International Basketball Championship 31 (IC Thread)

by **Drawkland** » Fri Feb 12, 2021 10:31 pm

IBC 31: FLAWLESS FIRST QUARTER
Written By: Emily Jackson and Chuck Paul

Let's get this out of the way first. Through the first half of the first group stage, Drawkland is currently 5-0. Perfect record, near-perfect performance in each of the games, and thankfully Drawkland looks to still be a contender for the later stages of this IBC. The last two IBC group stages for the Net Corps yielded a loss in the first half (both to Kriegiersien, actually), which they avenged in the second half. This time, no games were dropped, and the Corps looks on to hold serve going into the second half of the group stage.

The reason the title is "Flawless First Quarter" is twofold. Firstly, one could argue that this IBC is divided into four quarters of competition. The first half of the first group stage, the second half of the first group stage, the second group stage, and the playoffs. Sure, the first group stage halves are five games each, the second group stage is four, and the playoffs are three games at most, but you could argue that the higher level of competition and the intensity of the matchups make up for the fewer games.

The second reason for the Flawless First Quarter actually relates to the play of the Net Corps on the court itself. In each of the five games played so far, Drawkland's national team has been nearly impossible to beat in the first quarter of play. Cody Morgan's strategy for this IBC has appeared to be playing balls-out, high-octane basketball for the first quarter, to build a fortuitous lead and grab all the game's momentum. For all five of the matchups so far, this has been played to perfection.

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@ JUVENCUS
It wasn't the home match against Omerica that would be the most anticipated matchup of the first half, but rather the away match against Juvencus. Once again, the Corps only had a short flight across the sea to travel, and they would be in top form for the coming matchup. Similarly, the Juven squad was fresh off a tight home win against Southwest Eastnorth. With momentum on both teams' side, the travel part of the equation being nonexistant, and undisputed power over Group E at stake, it was set to be a hard-fought match between the friendly Sonnel rivals.

Similar to the game against Oscioru, the Net Corps tried to bring their FFQ tactics to play against Juvencus, but they didn't have the effects they'd hoped. Drawkland only led 18-15 at the end of the first quarter, as i Cavalli's defense proved to be more strict than expected. The Juven tactics are to crowd the inside of the arc and force teams to beat them up top with the three-pointer. Unfortunately for Juvencus, the three-pointer comes naturally to sharpshooters like Autumn Trallen and even Taveon Holland. While the shooting for Drawkland was less consistent than usual, props had to go to the defense put up by Juvencus to keep the game tight.

Despite the back-and-forth nature of the scoring, the actual score margin remained solidly in Drawkian control. Juvencus would get within a few points, even tie the score, but the Corps would come right back down the court, score, and open the margin again. It was a crazy close game, but Drawkland held the lead for the entirety of the game. Juvencus even had a chance with a bit over a minute left to take the lead, but Romain Amatore missed the three-pointer which kept the score at 63-65. The taller Drawkian players always have an advantage under the basket, so the Corps got the rebound. They drove down the court, sucked away as much of the clock as they could, and Trallen sank another clutch three-pointer to make the score a nearly insurmountable 63-68 scoreline.

With time no longer on their side, i Cavalli had to sprint up the court and try to get an open three, but the Corps were playing hard defense around the arc. Gualterio Belluomo tried to get a shot off himself, but Will Accursio was there for the block and slapped the ball away before it could go anywhere. The ball bounced back towards halfcourt, where Holland was able to sprint to pick it up. All alone on an isolated fastbreak, Holland strode down the court and jammed a fancy dunk to make it 63-70. With little time left on the clock, Juvencus had no chance of coming away with the win, and their final shot fell short to keep the score as-is. Despite the unfortunate end to the game, it was a fantastic effort by i Cavalli, and they were still second in the group at 3-1.

vs SOUTHWEST EASTNORTH
The final game of the first half would be the home game against a midmajor squad in Southwest Eastnorth. The Frontiersmen run with a light 10-man roster, and a defensive strategy. A far cry from the deep roster and offensive powerhouse of Drawkland, but they came to Sonnel with high hopes. They did better than expected, all said and done, but it wasn't ever a close game.

Cody Morgan's FFQ tactics once again proved to be effective, this time resulting in a 22-10 margin at the end of the first quarter. At this point, with a 12 point margin and half the group stage to go, Morgan decided to rotate in some backups and give them more minutes. Now, with a roster like Drawkland's, the bench players are still all-star level talent, but the semo-disrespect of pulling most of the starters seemed to fuel the Frontiersmen and motivate them to play their hardest.

The defense still stood strong throughout the game, and the offense was passable. SWEN played with guts, their defensive strategy starting to have an effect on the Corps, but the 12 point deficit suffered in the first quarter was simply too much for them to play catchup all game. When the match was all said and done, the Frontiersmen came away with a loss and Drawkland moved to 5-0. Props to their defense for managing to limit the Corps' output, something Omerica and the United Volcano Isles. At 2-3, SWEN is the best non-Sonnelian team in the group right now. Who knows? They may prove a thorn in our collective Sonnelian sides come the second half.

THE NEXT STEPS
In case you didn't notice, Drawkland's path through the first half of this group stage was extremely easy, travel-wise. Through five games, the Net Corps travelled out of Drawkland twice, and out of Sonnel zero times. The "space lag" that can sometimes result by taking rapid spaceflight or traveling by portal was never a factor for the Net Corps. To add to this, both Juvencus and Oscioru are directly south of Drawkland, so the jet lag via time zone was also a non-factor. In short, this was probably the easiest set of games, travel-wise, that any team in the IBC has dealt with so far. While this has absolutely been great for our court play and record, it also wouldn't surprise anyone if the Net Corps' production starts to tail off in the second half.

With all the non-regional squads playing at Drawkland in the first half, this means the Corps will be traveling offworld for three of the next five matchups. Their only two home matchups will be against regional rivals in Juvencus and Oscioru. Both of these matchups will be sure to have a large amount of fans traveling into Drawkland to support their team, as this is by far the shortest distance to travel for the Juven and Osci. One of Drawkland's biggest advantages is their huge crowd presence, especially at home, but this will definitely be mitigated in their only home matches of the second half. Not enough to be a disadvantage, but enough that it'll be noticeably different.

In any case, the Corps defense has been incredible impressive over the first half. Even with their close matches against Oscioru and Juvencus decided by only a few points, they still held every team to less than 70 points (regardless of offensive production). It's anybody's guess whether this will hold over to the second half, or the second group stage. For now though, it's clear that the Corps has developed their defensive prowess and are looking to shut teams out early.

The "Flawless First Quarter" tactics, which are now being called the FFQ, are starting to have a marked effect on the Corps ability to win games early. Cody Morgan has done a good job implementing the new strategy and dimension to the Net Corps' game, but now that every team in the group has seen it in action once, will they be able to gameplan to counteract it? I only hope that Morgan and his staff have more tricks up their sleeve in case this one starts to falter. If they start dropping games to inferior opponents in the second half of this group stage, it spells danger for us going to the second group stage or the playoffs, playing against much more powerful squads.

The good news is that, win or lose, we're in solid control of the group and a couple wins away from ensuring qualification to the second round. As a pleasant surprise, our regionmates in Juvencus are doing just as well, sitting at 4-1 with their only loss being to us. While Oscioru dropped a close one to Southwest Eastnorth on the road, they also sit tied for third place at 2-3 (2-1 against non-Sonnelians). Omerica's disappointing start is starting to spell "consolation group stage at best", while the hot form of the Corps, Cavali, and Tauri seem to suggest that Group E will yield two Sonnel squads to the second stage. The only threat to this possibility right now is Southwest Eastnorth, who managed to beat Oscioru to nab the H2H tiebreaker for now, as well as draw them even on wins.

There's still a lot of basketball left to play. But right now, it seems that the Sonnel squads have Group E as their oyster. It's our group to lose ... so let's hold on tight and take it to the next round. An Omerican comeback, a Drawkian or Juven collapse, or even a shock run by SWEN, are all still on the cards. These next 2-3 matchdays will be the most important to how the group plays out. Let's just watch and enjoy the ride while the sailing is smooth. On Corps ... and Forza Juve!

by **Sarzonia** » Sat Feb 13, 2021 8:35 am

Sarzonia's national basketball team didn't really look like a team that was back in form during their victory over Ethane to close out the first half of qualifying for the International Basketball Championships.

