NSCAA 15 - Roleplays

by **NSCAA Basketball** » Tue Apr 16, 2024 8:50 am

NSCAA 15 - Ultra 64

The field of 64 for the NSCAA 15 championship tournament has been finalized. Click the link below to view the bracket on Challonge. You can check this post on Results thread to see the plaintext list of teams that made it into the Big Dance.

https://challonge.com/nscaa15

SEEDING
Seeding was initially determined by a formula that took wins, point differential, conference placement, conference tournament results, rudimentary conference strength, and nation-related bonuses. The resulting points from this formula were used to create an initial seeding for each team. These points will be used for scorination.

Like the previous three years, I wanted to prevent any "friendly fire" (two schools from the same nation playing each other) until the Elite Eight. Because of this, some schools were shifted around in the bracket to prevent these matchups. I have checked, and I believe that no nations have any of their teams potentially meeting before the Elite 8. Though your schools' seeding may have shifted a bit, no school was shifted more than five seeds up or down. As mentioned before, the point value used to determine the initial seedings will be used in the actual scorination, so a school's seed in this bracket may not be representative of their actual rank among the sixty-four teams.

IC'ly the seedings are exactly how the selection committee assigned them. TL;DR: some schools were shifted around to prevent nations knocking out their own teams too early, but otherwise everything is business as usual.

BRACKET CHALLENGE
Thanks to the power of Challonge, there will be a bracket challenge for the NSCAA 15 championship, similar to March Madness bracket challenges IRL. To submit a bracket prediction, simply view the bracket on Challonge and click the link to put together a prediction. I would request that you put your nation name or some other identifier so we can tell whose prediction is whose.

The winner of the bracket challenge will win absolutely nothing! Perhaps some bragging rights, though I realized that I forgot to finalize the scores in Challonge last year and nobody even mentioned it. But hey, making brackets is fun anyway!

VENUES
We received two recognized bids for the Final Four. They are linked below.
Millennium Arena, Drawkland
Lagnthanian Arena, Valanora

As the conference hosting team couldn't reach a definitive result, the voting was opened to anybody that happened to look at the college Discord server in the last couple days via Google Forms. With a margin of 4-1, Millennium Arena has been selected as the Final Four venue. Those that steel their way through the Ultra 64 bracket are travelling to Drawkland.

The rest of the bracket is being split into four "regionals", each of which will be hosted IC'ly by one of the conference hosts from this edition. Listed below are the venue assignments for each region of the bracket. The match numbers listed here correspond to the match numbers listed on Challonge.

Region 1: Sonnel
The Shire Center, Shire-Port, Drawkland (32,600): Round 1 (1, 2, 3, 4), Round 2 (33, 34)
Cliffside Court, Sadeg, Drawkland (49,000): Round 1 (5, 6, 7, 8), Round 2 (35, 36)
Corps Central Court, Drawk City, Drawkland (55,000): Sweet 16 (49, 50), Elite 8 (57)

Region 2: Arrosia
Stormvalen Arena, Stormguard, Valanora (18,200): Round 1 (9, 10, 11, 12), Round 2 (37, 38)
Zapata Arena, Bexar, Sabine and Caddonia (15,500): Round 1 (13, 14, 15, 16), Round 2 (39, 40)
Lagnthanian Arena, Raynor City, Valanora (22,000): Sweet 16 (51, 52), Elite 8 (58)

Region 3: Arrosia
l'Arc-en-Ciel, Joongyeong, Quebec & Shingoryeo (21,500): Round 1 (17, 18, 19, 20), Round 2 (41, 42)
Quebecom Centre, Attawapiskat, Quebec & Shingoryeo (21,500): Round 1 (21, 22, 23, 24), Round 2 (43, 44)
KD Gardens, Twin Cities, Quebec & Shingoryeo (20,500): Sweet 16 (53, 54), Elite 8 (59)

Region 4: Rushmore
RTC Arena, Brattleboro, Cassadaigua (19,000): Round 1 (25, 26, 27, 28), Round 2 (45, 46)
Stephanie H. Wiseman Arena, New Lakeland, Cassadaigua (21,300): Round 1 (29, 30, 31, 32), Round 2 (47, 48)
Dagan Airways Arena, Concord Heights, Cassadaigua (24,000): Sweet 16 (55, 56), Elite 8 (60)

HOSTING
As noted earlier in the season, Chromatika will be scorinating the entire Ultra 64 tournament. He volunteered to do so as a third-party scorinator since he has no teams in the competition. This is convenient, since unlike previous seasons, we don't have to organize different hosts for different games, try to avoid giving people matchups with their own nations in it, or coordinate cutoffs.

Chromatika's cutoff time will be between 9pm-10pm Pacific Time, which is midnight Eastern Time, which is 4am (of the next day) in UTC. The first round will be scorinated on Friday and each cutoff will come every 48 hours, similar to the conference stage.

NSCAA 15   Ultra 64 Schedule
April 19 - Ultra 64 Round 1
April 21 - Ultra 64 Round 2
April 23 - Ultra 64 Sweet Sixteen
April 25 - Ultra 64 Elite Eight
April 27 - Ultra 64 Final Four
April 29 - Ultra 64 Championship

BOTTOM LINE: Click the Challonge link above to view the final bracket. Round 1 will be Friday, with subsequent cutoffs coming every 48 hours.

