's in Saint-Domingue's group, to see who has the best b-ball knowledge. Let's go!

Question 1: This should be easy, name all the teams in Group A (Saint-Domingue's Group)

JB: Hm... Saint-Domingue. Uhh, Delaclava. Vala... nora.

CJ: Us, Valanora, Pemecutan. Delaclava. I think I'm missing one?

JB: There are five in the group, six...?

CJ: Wait, nah. I'm missing two. Hebitaka and the... Equestrian States of something. Can we count tht? (We did - ed.)

JB: I don't know, I give up.

Colin could name all six, so he gets the point. Question two: What is the name of the arena that we played against Delaclava in?

JB: Oh no. It was in a place called... Quinnville? No, Quinniville. Hard to remember when you have to fly so much all over the place. The Quinniville Arena?

CJ: Morrison Court in Qunniville.

Another point for Colin. Question three: Saint-Domingue are unranked, and Valanora are the highest rank - but what is their ranking? Nearest wins the point.

JB: Hm... seven.

CJ: I don't know, I didn't look at the rankings as we aren't there right now. Two?

Jacques pulls one back! Question four: Who topped the LLB last season?

JB: The Reps.

CJ: The Port-Républicain Republicans.

A point for both. Question five: What three colours do Pemecutan play in?

JB: Red, white, black. The flag looks like ours.

CJ: There's some black on their jerseys, and I think red. Also... orange?

Jacques is level! Question six: Mama Auclair is officially the tallest member of the Saint-Domingue squad. How tall is he in feet? Nearest wins.

JB: He's big, I know that. Six foot and... nine?

CJ: Seven foot exactly.

Colin was closer by an inch! He gets the point. Our final question is... can you name a member of the squad of the Equestrian States of Poland?

JB: *stares blankly*

CJ: Uhhhh...

JB: Well, no.

CJ: Maybe that guy, um...

JB: Mister Equestria Poland

CJ: I have no idea. Pass.

Both are wrong, and Colin wins by 4 points to 3.

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by **Srednjaci** » Wed Feb 10, 2021 6:09 pm

MINISTRY OF SPORTS

A post by Minister Emilija Jukić appeared on the website of the Ministry of Sports, thanking the athletes for promoting the country.

Olympic team at the Winter Olympics! A small team of 51 athletes has achieved enviable results, winning 5 medals so far. Of which 2 gold in biathlon. Nina Mandarić won both and thus entered the history of sports in Srednjaci. She won one individually in the 12.5 km mass start and the other in the relay.

A basketball team that pushed all the boundaries of basketball in Srednjaci. Rows in front of the halls and in front of the fan shops for the sale of props and jerseys. The demand for the basket is huge and Davor Paradinović is the biggest star. In the IBC qualifiers, our basketball players achieved three victories in a row, despite being among the youngest teams.

Ivan Paradžik and Jelena Tabak achieved great victories in chess. Paradžik is even fighting for first place in his group. He popularized chess in schools as well, and there was a precedent that chess matches were broadcast live on television. At the chess championship, Jelena Tabak no longer has a chance to pass, but Ivan Paradžik is fighting for the first place.

This is the beginning of a great story for sports in Srednjaci. The ministry will increase the budget for investing in sports and sports competitions. On behalf of the Government of DR Srednjaci and the Ministry of Sports, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for promoting our nation in the world. You are our best ambassadors.

Thank you all!

by **Mytanija** » Wed Feb 10, 2021 6:47 pm

ALPHABET HOOP - THOUGHTS ON MYTANAR BASKETBALL
by Almedina Radovanovic

BAD HABITS DIE HARD

Yeah, I know the phrase is 'old habits die hard', but that wasn't quite as good for the headline of the piece. Mytanija were frustratingly poor again at times here though, with Ateljevic having a comparatively quiet game and the team suffering as a result. A 69-62 loss at home to Maccian is extremely disappointing, it was seen as one of the more winnable games during the group stage of this IBC and the team will have an uphill task to try and finish respectably within the group. Mirko Lazetic was particularly sore about the team reverting to making silly turnovers: "We were doing things out there that you simply cannot do at international level and I think we are finding that we have a long way to go to compete comfortably. Some of our guard play has been disapointing so far in this tournament and we are giving up too many cheap turnovers. You can accept good defensive play by our opponents, but at times we have been lax in possession and we're making it easy for teams as a result."