They had good reason. The team were still fuming over the racial slur directed toward shooting guard Mike West during the Ethane match. West was not on the court for the opening tip of the away match against Nateros Sill and didn't appear in the match until after the first media timeout. It didn't matter against the bottom of the table hosts as Sarzonia won going away 81-64.

West rejected a proposed meeting with Taylor Green, the fan who addressed him with a racial slur.

"What the hell is he going to say? 'I'm sorry'? 'It won't happen again'? 'That's not who I am'?" I ain't got time for that shit!" West said in response to a question about why he rejected meeting with Green.

A Woodstock Daily Mail investigation into Green's background indicated an earlier incident when he cat-called a woman when he worked as a construction supervisor during construction of Bank of Sarzonia Arena in Nicksia. He was fired for cause as a result.

Green apologised to the woman he cat-called. She accepted the apology.

Sarzonian Vice President for Athletics Carter Marshall indicated his support for the decision to bar Green from all sporting events throughout Sarzonia for the rest of his life, saying that it wasn't a decision the Incorporated Sarzonian Government would get involved with.

"The Incorporated Sarzonian Government cannot get involved in the decision to discipline Mr. Green for conducting himself in a manner that does not directly run counter to the laws of this country," Marshall said. "We support the notion that words can carry real life consequences, and that they have in Mr. Green's case."

Green did not respond to several phone calls, text messages or emails seeking comment.

Guard Ben Thomas led the Stars with 16 points and eight assists. He also grabbed nine rebounds. West scored 14 points.

Sarzonia will return to The Palestra to face a Hannasea side that's suddenly in play for a spot in Delaclava for the second group stage. The Palestra is already sold out despite weather forecasts calling for another 20 cm of snow. According to Woodstock Public Works, they expect roads to be clear for the match.

by **Nova Anglicana** » Sat Feb 13, 2021 9:18 am

PJP leadership race is set, Clark new front-runner?

John McAvoy, Political Columnist, Londinium Courier

It's been three weeks since former Prime Minister Hal Blackwood announced his resignation as leader of the Progressive Justice Party, which means that the registration period for both voting in and being a contestant in the PJP leadership race is now closed. Eight PJP members have secured the five parliamentary endorsements necessary to be listed on the ballot, but one of the latest-comers could be the new front-runner. Former Minister of Foreign Affairs Josephine Clark finally made up her mind this week and immediately received far more than the five signatures necessary to appear on the ballot.

Despite waiting until the last week possible to get her name on the ballot, many are already talking about Clark as the new frontrunner. Of the candidates running, she has the most national legislative experience, now serving in her fourth parliamentary term, and the highest-ranking Cabinet position. Additionally, she would be the first female leader of the PJP, a fact which is not lost on her supporters. The Stewardship Party and the Liberal Secularists both have female leaders, but a woman has never been atop either of the two major Nova Anglican parties. Clark is known for having a steely disposition and a keen mind, both qualities we might consider important in a party leader or a Prime Minister (which of course, party leaders must always be able to be). But she has also won plaudits on the international stage for her role in the Esportivan conflict, trade negotiations, and other international conferences and committees. Clark is a firm multilateralist, committed to soft power, foreign aid, and diplomacy wherever possible. Choosing her as party leader would be more for her leadership style and accomplishments, rather than any broad new policy objective she is proposing, though she has mentioned improving infrastructure and trade as some of her top priorities.

Also appearing on the ballot will be the youngest candidate in the race, 32 year old Deputy Graham Hadden. Hadden, who submitted his paperwork literally minutes before the deadline closed, is a list MP. He formerly served in the Nova Scotian Legislative Assembly, and before that, was a community organizer around issues of social and environmental justice. Hadden, who sits on the left of the party, obtained signatures from his fellow left-most members of the PJP caucus, which likely means his appeal is very limited. He says he got into the race because he thought there wasn't a candidate who could speak to millennial interests nor someone who was willing to take a principled stand on economic justice. His signature proposal, among others, is a universal basic income, giving a fixed sum of money to all residents of Nova Anglicana per year, thus creating an income floor for the very poorest and supporting others. When charged with the cost of such a program, Hadden responded with the idea of a wealth tax, taxing the assets of the top 1% of Nova Anglican society in order to redistribute the wealth. This is a bold stance, as most Nova Anglicans and even PJP members are not sold on either idea.

As for how this shakes up the race, it almost immediately relegates every other candidate besides Tim McKenzie to also-ran status. McKenzie and Clark are the only two former Cabinet ministers in the race, though Alec Thornhill has some standing as a provincial Premier. The other candidates will likely be reduced to advocating for special interests and hoping that one of the top two candidates incorporates some of their ideas. As far as who is most damaged by Clark entering the race, it's McKenzie and Samantha Speer. McKenzie had hoped to run with institutional backing, using that to easily sweep the field. He'll find far fewer friends among the PJP establishment with Clark throwing her hat into the ring. Speer was gambling that her persistent advocacy of women's issues might draw enough support from gender egalitarians of all stripes to propel her into a real contest with McKenzie. But with Clark now present in the race, many women and men who feel it's time for a female leader will likely prefer Clark over her. Thornhill is also hurt, because he had also hoped to run with some institutional support after achieving a good deal as Premier of Prince Edward Island. He'll now likely employ an "outsider" narrative to try to boost his chances. As for Sheila Gordon, Martin Oullette, and Bruce Russell, they were long-shots before and they remain so. They'll be jockeying to show the party the importance of their respective constituencies.

There's still time for something to shake up this race, however. One bold policy proposal, one brilliant sound bite, or one major gaffe from either of the top two could make this much more competitive than it seems. We will see how the next three weeks play out as eight candidates contend to be leader of the PJP.

by **TJUN-ia** » Sat Feb 13, 2021 9:25 am

After the first half of action which saw more questions than answers about how good we are at this sport, the second half began with a simple command for Bao Zhou and his Hoops-Jags: No more mistakes from here. At 2-3, our participation in the latter stages of this competition is looking shaky at best and if we are to somehow make Top 2 once again, we need to ensure we play well and maybe use a bit of luck to our advantage. Up first in the revenge tour was Smosh games in Riverside, the team that so famously upset us on opening day by 2.

This game wouldn't be close for most of the 2nd half but before that, it was another tight performance for our Jags. We certainly played well and put up good numbers but we only led by 1 point after the first 2 quarters, Smosh once again showing that they had the talent to be a pest when they wanted to be. Once the 2nd arrived, we began to pull away through quick play by Mindaugas Karnišovas and DeMarcus Winston, using their skills to overhaul the unranked but respectable opposition in this contest. It wasn't the best performance overall, but an 11 point win (95-84 in the end) will certainly be taken as we return to .500 for only the 2nd time.

Zeta Reka losing to Srednjaci in one of the other games is big as we now find ourselves only a game back from 2nd place in the group. Up next is another home contest, against 0-6 Squidroidia this time. The Inklings haven't had the best time at all as an unranked team and they will be looking for anything to help boost their morale at this point. For Zhou and the Jaguars, we don't need any more losses so these Inklings must be taken care of. 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 W 79-74 (5th/2-3/-26PD)
----------------------------Break----------------------------
MD6: vs Smosh games (UR) - Unity Centre, Riverside W 95-84 (4th)
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 **Mapletish** » Sat Feb 13, 2021 9:48 am

The Sour Kind
"I only know one thing, that is I know nothing"

Commentaries| Timothy Jozua

Dragons picks up second defeat against the Rockets in a nail-biting encounter

Box Score

	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Newmanistan	14	13	20	20	67
Mapletish	20	13	13	20	66

The Dragons got back from the mid qualifiers break and faced a return game against Newmanistan for the encounter. In the previous encounter which also happened to be the opening game for the Dragons, the Dragons were edged out by the Rockets 80-75 at home. They were outclassed, outmatched and outgunned by their opponents overall. Head coach Kerry Poole went into this match with the same vigour and desire to want to make things difficult for the number 2 side in the multiverse. "We want to keep our energy high and to frustrate the Rockets as much as possible. Our only desire is to limit their scarily accurate 3-pointers which were practically almost shot at pinpoint precision."

The Dragons were eager to for a result against the Rockets and played with nothing to lose. This was highly evident in the first period as the Dragons led the Rockets 20-14 for the first time in the Dragons' history, they were holding on to the Rockets, unwilling to let go just yet. The starting five were unlucky on the three point line but were effective in their 2-pointers as they net 10 2-pointers in the first period. Point Guard Gregory Rice was the points getter in this period with 3 layups and 2 mid range shots while Ray and Nichols both clocked 2 in the paint shots with Bridges netting a 2-pointer of his own with a neat offensive rebound and a simple dunk to mark his presence near the bucket. At 20-20, the Dragons looked amused that they were able to hold onto the Rockets.

The second line was given the opportunity to hold the fort in the second period. Although they were less successful in getting the points for the Dragons, the Rockets were also muted a little in the second period. Both teams secured a 13-13 tie to give the Dragons 33-27 lead at the end of the first half. The Fireykop present in Newmanistan were beaming with pride and singing loudly as the Dragons led the Rockets for the first time in their playing history against each other. The second line was able to put in 5 2-pointers and a 3-pointer to secure the points for the second period. Point Guard Bert Waters was able to put 4 2-pointers with 2 layups and 2 mid-range shots while Gregory snagged a 2-pointer layup while Derek Ross sealed the 3-pointer to allow the Dragons to take the lead for the first half.

The game moved towards the Rockets' favour in the 3rd period as the Rockets turned the game around for themselves with a 20-13 period. The Dragons were outgunned and outclassed at this point as the Rockets turned on their "microwave hands". Their feel of the ball for 3-point shooting showed as they led the game by 1 point at the end of the 3rd period. The Dragons were tamed at this point as they were muted to a 3-pointer and 4 2-pointers while converting 2 free throws. All 4 2-pointers were courtesy of Point Guard Rice while Ray managed a 3-pointer of his own. Nichols converted 2 free throws after falling victim to a shooting foul from the Rockets.

The last period was a battle of pride and it was a period that can be taken home by any of the two teams. However the period was a tie and the Rockets won the game in the end. The second line was responsible for the spectacle in the last period with Point Guard Waters putting in 4 2-pointers while Moreno and Ross shared 2 3-pointers each to net 20 points for the Dragons' side. The Rockets held a similar response as both sides competed neck on neck for points to win the game. The Dragons, though were so close to handing the Rockets their first defeat of their IBC qualifying campaign but the final buzzer sounded out before the Dragons had the chance to secure another attempt on field goal to win the game by a point of their own.

The Dragons have 4 more games in the qualifying left and are optimistic in their chances of at least getting into the consolation group stage. The Dragons are lucky to have picked up 2 straight Ws before hand and have had 4 Ls in their campaign so far. They have also maintained a desirable points difference record, only behind on Points Against by 3 points.

by **Srednjaci** » Sat Feb 13, 2021 1:50 pm

WORLD ARENA SPORT web site

IMPORTANT WINN FOR SREDNJACI

GREAT VICTORY SREDNJACI

The Srednjaci basketball team won at home against [nation]Zeta Reka and Hügeltaldom[/nation] 84–79
Our players were great and played great in attack but somewhat worse in defense.
This match was very important, a lot was at stake. The victory leaves us in the race for the first two positions leading to the final tournament in Delaclava.
Defeat on the other hand puts us at a disadvantage in the playoffs or even worse in relegation.
We are playing against an opponent who beat us in the first round and that is why this victory is very important.
But not everything started in the game properly, at 2: 2 at the very beginning, the guests are doing a series of 9: 0 and ours already had to look for Time Out.
The first quarter ends with 16:12 for the guests.
In the second quarter, our team played better, stronger in defense and more concentrated in attack. Markovic accelerated the game and the flow of the ball with his assists, but Srednjaci failed to get a quarter and ended 16:16 and halftime with 28:32 for the guests.

In the second half, our players played much more decisively, Tomljanović made a great blockade, a quick counterattack and Marković scored a goal, to reduce, then a new good defense of ours, a half-counter in which Paradinović scored for 3 points and Srednjaci were leading!
This is the first lead of the home team in the match and by the end of the match they did not let him go, but increased it.
They did not allow the gaffe they experienced against the Nova Anglicana.

Today's match should be in the same rhythm as the match before. We need a victory and a high victory because in our group 4 teams are fighting for two positions. TJUN-ia is a team that gets back into the rhythm, gets back into the winning streak and now every game is important.

Group C
Squidroidia 74–95 Nova Anglicana
Srednjaci 84–79 Zeta Reka and Hügeltaldom
TJUN-ia 95–84 Smosh games

Group C                              Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Nova Anglicana                         6    5   1   511  401 +110
2 Zeta Reka and Hügeltaldom              6    4   2   483  443  +40
3 Srednjaci                              6    4   2   477  441  +36
4 TJUN-ia                                6    3   3   458  473  −15
5 Smosh games                            6    2   4   419  461  −42
6 Squidroidia                            6    0   6   397  526 −129

Davor Paradinović   22 pts , 12 asis.,  9 reb., 3 fouls
Nikola Tomljanović  20 pts , 10 asis., 16 reb., 3 fouls
Danijel Matković    15 pts , 11 asis.,  4 reb., 2 fouls
Stjepan Marković     8 pts ,  9 asis.,  6 reb., 4 fouls
Ivan Kotromanović    8 pts ,  4 asis.,  4 reb., 4 fouls
Josip Mikić	     4 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.,  2 asis.,  4 reb., 2 fouls

by **Graintfjall** » Sat Feb 13, 2021 3:56 pm

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

Sebastian demands more assists

special mathematical notation

by **Saint-Domingues** » Sat Feb 13, 2021 4:00 pm

Most Likely To... with Eustace, David, and Mama - Part 3
Q: We are very happy to announce that Most Likely To is back by popular demand! We've got Eustace Naudé, Mama Auclair, and David Bain here with us today to play even more and reveal some secrets about the squad.

Q: Who do we think is the most likely to get ejected from a game?

EN: Me.

MA: Me.

DB: Er... Eustace.

EN: The one guy to not say himself. The one guy!

MA: No shame, no shame.

DB: Apologies for being the most level-headed out of us, lads. Your reactions to that just make me sure that I made the right choice though!

MA: He loves to chat back, he does it all the time. Doesn't matter who it is. One day that gets you in trouble.

DB: Very rich coming from you!

Q: This is a submission from a fan. Seeing as we're making all this content for social media, one person wonders who is most likely to become a streamer?

EN: Mama.

DB: Mama.

MA: Me.

DB: You're way more into games than me. I don't care for that kind of stuff, Mama though is all over it. Brings his console everywhere.

MA: I do, I do.

EN: I play now and then but I'm nowhere near your level.

Q: If you have been paying much attention to our other features on social media, you may have noticed that we are also doing a quiz-off between some of the guys. There was recently a win for Charles Duverger against André Delisle, and we also got to see Colin Jacquinot beat Jacques Banza. So the question is, who would win in a quiz-off between you three?

EN: Me.

DB: Me.

MA: Oh it's the deciding vote... I don't know! I think it would be close.

DB: *scoffs* Come on Mama. Come on.

MA: What?

DB: It's not gonna be close. I'd win easy.

EN: Wrong.

MA: I dunno, man. I'd need to see it. I'm going to say myself. It it's music or basketball I got it.

DB: *shakes head* Unbelievable.

That concludes our third part of Most Likely To! If you want to see more of Mama, Eustace, and David, you can see them in action against Delaclava tonight!

by **Cassadaigua** » Sat Feb 13, 2021 4:11 pm

Stupid refs,
by Kaitlin Benson, SG

I think it is pretty obvious if you watched the last game that the refs have decided that the only way to stop that greatest player in the World is to call stupid things on her. I mean, if you looked at that game against Crystal Empire, I was called for traveling twice in the first six minutes of the game. What the hell even is that? Traveling? They used to call that in the old days so I have heard and just because I may have taken an extra step to allow for an amazing highlight reel play, most refs know that basketball is about putting on a show and electrifying the fans far more then it is about some stupid rule that never even gets called anymore. I have been called for this silly offense multiple times in multiple games now that it is pretty clear that the other teams are paying off the refs to do it. So, I was frustrating and punched one of the Crystal Empire players. Who really gives a shit who they are, their own nation cannot even dignify them by posting a roster. I just want to see if he or she or it or whatever it was really made of crystal and if something would shatter. That would have been cool and so worth it! Of course that got me a technical foul and an ejection. Coach Kelsey was not too happy about that, but she was also pretty livid at the refs for the way they are trying to bring me down.

We're 2-4 which is pretty ridiculous that the World might be cheated out of seeing the greatest player in the tournament from reaching the playoffs. There's really nothing I can do about that. If we have to go home prematurely at least we were able to be a part of the tournament this time. I guess I could watch the Cup of Harmony or something. Hopefully in that the refs let the players, play.

by **Delaclava** » Sat Feb 13, 2021 4:14 pm

DSGN.com Basketball

Phoenixes continue to roll with blowout of Hebitaka
Depth players get valuable experience as Group A picture narrows

Six players, including three bench players, scored double figures as Delaclava routed Hebitaka 95-67 to extend their IBC qualifying record to 6-0.