After going 3/3 from behind the arc against Baker Park, Zharko Kostojcinovski went 2/11 shooting in total on an extremely poor night for the KK Avnalia guard. Albin Jausovec perhaps bore the brunt of Lazetic's criticism in private too - he coughed up 5 turnovers again, mimicking his poor performance against Græntfjall - the coach didn't name any names to the press but Jausovec just hasn't been up to scratch during this tournament and Zahir Dedic's increased playing time perhaps demonstrates that Lazetic is getting towards the end of his tether. The younger Dedic constantly looks lively when on the court and despite his size seems to cope reasonably well with the physicality of international basketball. As Mytanija's tournament drifts Lazetic must be considering dropping anyone who has been ineffective from the starting line-up and giving some of Mytanija's younger players more game time to try and get them up to speed for future tournaments. Jausovec, Kostojcinovski and Bychkov have all flattered to deceive at times and few would blame the coach for giving the likes of Dedic, Djokanovic and Lekov more playing time as a result. Lazetic could also give Besir Sijercic a chance to impress and play two wings to try and make Mytanija more dynamic on the offensive end, something the team have struggled with at times.

It appears at this stage as if the Hoops are destined for a one-game shootout against Baker Park to decide who walks away with the group's wooden spoon, the second encounter between the two unranked teams will probably be the only opportunity left for either to add a victory to their resumes given both team's poor form during the tournament. Mytanija sit at 1-3 and Baker Park at 0-4, with the only win for either of the two teams coming in Mytanija's win against Baker Park. The learning curve at international level is steep and Mirko Lazetic's team are discovering that more and more with each game, their second-half rally against Maccian was promising and showed heart, but if they hadn't let the game get out of reach in the first place it would have been much better. The home crowd at the NacZat Arena were as loud with their support as they would have been if the team was winning, but speaking to some fans after the game painted an entirely different picture as they felt that a home game against the group's 4th seed represented a good opportunity for a win and disappointment was writ-large across everything they said. It's HUElavia next and given how demoralised the Mytanar team are likely to be following the disappointment of the Maccian game a loss could add insult to injury. Mirko Lazetic will surely be hoping that it is an opportunity to rescue the team's morale with a much-improved performance.

by **Chromatika** » Wed Feb 10, 2021 6:50 pm

Chromatika in IBC 31
Part 5: Fourth Stanza - Rousing Upset

The First:

The Royals are felled!
A momentous victory
Sees Penguins prevail.

The Second:

Swanson leads the way
Five three pointers, what a sight!
Twenty-nine in all.

The Third:

Ending with Crilland
A chance to go four and one
Cementing second.

by **Nova Anglicana** » Wed Feb 10, 2021 6:51 pm

PJP leadership race taking shape

John McAvoy, Political Columnist, Londinium Courier

With the annual budget passed and Parliament in recess for the next several weeks, all eyes in the political world are on the Progressive Justice Party's leadership contest. Former Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, and Leader of the Opposition Hal Blackwood resigned as party leader and Leader of the Opposition, opening up the top spot in the PJP. Without much else to do, hordes of reporters follow PJP President Evelyn Morris for updates on the process as well as hounding any prominent politician who looks like they might declare for the leadership. If there's one thing we can say about Nova Anglicana, it's that we do know how to put on a good media circus.

As for who's in and who's out, let's begin with folks who have ruled themselves out of the leadership contest. Despite respect within the party, former Finance Minister Erik Parsons has refused to run for the leadership. That's a blow to the party establishment, who liked Parsons for his squeaky-clean image, no-drama style, and ability to mediate between the moderate and progressive wings of the party. The one group that seems fine with it is the media, who wouldn't have liked Parsons' buttoned-down persona one bit. Similarly, the progressives in the party were disappointed with former Health Minister Alexandra Ward's decision not to run. She's both a capable administrator and a loud voice in the party for protecting and expanding social services. Her voice at the top of the party would likely have been a potent weapon against the healthcare, welfare, and education reforms the Ramsey government is planning. A few others have publicly disavowed a leadership run, such as former Culture Minister Robin Carpenter, but the buzz around them hasn't been as great.