With the Phoenixes leading 27-16 after ten minutes and 51-34 at the half, coach Jim Levins opted to sit the starters for most of the second half, although occasionally bringing back the younger starters, Omar Harris and Simon Rybakov, to get more reps with the reserves. Harris therefore led scoring with 17 points across both halves and added 14 rebounds. Pekko Ranta and Djordje Zubić each added 13 points in the first half with Rick Jones scoring 11.

Of the bench players, Lorenzo Austin, the third-year player at Catherina, stood out in playing the entire second half, and 26 minutes in total, while scoring 14 points and adding nine rebounds. Caelen Knight, Harris' teammate with the Salem Wizards, added 10 points and six assists, and was one of the more impressive defensive players for the second half after a relatively quiet first half of qualifying for the 25-year-old guard.

"Today kind of panned out the way it did the first time," Jones explained. "We wanted to establish the lead and give it our best, then hand things over to our depth players. We don't let up, and we expect everyone on the team to put forth the same effort and quality, but we want to develop everyone and get ready for the later rounds."

Knight, from the reserves' perspective, added: "Every single one of us is expecting that we're going need to be ready to go, with the game on the line, at any stage of the tournament. And all of us are star players on our own teams. We're a deep squad and any five of us can go in, rack up wins and hang with the best. So it's good to keep us fresh when we have the option."

Jones also praised the Hebitaka team for their competitive spirit and fight throughout both contests: "They're a talented team, for sure, and we've needed to make sure we're sharp against them. Competitively, they're just a level below us right now. But with experience, I think they'll keep rising up. We've stood in their shoes before."

With the recent slate of games, the qualifying scenarios for Delaclava's Group A have began to simplify. Valanora rebounded from their loss to the Phoenixes and re-asserted their dominance with a 96-60 crushing of Saint-Domingue. The breakout Dominguan squad still remains in third place at 3-3, but the result puts some space between Delaclava and Valanora, in the two qualifying spots, and the rest of the field. Equestrian States of Poland were officially the first team to be eliminated, following an 84-65 loss to Pemecutan and dropping to 0-6. Pemecutan and Hebitaka, each at 2-4, remain barely alive, but cannot surpass Delaclava on record and would need a shocking collapse from the fifth-ranked Vanorians to sneak into the Final Group Stage. That leaves virtually a two-and-a-half horse race for the Race to Delaclava.

Delaclava next travels to the Liberty Arena in Le Cap to rematch Saint-Domingue. The Phoenixes would book their ticket home with a win - and if that result comes to pass, Valanora too would clinch their spot with a victory over the hapless Equestrian States of Poland, ending the Group A competition with three games to go.

"We're not looking past Saint-Domingue at all," Jones asserted. "They've improved a lot from the first time we played, it's a tricky matchup in terms of size, and it'll be on their floor now. We know what it would mean to dial in and take care of business... We're in a very good position to qualify, and we have no intention of wasting time finishing the job."

by **Chromatika** » Sat Feb 13, 2021 4:18 pm

Chromatika in IBC 31
Part 7: Sixth Stanza - Hitting the Stride

The First:

A strong second half
A twenty to zero run
Stops an upset flat.

The Second:

Maude shows up big here
Eleven blocks, ten rebounds
Including three in the clutch.

The Third:

Now comes the real test:
Being home versus Quebec
Yield a new result?

by **Hannasea** » Sat Feb 13, 2021 4:29 pm

With the launch of the amazing new video game HBA Jam, we take a look at some of the exciting features included:

✦ Quick start option. Don’t want to spend ages setting up a custom team and prefer to just dive right into the action? We have you covered with this instant start, 2 mins per quarter option that will have you whipping up a basic raspberry conserve in just three taps on the controller.

✦ Broad range of flavours, from traditional varieties such as strawberry and blackberry, to exotic variations such as cardammon-spiced apple and caramelized onion with paprika!

✦ Rumble-shock capability for simulating the tactile sensations of eating a gooseberry jam pitted with all those little seeds that get stuck in your teeth.

✦ Franchise mode. Includes fully detailed financials allowing you to control every aspect of your jam making business from supply chain management through to worker compensation negotiations.

✦ “Three point frenzy” option which gives you three points for making a really nice pot of jam.

The game has been highly reviewed on pre-order, receiving an aggregated ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ rating. Some of the reviews:

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ – “App downloaded smoothly.”

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ – “Great soundtrack and visuals.”

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ – “Controls are straightforward to understand.”

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ – “Support team were prompt and polite in dealing with my bug report.”

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ – “Joke stopped being funny after first line.”

by **Banija** » Sat Feb 13, 2021 5:15 pm

The Coulibaly Corner: Your one stop shop for everything college football!

Hey guys! Welcome back to my corner of the internet for everything college football! I, of course, usually cover the NSCF, especially the two Banijan schools, as well as domestic college football here in Banija. But I'm a U of M grad, aren't I? The University of Moravica are the dictionary definition of a basketball school, especially these days. Two straight NSCAA Championship games, 3 years apart, am I right? This year we'll get back and win it(hopefully!)

I covered the women's national soccer team at the Wonder Cup. And hey- everyone loved it! Our regular readership had great reviews. Our new readership had even better reviews. And plenty of new readership now that we've branched out. Let's branch out again, shall we? I'm a Golden Bear. Let's watch some basketball!

Remember- I'm a college football guy- I can't give you analysis, because I don't know shit about tactics in this sport. Shoot the ball a lot and make sure you don't miss? Look, Banija should have a simple strategy. There's one Golden Bear alum in their starting lineup- Akabueze. Just give him the ball and let him do his thing.

Crappy Creativity!

Now, we're back with our favorite series- Crappy Creativity! Basketball edition. We bring you the craziest ideas, for the sport and the tournament. The ones that are so absurd... But yet would be an amazing amount of fun for everybody involved. And the amount of fun they would be is why the suits would never do it. You know- ideas like making the three Loyola campuses have a preseason tournament to determine which campus will represent them in the NSCF every year. Wouldn't be hilarious if Loyola freaking Busukuma was randomly in the NSCF one year, and lost 56-0 to Richardson? Or Regional Qualifiers for the World Cup- oh wait. Or my favorite- moving the gridiron season to Spring so that Loyola and Northern can play both in the NSCF and domestically, like how they do it in Quebec and Ranoria.

Yet, let's bring it to international basketball. What are we going to run with?

Bring on the Elam Ending

Now, you may ask- what the heck is the Elam Ending? It goes like this. You play like normal, until the 4 minute mark of the fourth quarter. Then, after that, at the first dead ball following that, the clock is stopped. Instead of then playing the rest of the game like you usually would, the clock is then shut off. There is a target score. Many people use 8, but these are international superstars. Let's says 12. The scores stay how they are, of course. But the target score will be 12 points above the winning team's total(you could theoretically use any number, but 12 is a good one). So the winning team would have to score 12, and the losing team would have to score however many, 12+x, x being the margin they are losing by, to get to that target score.

SO here's an example. Four minute mark hits. 3:57 left, Akabueze attempts an alley-oop, throws it well over the head of Sadio Bartaba. Out of bounds for a turnover. At that moment, the Banijans lead over, let's say, Græntfjall. We're winning 85-77. Then, the target score would be 12 more points. So 97. First time to equal or pass 97 points wins. Banija has to score 12. Græntfjall has to score 20. The clock is shut off- the only clock remaining is the shot clock.

What are the benefits?

Here's the biggest benefit- it shortens the end of games by getting rid of all the ridiculous fouling. There's nothing worse than the end of a modern international basketball game. Six point game, a minute left? All sorts of fouling that unnecessarily extend the length of a game. The last minute of a basketball game will take you about 15-20 minutes because of that. Hell, you could have the final 10 seconds take upwards of 5 minutes because of that. How ridiculous is it?

But intentional fouls would be a relic. There'd be no need to, because you wouldn't have to worry about clock. And in a close game, it'd only add intensity. Teams would raise their defensive levels. It'd be far more difficult to score. You'd have to focus more. And coaches would probably be wary of subbing when they are only a few points away.

Drawbacks?

None! I'm a genius. Next question.

What kind of sport runs without a clock?

Have you ever heard of baseball- or even cricket. Like our Busoga Islander friends do. Cricket they can go on for literal days without a winner. Because they don't play till the clock ticks- they play until there's a winner. Of course, basketball is a fundamentally different sport. But playing towards a target score is not unheard of. It's functionally done in cricket. We just got to be innovative about it.

But... That's not the way we do things!

We're here to challenge everyone's minds. The old ways are out. New ways? In. Remember how far Banijan basketball was back a few decades ago? We were in IBC 24, and we hadn't even introduced the three point shot yet to the domestic game. Just over 20 years ago. We were so caught up in "traditionalism" and "fear of ruining the game" and all that B.S. because we didn't want to change.

Then, of course, at IBC 24, we did the unexpected- we had a run. We started 0-2 in a group of six, where only two teams advanced. How did we finish? WE finished 7-3, and won both our Round of 16 match and our quarterfinal, and lost our semifinal to St. Kanye, who was on the tail end of a run that netted them four IBC championships in five tournaments. And we learned the right lessons. What was the right lesson from that tournament? Not "holy shit we made the semifinals out of nowhere our brand of basketball will work everywhere." We learned that "oh shit the elite teams of international basketball space the floor and shoot 3s, if we want to catch up we should do the same."

We're not a progressive country, but our sports leadership sure is progressive when it comes to chasing sporting success. We came out of IBC 24, and not wanting it to be a flash in the pan, instituted the 3 point shot. 18 years later, we won a title. We've been to at least the quarterfinals of the IBCs in five consecutive tournaments. We didn't take comfort and hold our guns up- we turned and decided to truly title chase, to put our resources and know-how behind it.

Now? Banijan basketball talent is on the top of the world. IBC 30- champions. AOBC VI- champions. The NSCAAs? The last two tournaments, my own alma mater, University of Moravica, reached the Final. Think any of that success would've happened if we had stayed "traditionalist" and never added the three point shot? No, we'd simply be wasting our days away, missing the Savaneh twins.

Let's push the envelope! But not just Banija- the whole world should do it! Embrace fun. Embrace forward thinking. Embrace the Elam Ending.

by **HUElavia** » Sat Feb 13, 2021 6:36 pm

HUElavia goes into Freefall with Another Loss.

HUElavia 74-77 Græntfjall
(Palacio de los Reyes, Curumba)

HUElavia came into the second half of the Qualifying Group Stage in a desperate need to win a match in order to bring up Moral in the team. While Los Amarillos/Os Amarelos were playing in front of home court, facing off against the No. 17 team in the Multiverse is a tall task in and of itself. The team had been training hard and were seeking to keep the game close, unlike the previous game against Mytanija. The ball tipped and the game was underway.

The game went back and forth, with one team taking the lead, only for the other to take the lead back moments afterwards. For HUElavia, Medeiros led the team with 20 points and 15 assists, followed by Semyonovich, who had 17 points and 14 assists. For Græntfjall, Iirosson and Farmansson led the team with 17 points each to their name. Regardless, both teams were determined to get the victory and it was coming down to the wire in the 4th quarter. With 0:05 left on the clock, Græntfjall had the ball at midcourt for the throw in. Iirosson threw the ball in towards Skíðisson, who was covered by Alcaide, he turned around and gave a shot, where the clock went off, and in the ball went for 3 Points. Skíðisson was mobbed by his teammates in celebration while the HUElavians were left silenced by another tough loss for the team. The scoreline read HUElavia 74, Græntfjall 77.

With the loss, HUElavia has now dropped 3 consecutive games, and has a record at 3-3. The team dropped to 3rd Place, and is still in need of a victory. The next match will be on the road at Baker Park, who at this point cannot win Group H with their 1-5 record. HUElavia hopes that the team, who have been training and practicing these past few days, can get a victory and keep pace with Banija and Græntfjall. It's been a trying few games, but the best the team can do is learn and grow from it, and just move forward. Here's to hoping we can turn things around.

FORCA HUELAVIA! VAMOS HUELAVIA! GO HUELAVIA!

by **Delaclava** » Sat Feb 13, 2021 7:17 pm

The stakes continue to increase. A few teams have already been eliminated - likely, more will join them tonight. Will you be on the right side of the dotted line? Time to look inside yourself...

Day 7 cutoff!

Teams in green have qualified for the Final Group Stage.
Teams in red have been eliminated from contention (although some may be in contention for the Consolation Round).
I have erred on the side of caution with regard to declaring teams "Qualified" or "Eliminated". Feel free to reach out if you are able to determine teams that should be marked as one or the other.

Group A
Pemecutan 67–66 Hebitaka
Equestrian States of Poland 41–66 Valanora
Saint-Domingues 66–76 Delaclava

Group A                              Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Delaclava                              7    7   0   594  467 +127
2 Valanora                               7    6   1   531  432  +99
3 Saint-Domingues                        7    3   4   513  548  −35
4 Pemecutan                              7    3   4   496  501   −5
5 Hebitaka                               7    2   5   509  548  −39
6 Equestrian States of Poland            7    0   7   421  568 −147

Valanora has not qualified and Pemecutan has not been eliminated because they can still tie for second at a 6-4 record and a 1-1 head to head record. Saint-Domingues is eliminated because Valanora has beaten them twice. Saint-Domingue and Pemecutan cannot both catch Valanora because they have one head-to-head game remaining, so a three-way tie for second is impossible.

Group B
Crystal Empire 80–80 Equestria (86–87 OT)
Cassadaigua 73–58 United Vietussia
Kriegiersien 76–91 Silvedania

Group B                              Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Kriegiersien                           7    6   1   559  499  +60
2 Equestria                              7    5   2   525  472  +53
3 Crystal Empire                         7    4   3   579  565  +14
4 Cassadaigua                            7    3   4   529  550  −21
5 Silvedania                             7    2   5   497  530  −33
6 United Vietussia                       7    1   6   466  539  −73

Group C
TJUN-ia 76–75 Squidroidia
Smosh games 63–77 Srednjaci
Zeta Reka and Hügeltaldom 67–88 Nova Anglicana

Group C                              Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Nova Anglicana                         7    6   1   599  468 +131
2 Srednjaci                              7    5   2   554  504  +50
3 TJUN-ia                                7    4   3   534  548  −14
4 Zeta Reka and Hügeltaldom              7    4   3   550  531  +19
5 Smosh games                            7    2   5   482  538  −56
6 Squidroidia                            7    0   7   472  602 −130

Group D
Crilland 62–82 Kohnhead
Vangaziland 75–60 East Lemyone
Chromatika 76–74 Royal Kingdom of Quebec

Group D                              Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Chromatika                             7    6   1   601  494 +107
2 Royal Kingdom of Quebec                7    6   1   587  490  +97
3 Vangaziland                            7    4   3   497  473  +24
4 Kohnhead                               7    3   4   497  522  −25
5 East Lemyone                           7    2   5   460  564 −104
6 Crilland                               7    0   7   451  550  −99

Kohnhead is eliminated because even in a three- or four-way tie at 6-4, they could not advance on the head-to-head tiebreaker.

Group E
United Volcano Isles 59–91 Southwest Eastnorth
Drawkland 83–79 Oscioru
Juvencus 72–92 Omerica

Group E                              Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Drawkland                              7    6   1   547  464  +83
2 Juvencus                               7    4   3   537  532   +5
3 Omerica                                7    3   4   525  533   −8
4 Southwest Eastnorth                    7    3   4   504  505   −1
5 Oscioru                                7    3   4   522  527   −5
6 United Volcano Isles                   7    2   5   501  575  −74

Group F
Nateros Sill 69–80 Ethane
Sarzonia 54–56 Hannasea
Filindostan 91–61 Valladares

Group F                              Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Filindostan                            7    5   2   554  539  +15
2 Sarzonia                               7    5   2   527  450  +77
3 Hannasea                               7    4   3   542  533   +9
4 Ethane                                 7    3   4   513  528  −15
5 Valladares                             7    3   4   533  556  −23
6 Nateros Sill                           7    1   6   496  559  −63

Group G
Khytonya 66–83 Rwekazaland
Trolleborg 64–98 Newmanistan
Mapletish 73–70 Xanneria

Group G                              Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Newmanistan                            7    7   0   575  468 +107
2 Xanneria                               7    5   2   523  495  +28
3 Rwekazaland                            7    4   3   550  518  +32
4 Mapletish                              7    3   4   523  523    0
5 Khytonya                               7    1   6   493  553  −60
6 Trolleborg                             7    1   6   504  611 −107