Those who have declared include Tim McKenzie, Samantha Speer, Sheila Gordon, Alec Thornhill, Martin Oullette, and Bruce Russell, in roughly descending order of importance. McKenzie is the former Premier of New Brunswick and Justice Minister, who is considered young enough to still be a rising star. He combines youth with experience at multiple levels of government and is a charismatic and bright young face. As far as what direction he would take the party in, he's embraced social and cultural liberalism on a level that outpaces most other PJP members of Parliament. He supports diversity initiatives in government, education, and business, as well as the need for Nova Anglican to combat systemic racism. His signature plan right now appears to be a system of "baby bonds" that would give money to citizens when they turned eighteen, in order to help underprivileged kids be able to start their adult lives on a level playing field with others. Samantha Speer is a noted party rebel who outstrips even McKenzie on women's issues. She is and has been aggressively promoting increased access to abortion, family leave, anti-discrimination initiatives against women, gender pay laws, and more women in leadership roles. Her election, though unlikely, would reframe the political debate in a gendered way, which some say is long overdue in Nova Anglican politics.

Sheila Gordon and Alec Thornhill represent two leadership candidates unlikely to win, but they both have appeal. Gordon is Inuit-Metis and a Deputy from Labrador. She is running both to be the first woman leader of the PJP, but also to bring attention to First Nations issues. Despite the PJP having a strong claim to represent and advocate for many minorities in Nova Anglicana, she is the only First Nations MP in the party and the Stewardship Party is seen as the strongest advocate for First Nations peoples. Her message: don't forget about us or ignore us. She would raise long-held inequities to the forefront of Nova Anglican politics and perhaps force Nova Anglicana to confront its past. Alec Thornhill is the current Premier of Prince Edward Island, which has been ruled by a PJP-Stewardship coalition for the past several years. He has experience, and a keen message of bringing together labor and environmentalists, but it's tough to see how one can go from leading a small province to the entire nation. Still, he'll keep environmental issues and climate change at the top of everyone's mind.

Finally, we have Martin Oullette and Bruce Russell, the severe longshots. Oullette is the party's only MP from Quebec and their current French spokesperson. Like Gordon, he thinks Quebec has been left behind by the PJP, largely because they support the People's Party and Libertarians. He'll make the case for more bilingual outreach, better services, and increased autonomy for Quebec. He could cut into McKenzie's support among the Acadians of New Brunswick, which might prove to be the difference in a close race. If he's going to have a chance, he'll have to overcome being seen as the regional candidate. Then there's Bruce Russell. Russell is a good friend of former Agriculture Minister Ralph Coleman, who was seen as both an excellent voice for farmers, but also a conservative within the party. Russell is gambling that the party will move towards the center after losing power. He is putting agricultural issues front and center, but also talking about blue laws, Christian heritage, and reforming some social services to promote dynamism and job growth. He's got a long road, but don't count anyone out, I suppose.

Other potential candidates who have not declared include Richard Wright and Josephine Clark. Wright is the former Minister of Labor and a well-respected figure within the party. Although his fierce advocacy of workers' issues and noted economic populism place him closer to the left of the party, he also has an excellent working relationship with everyone in the party and has consistently outperformed his fundamentals in what should be a close constituency. But Wright is also not known to be flashy or to seek the spotlight. He'd likely have to be convinced to run. Clark is the former Minister of Foreign Affairs and someone that the establishment, as well as women, have pinned their hopes on. Although McKenzie would be acceptable, they prefer Clark's polish, experience, clout with foreign leaders and years of reliable service to the party. She has teased a run, but not committed yet.

Whether Clark or Wright get into the race, or some other candidate emerges, it should be an interesting race. It will give voters a good look at the groups that make up the PJP and what issues they ought to prioritise as they look to combat a rising Nova Anglican right wing.

International Basketball Championship 31 (IC Thread)

DROP IT DOWN!: We're Spiraling Towards Disaster

THIRD WIN IN A ROW

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