Group H
Maccian 62–95 Banija
Baker Park 66–67 HUElavia
Græntfjall 74–78 Mytanija

Group H                              Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Banija                                 7    7   0   627  459 +168
2 HUElavia                               7    4   3   535  496  +39
3 Græntfjall                             7    4   3   522  514   +8
4 Mytanija                               7    3   4   479  546  −67
5 Maccian                                7    2   5   489  564  −75
6 Baker Park                             7    1   6   499  572  −73

Group I
Acastanha 100–67 United States of the Adirondacks
Marigred 68–99 Lisander
Qasden 67–76 Hispinas

Group I                              Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Qasden                                 7    5   2   561  520  +41
2 Lisander                               7    5   2   595  506  +89
3 Acastanha                              7    5   2   591  536  +55
4 Hispinas                               7    4   3   574  569   +5
5 United States of the Adirondacks       7    2   5   496  585  −89
6 Marigred                               7    0   7   531  632 −101

Group J
Sannyamathland 60–91 Abanhfleft
Wizcity 79–84 Indusse
Savigliane 74–90 Northwest Kalactin

Group J                              Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Abanhfleft                             7    7   0   596  453 +143
2 Indusse                                7    6   1   574  513  +61
3 Northwest Kalactin                     7    3   4   525  488  +37
4 Sannyamathland                         7    3   4   483  545  −62
5 Savigliane                             7    1   6   483  575  −92
6 Wizcity                                7    1   6   481  568  −87

by **Mapletish** » Sun Feb 14, 2021 12:30 am

The Sour Kind
"I only know one thing, that is I know nothing"

Commentaries| Timothy Jozua

Dragons picks up W against Xanneria for a confidence booster

Box Score

	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Mapletish	17	16	20	20	73
Xanneria	18	18	16	18	70

The Dragons left Newmanistan previously with a nail-biting 67-66 loss against the current group leaders. The Dragons then welcomed the Maroons at the Rosten Centre in the return fixture against the Xannerian Maroons. The Maroons had every opportunity to be confident of their chances in this game as the Maroons managed to edged the Dragons out previously with a convincing and edgy 69-68 victory previously back at their home arena. The Dragons appeared a little out of their comfort zone even though they had the home ground advantage. Although the Dragons had their fair share of close defeats in the IBC qualifiers, the encounter with the Maroons was not something that the Dragons had taken too well, maybe it was an invisible barrier that the players had troubling passing.

Head coach Kerry Poole appeared a little more relaxed and composed as compared to his players. However, it failed to translate to the players as the starting five looked apprehensive in their first period encounter. As expected, the mental game was lost right from the start during the on the court warm up. The Dragons then regained composure, desire and aggression after the upheaving Buio'Dzz and it inevitably hyped up the atmosphere in the Rosten Centre as both fans and players looked ready for the evening game against the Maroons.

The Dragons looked a little more fired up in the first period, however the Maroons had the edge in the mental game prior and were able to win the tip off right from the get go. The first period's results skewed in the Maroons' favour, 17-18, as the Maroons took charge of the game. The Dragons managed 3 3-pointers and had 4 2-pointers as they chased the Maroons in the first period. In contrast to the previous few games, the front court for the Dragons' side were more effective in racking up the points, with Quinn netting 2 3-pointers while Ray sealed a sole 3-pointer. The 2-pointers were shared between the backcourt personnel as both Rice and Nichols both clocked 2 2-pointers each with an impressive layup against the Maroons' defence and a mid-range shot from inside the paint to exhibit some individual brilliance outside of Poole's rigid team play. However, that was not enough for the Dragons as the away side snatched the first period by a point.

The Dragons looked a little dejected in the second period as the second line opted to keep the margins small. From the get go, the Dragons harassed the Maroons with a fast break right to the latters' backcourt. However, the energy and desire earlier were crashed by the visitors as they led the Maplish side 18-16 in the second period, pulling away by 3 points by the end of the half. The backcourt for the Dragons were consistent in getting the points in the second period as Waters managed 3 2-pointers, while Moreno and Ross both shared 2 2-pointers each while Gregory shot a sole 2-pointer to net 8 2-pointers for the period as Ross and Moreno failed to convert their 3 point attempts. The first half was registered as a lead for the Maroons as they led the half 36-33. Hopes looked to be lost for the Dragons but they have had experience in situations like this, as with most of their games in the IBC qualifiers so far.

The tides looked to have changed for the Dragons starting from the third period. The starting five were first in line to make the turnaround worked. The Dragons led the period 20-16 as they sealed a 4 points lead ahead of the 4th period. The Dragons managed 3 3-pointers and were impressive in the 2-pointer with 6 2-pointers in the period. RIce was responsible for 3 of the 2-pointers with a dunk and 2 layups in the paint, while Nichols clocked the other 3 2-pointers with 3 midrange shots. Quinn converted 2 3-pointers from the right corner while Ray converted just 1 3-pointer from the left corner. The tide looked to be steadily shifting to the Dragons' side as the period moved on as the Maroons were behind by 4 points in the period, looking to chase the Dragons at every play.

The last period of the intense game was played out by the second line for the Maplish side and it was angonisingly close as the Dragons only edged the Maroons by 2 points, and eventually sealing the victory for the game. The second line managed 4 3-pointers and 4 2-pointers to finish the game confidently. Waters managed 2 2-pointers of his own via a midrange shot and a layup. Jennings was able to dunk 2 of his attempts straight from an offensive rebound. Moreno and Ross shared the bundle for the 3-pointers as both of them converted 2 3-pointers each to ensured the Dragons hold on to the lead till the final buzzer.

The final 3 games of the qualifying campaign heats up as the Dragons picked up 3Ws and 4Ls currently, although hopes to qualify for the IBC proper might have been a little too far-fetched, the Consolation group stage seemed not far from reach as the Dragons managed a 0 point difference, courtesy of the amount of close games the Dragons have entertained over the campaign.

by **Graintfjall** » Sun Feb 14, 2021 7:25 am

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

“You can’t spell ‘Super Wolves’ without ‘W’”: Inspiring team talk fails to note that there’s also ‘L’ there…

by **Hannasea** » Sun Feb 14, 2021 8:16 am

From the rolling news channel SuperBusiness.

relatively

by **Newmanistan** » Sun Feb 14, 2021 8:19 am

THE ROCKET REPORT

SEVEN FOR SEVEN

By Taylor Larson,

They have not all been pretty, but after seven games of the 31st International Basketball Championships, Newmanistan has a comfortable spot atop Group G, with a 7-0 record. The team has not clinched anything yet, as second place Xanneria is on the doorstep with a 5-2 record and a game still to play between us. Rwekazaland has kept pace with a 4-3 record. Clinching is imminent, as there is no reason to believe that this team is just going to collapse in the final three games. If they did, then as they say, they did not deserve to advance anyway.

It has not been an easy seven games despite being one of the four teams with a perfect mark thus far. That is not a bad thing, as it shows that the sky blue has been able to respond to close games, and win others somewhat handily. You look back at the Mapletish contest two games ago, a 67-66 win for Newmanistan over the Dragons. That’s not the type of game that we want to be involved with. A low scoring game like that means that our distance shooters are not hitting, and that was the case. With only 27 points at halftime, it was ugly, as the team was just 2-for-11 from three point land. Mapletish’s Kerry Poole stated beforehand that, “We want to keep our energy high and to frustrate the Rockets as much as possible. Our only desire is to limit their scarily accurate 3-pointers which were practically almost shot at pinpoint precision." He had to be happy with the initial result. That simply cannot happen for this team to have success, but as Warren Peyser and Travis Warden each struggled equally, the team was fortunate to have a great night on the boards from Olympia’s Byron Storm, and that was enough to keep the game from getting out of hand against us. Defensively, the team was good enough to limit the damage that the Dragons could impose on us until halftime.

There was not a magic solution to these woes in the second half, but the shooting from behind the three point line began to improve just enough and Dwayne Murray can be thanked for that. Coach Gibson inserted Murray into the lineup in place of the struggling Peyser, and Dwayne got results. It is not uncommon for Gibson to do this with the lineup, so nothing more should be read into this other than a strategy to get through a single game. Murray’s effectiveness allowed Newmanistan to poke a point in front after three quarters. The real story here, though was the defense, keeping Mapletish from pulling away. In the fourth, Newmanistan played level with their opponent. Peyser, who only hit one three pointer in the game, made it at a big time, coming with 1:55 left in the game to break a 60-60 tie, and the team never looked back. Survival. It was not pretty, and certainly not classic Newmanistanian basketball, but they found a way to gut it out. That is what good teams do!

Against Trolleborg, things were a little more what we expected from this offense. Warren Peyser said of his struggles after the Mapletish game that, “I will put it behind me. Games like this happen, but you have to just make those blips on the radar of your overall game and keep them from becoming a trend.” Gibson’s confidence in Peyser and Warden to let them shoot from long distance early was rewarded, and that team that was 2-for-11 in the first half against Mapletish from downtown would be 10-for-14 in the first half here. Add in great play from the rest of the lineup, and the team held a 52-23 lead at the intermission. Trolleborg is a good team, and should be better than this, but it would not be the case here. Newmanistan was more relaxed late in the game, and cruised to a 98-64 win. The only disappointment was with 1.9 seconds left when a Marquis Scott jumper clanged off the rim to keep the team from reaching 100.

Three games are left in this group stage, but there is plenty more to follow. I really do love the format of this tournament, it’s an old-school IBC format to a point.

by **TJUN-ia** » Sun Feb 14, 2021 9:30 am

After a much-needed win over Smosh games kicked off the 2nd half of our IBC31, the Zhou Dynasty's road to redemption continued with the final game of this 3-game homestand at the Unity Centre in Riverside. At 3-3 and only a game back of the Top 2, things were starting to look good for this campaign at last - but no more mistakes had to be made from this point onward. Our opponents on this day would be 0-6 Squidroidia, a ranked nation who wasn't having a good time at all in the IBC as of late.

As it would turn out, the Inklings certainly wanted something from this IBC and they would push us hard here in Riverside. The first half was an absolute battle, as usual for TJUN-ian games, with José Peñalez and Marie Peyton trading 3 like no tomorrow at one point. Mindaugas Karnišovas would be as speedy as you'd expect in this contest, grabbing quick points where he could, but Ulisse McGovern was certainly on his tail in both speed and point involvement. After the first 2 quarters, we were tied at 37-all and this one was certainly tight than many expected.

The 2nd half would be just like the first, with tight play all around and no real opportunities for either team to take a definite advantage. The Inklings might be winless in this competition, but they certainly have the heart of a contender and that kept them in this contest longer than anyone was expecting. Entering the final few minutes of this one, we were still in a dead heat at 69-all (nice) and many were wondering if Bao could even get the win in this one. It would be tight, but a clutch bucket with 1.2 to go by Travarius Okuramangawa would seal this contest. We're not dead yet and TJUN-ia just about got it's 4th win, taking them above .500 for the first time this IBC.

From 5th, we are now up to 3rd and only a game away from the Top 2. The team above us, Srednjaci, are who we must face next - on the road in Katanija. They beat us by 10 points in Riverside's homecoming and now, as we finally leave the Unity again, we must exact more revenge on this unranked team as we look to try and regain our dignity in this one game. 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 W 79-74 (5th/2-3/-26PD)
----------------------------Break----------------------------
MD6: vs Smosh games (UR) - Unity Centre, Riverside W 95-84 (4th)
MD7: vs Squidroidia (35) - Unity Centre, Riverside W 76-75 (3rd)
MD8: @Srednjaci (UR) - Dom Košarke, Katanija
MD9: vs Nova Anglicana (21) - Unity Centre, Riverside
MD10: @Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom (41)

by **Delaclava** » Sun Feb 14, 2021 11:23 am

DSGN.com Basketball

Phoenixes hold steady down the stretch to clinch Finals berth
Saint-Domingue pushes late, but Delaclava survives to remain undefeated

Omar Harris turned in 20 points and 15 rebounds as the focal point of the Phoenixes offense, and the Delaclava national basketball team withstood a late comeback to defeat Saint-Domingue 76-66 at the Liberty Arena in Le Cap and clinch qualification for the Final Group Stage of the International Basketball Championship.

"This is awesome," Jones said post-game amid locker room celebrations. "Feels good to get this win. When we found out we were hosting the tournament, we knew we had to make it back home. Now we've done it."

Djordje Zubić added 18 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists to the cause. Saint-Domingue had clearly made adjustments with respect to Delaclava's fast-break game and were able to contain better, forcing Delaclava to play out of their half-court sets, but Harris' height and reach advantage on Franck Landry and Zubić's superior physicality and speed to Mama Auclair gave the Dominguan defense fits all night.

Conversely, 6-foot-10 shooting guard Alphonse Ancel was able to clear over Pekko Ranta with mid-range and outside shots, and led all scorers on the night with 24 points. Collegiate forwards Lorenzo Austin and Jordan George saw valuable action in providing a more physical presence and containing the taller Dominguan players. George hit double figures for the first time of the tournament, scoring 10 points and adding six rebounds.

"We have a great depth of talent on this team," Jones said, "and tonight, we really saw that we had another viable lineup option for some of these taller teams. With Omar at center, Djordje and Jordan at forward, that's a frontcourt that matches up on size against anyone, and we have plenty of quickness on this team for anyone else to play guard.

"That's where we've seen a lot of improvement - we have more than one way to beat you."

The game opened briefly at a slower pace than the breakneck scoring Delaclava had displayed at Morrison Court, but once Simon Rybakov found the mismatches down in the paint, Delaclava exploded to a 23-7 lead for the first frame. But Saint-Domingue responded, creating their own matchup problems in the second quarter with Ancel and point guard Charles Duverger. Colin Jacquinot was also a bright spot off the bench, adding 12 points for the game. Rybakov and Pekko Ranta ended up in foul trouble and were sitting by the end of the first half, but a rotation of Austin, Sifiso Ntenga, and Zachary Bates stemmed the bleeding, holding up the red-hot shooting from the Dominguan guards and allowing the Phoenixes to take a 36-28 lead into the locker room.

The second half proceeded in much the same manner, as Delaclava re-established control with their starting five and continued to pound the ball down low to Harris and Zubić. Zubić in particular demonstrated his quickness and passing ability, attributes which he has improved over the past few years. After three quarters, Delaclava led 56-39. But in the fourth quarter, the full-court press appeared to lose a level in energy, and the Dominguan team once again advanced the ball with greater ease. Ancel and Duverger combined to put together a 15-3 run in the middle of the fourth, and suddenly the home team trailed by just five points, 65-60, with 2:23 to play, and the Liberty Arena vibrating at its full capacity of 17,453.

"It's hard to explain why that happens," Austin, the third-year from Catherina, admitted. "We've been playing a really high level, we've been on the road a bit more, maybe we ran out of gas. But Saint-Domingue also knew exactly what to do to start to break us down... But we've all played in this atmosphere before, with a visiting crowd going wild and the momentum going against you. We knew how to compose ourselves."

Levins took a timeout and sent back onto the floor a lineup of Zubić at point guard, Ntenga at off guard, Austin and George at forward, and Harris at center. It was a lineup that seemed to profoundly baffle a Saint-Domingue team which was accustomed to having at least the size advantage throughout the contest. They could not generate any points on their next few possessions and were forced to go into foul mode. They wisely targeted Harris and George, but the pair went 4-for-5 and 3-for-4 respectively from the stripe to put an end to the last-ditch comeback and slightly stretch out the final margin to 76-66.

"I'll tell you what," Zubić laughed, "I'm not rushing to face them again. They're smart, they're tough. We'll be seeing them around."

The Phoenixes respectfully greeted their vanquished opponents at the final buzzer, but thereafter quickly made their way off the court to uncork the rosé vif and celebrate the accomplishment.

"We've run through our schedule and tried to qualify as soon as possible," Jones noted, "and even then, it took until the last second to get over the line. But here we are."

Delaclava remains at the top of Group A, while Valanora moved to the edge of qualification with a 66-41 shutdown of Equestrian States of Poland. That result eliminated Saint-Domingue, who was considered to be the team with a long shot to qualify, but it is Pemecutan who remains barely alive at a 3-4 record. Their road to qualification is quite narrow, demanding three consecutive victories over Valanora, Delaclava, and Saint-Domingue, as well as three consecutive Vanorian losses.

With the Phoenixes through and Vanorian qualification nearly assured, both teams will still vie for the Group A qualification title - for the Final Group Stage draw, the placing will mean nothing, but it will certainly be a point of pride and a source of confidence for either team.

"We're looking really good right now," Jones said, "but if we somehow got to the end of this at 7-3, we'd have a real problem on our hands. We have every intention of finishing strong."

Delaclava will get to stay mostly at home going forward. Their next game is against the 0-7 Equestrian States of Poland at the Hamilton Grand Gym in Vana Beach. After a trip to Yowana Mandala Stadium in Puri, Pemecutan, the Phoenixes come to the brand-new Charybdis Hall in Athens for the return game against Valanora.

The Delaclava Olympic Committee recently announced the host cities for the remainder of the IBC. It is expected that Delaclava will be automatically drawn into Group A, which will play the first batch of games in Athens before moving to Arana to finish the Final Group Stage. Therefore, it would appear that the Phoenixes will play at least three consecutive games at Charybdis Hall.

It is, of course, an appealing concept for the BC Athens players - Zubić, Ranta, and Bates - but all of the Delaclav players are excited for the prospect. "It's electric in there," Jones said. "We had a close loss with Sarzonia just before the tournament started, but we felt really comfortable and at home, so we think it's a really favorable scenario for us.

"We have some business to attend to first, but we're really looking forward to coming home."

by **Srednjaci** » Sun Feb 14, 2021 12:27 pm

VICTORY AGAINST TJUN IS IMPERATIVE.

Behind our team is a great game, a game in which the main hopes mostly rested. Changes were made only if the result came in a crisis.
so Paradinović played only 11, Tomljanović 16 and Marković collected 18 minutes of play.
The bench did most of the work, the young players proved themselves in the win against Smosh Games 77:63 !

Group C
TJUN-ia 76–75 Squidroidia
Smosh games 63–77 Srednjaci
Zeta Reka and Hügeltaldom 67–88 Nova Anglicana

Group C                              Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD 
1 Nova Anglicana                         7    6   1   599  468 +131
2 Srednjaci                              7    5   2   554  504  +50
3 TJUN-ia                                7    4   3   534  548  −14
4 Zeta Reka and Hügeltaldom              7    4   3   550  531  +19
5 Smosh games                            7    2   5   482  538  −56
6 Squidroidia                            7    0   7   472  602 −130

However, that game is behind us, ahead of us is a game for second place, a game in which we have the imperative to win.
We have against us a tough opponent, an opponent who did not open this cycle the best, an opponent we beat on his court +10 differences in that magnificent game of our basketball players.
However, TJUN-ia is rising and it will not be easy at all.
We believe the tactics are ready but we need to wait on the field.
"Dom Košarke" again big queues, the interest is huge for the game.
Here’s what the fans say, vox populi.

REPORTER: hello can you tell what the result will be — ask the three guys with the fan props

FANS: I think +10 for us (says the first), I think + 5 for us (says the second), I don't care if it's a victory (says the third)

REPORTER: Thank you. Let's ask this family.
Tell me, have you threatened basketball before?

FAMILY: no, these basketball players really interested us in basketball.

REPORTER: You haven't followed basketball before?

FAMILY: Well, I kept an eye on some of our club games, but not that I was such a big fan, says the husband

REPORTER: The result?

FAMILY: I think ours will win, says the wife.
Husband says, +13 for ours! Let's go to IBC in Delaclava for sure!

REPORTER: Thank you.

This was vox populi.
Selector Srednjaci certainly prepared the game well with his team.
Here is what one of our best players says.

REPORTER: Have you prepared for this match.

TOMLJANOVIC: We prepare well for every game as well as for this one. Dorbro we studied the opponent, we played with them and won, it will not be easy because they have improved a bit.

REPORTER: Tactics?

TOMLJANOVIC: We have to tighten our defenses. The defense must be solid and mobile. She will be the key to success.

REPORTER: Do you have pressure?

TOMLJANOVIC: There is pressure because this is the game of the generation.

REPORTER: Thank you.

Dear viewers, we hope for the best outcome, stay with our program followed by the show ROAD TO DELACLAVA.

by **HUElavia** » Sun Feb 14, 2021 12:41 pm

Oluwole gives HUElavia Life!

Baker Park 66–67 HUElavia

HUElavia entered Matchday 7 needing a victory, and fast. Coming off their 3rd consecutive loss, after a 3-0 start, Los Amarillos/Os Amarelos were in freefall with their games. They were visiting Unranked Baker Park, who were in last place with a 1-5 record. The team was motivated to take on the minnows of the group, and were determined to get the victory at any cost. The ball was tipped and the match was under way!

Baker Park would prove to be no easy test for HUElavia throughout the match. Much like the previous match, when one team would have a small lead, the other team would come back within a few moments to put the game on equal. Late in the 4th quarter, with 30 seconds left in play, the game was 63-62. Ennis threw the ball in and it was caught by Bradley, who was covered by Bondoc. Bradley passed it to Wallace Jr, who took a shot from the 3-point line and in it went, to make it 66-62 with 15 seconds left. HUElavia took one of their three timeouts and got closer to the other net. De Nigris threw the ball in and it got to Fernandes, who was covered by Dexter, turned around and took the shot to go into the net, making it 66-64. Now, all the starters were on the court, looking to take one last chance to get the win. Duffy passed the ball in towards Bradley, and Oluwole dispossessed Bradley, ran all alone to the other net with 2.2 seconds left. In a surprising move, he stopped, having Rosario miss him completely, and he took a shot from the 3-point line. As time expired, the ball went in for 3 points and the game ended 66-67. The bench went onto the court to mob Oluwole for the game-winning shot, while the team and fans of Baker Park were stunned at how the game ended. At last, HUElavia had another victory in the IBC.

With the victory, HUElavia move up to 2nd place once again, after Græntfjall lost to Mytanija 74-78. Thus, based on point difference, HUElavia is in 2nd place with +39, while Græntfjall has +8. The next game will be back home at Palacio de los Reyes in Curumba, against Maccian, where it is must-win territory for Los Amarillos/Os Amarelos. The team needs to keep the momentum going and they look forward to playing their next opponents. The team continues practicing and studying film in preparation for the match. Here's to another solid game!

FORCA HUELAVIA! VAMOS HUELAVIA! GO HUELAVIA!

by **Sarzonia** » Sun Feb 14, 2021 3:31 pm

Anger has been a prevailing theme for the Sarzonian national basketball team over the past couple of matches.

There was the halftime incident between Sarzonia guard Mike West and racial slur-yelling Taylor Green which led to the latter's lifetime ban from attending any Sarzonian sporting event. There was an ugly first half against Ethane that Green claimed was the reason for his outburst, one that led to his termination with cause from his position as a construction supervisor for a Woodstock company.

There was simmering resentment by West for manager Thomas Manningham sitting him for the first four minutes of the match against Nateros Sill, which led to a shouting match inside Manningham's office after the Sarzonian victory.

After last night's 56-54 defeat to Hannasea in front of a sold out crowd at The Palestra in Woodstock, most of the anger could be confined to basketball. The crowd of 21,706 overwhelmingly Sarzonian supporters booed the team at halftime despite the Stars leading 26-24 at the break. They were riled up at West, who scored nine points, but was hampered by four quick fouls that limited him to 16 minutes.

When West fouled out with 6:18 left in the third quarter, he glared at the crowd as it booed him. He left for the dressing room shortly thereafter, following a conversation with Manningham.

"I just told him he'd probably be better off returning to the dressing room and giving himself a chance to think things over," Manningham said. "We're pretty angry with ourselves. I'm angry that I didn't get us ready to play Hannasea."

West said after the match that the fans had every right to be angry about the team's performance.

"We didn't play well," he said. "Some of that is to [Hannasea's] credit. They came in with a terrific game plan and we got taken completely out of our rhythm." That increases the importance of the Stars' match away to Valladares, as the 12th ranked Valladars are fighting for their lives at 3-4.

The top two teams in each group qualify for a single round robin second group stage in Delaclava. The third place sides take part in a consolation tournament.

The unranked visitors remain a match behind Sarzonia and Filindostan for a spot in the second group stage in Delaclava. For Manningham and the Stars, the next three matches, against Valladares, Filindostan, and Ethane are crunch time.

"We've got to snap out of it, whatever 'it' is," he said. "We're out of room for error."

by **Chromatika** » Sun Feb 14, 2021 3:39 pm

Chromatika in IBC 31
Part 8: Seventh Stanza - Overcome Obstacles

The First:

What a game that was!
A jumper at the buzzer
Scores biggest win yet.

The Second:

Lina Xiu was on fire
Twenty-one and that clutch shot
Lifting Penguins high.

The Third:

No time to dawdle!
Kohnhead and Vangaziland
Tough games on the road.

International Basketball Championship 31 (IC Thread)

DROP IT DOWN!: Revenge Is Certainly Sweet!

IMPORTANT WINN

DROP IT DOWN!: Very Tight, But A Win Nonetheless!

TJUN-ia IS IMPERATIVE

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