(O.O) · by **TJUN-ia** » Tue Apr 16, 2024 1:17 pm

Al-Hilal (20-6/1st in Newlands)
After all this time, we finally figured out what happened to Al-Hilal in the NC Tournament. After receiving a bye as regular-season winners, they took down Concord Heights Beauty School 70-67 before falling in the Semifinals in convincing fashion to Elmanden District. And THAT, FINALLY concludes Conference Season.

Pacifico (17-9/6th in Five Star/Conference SF)

UW-Wollongmatta Bay (16-10/4th in Eternal/Conference SF)

CPortside (16-10/5th in Pink 14/Conference QF)

UCarib-Port Town (15-11/6th in Calania/Conference QF)

Carlandas (14-12/5th in Salamantica/Conference QF)

Central State (13-13/6th in Flying Drawk/Conference QF)

Hongxai (13-13/6th in B77/Conference QF)

So how did we do for Ultra 64. Well, let's see...

U64 Matchups
Sonnel Region
Niccostrato Naval Academy (CAD) vs University of Wisdom-Wollongmatta Bay (TJU) - The Shire Center, Shire-Port, Drawkland
Alexandria University (CAD) vs College of Portside (TJU) - Cliffside Court, Sadeg, Drawkland

Arrosia (Valanora) Region
Saint Benedict's College (QUE) vs Hongxai People's University (TJU) - Stormvalen Arena, Stormguard, Valanora
Nideyinàn College (QUE) vs Central State University (TJU) - Zapata Arena, Bexar, Sabine and Caddonia

Arrosia (Quebec) Region)
Coloratura State University (QUE) vs University of the Caribbean At Port Town (TJU) - l'Arc-en-Ciel, Joongyeong, Quebec & Shingoryeo
Mount Ester University (QUE) vs Universidad del Pacifico (TJU) - Quebecom Centre, Attawapiskat, Quebec & Shingoryeo

Rushmore Region
Sadeg State University (DRK) vs Universidad Carlandas (TJU) - RTC Arena, Brattleboro, Cassadaigua
Old Mountain University (DRK) vs Al-Hilal University (TJU) - Stephanie H. Wiseman Arena, New Lakeland, Cassadaigua

Pinch me...I must be dreaming.
All eight of them made it?! Even the 13-13 teams?!

Holy shit.
Well then...off to the Ultra 64 we must go!
ALL OF US!

by **Drawkland** » Sat Apr 20, 2024 11:01 am

TOP FIVE: Drawkian Schools in the Ultra 64
based on how badly they want to win the championship

The time has finally come. After the years of waiting between cycles, the grind of the conference stage, and the downtime in between, the Ultra 64 fast approaches. For the SEVENTH time, all eight schools in the Drawkian slate have earned berths to the big dance (7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15). If it weren't for Corinth City University's horrendous showing in NSCAA 12, Drawkland would be riding a 4-cycle streak of their full compliment entering the Ultra 64. We're just gonna pretend the 3-spot in NSCAA 11 wasn't real.

Over the last nine editions, Drawkland has asserted itself as one of the most dominant nations in college basketball. Now for all that assumed "dominance," only two schools have ever actually won the NSCAA title for Drawkland. Elmanden District managed to beat fellow countrymen Old Mountain in NSCAA 8, and Sadeg State toppled Moravica in NSCAA 10 to right the wrong from NSCAA 7. Even so, half of all NSCAA editions entered by Drawkland have featured at least one Drawkian school in the championship game. It's been well over a decade since Sadeg State lifted that most recent Drawkian title, though. The fans grow restless, and so too do the players and school administrations. Just like the sport itself: it doesn't matter how open you get, you still have to sink the shot. It doesn't matter how many schools enter the tournament, it doesn't matter how many Final Four and Championship Game spots you claim, all that matters is the name that's written in bold in the almanac.

That being said, every team that enters the tournament has dreams of lifting the trophy. Some of those dreams are a little more realistic than others, though. Some of those dreams have an insatiable hunger behind them, a true belief that glory is within reach. Others know that an impossible amount of luck would have to befall them to even have a remote chance at taking the title, so the idea of winning it all is known to be a pipe dream. No doubt any fanbase would be ecstatic to take the title, but some just want it more than others.

With this in mind, TOP FIVE ranks the top five Drawkian schools, based on how badly their fans and staff want to take the chip in NSCAA 15.

Honorable Mentions
Of course, with only 8 schools, just 3 are left out of the list. These lower Drawkian seeds may have hopes still, but they have tough roads to climb. Plus, the innate desire for a title doesn't seem to be as heavy, based on fan interactions we've seen online.

Elmanden District University already won a title back in NSCAA 8. Winning a second one would be great, but if they win against Matthensville Polytechnic in the first round they have a date with #2 seeded LeBois Santura University in the second round. That's not exactly a recipe for success. Perhaps they could pull that out and use it as momentum for a deep run, but ultimately it seems most EDU fans believe it isn't their year this time.

Old Mountain is in a similar position, facing an equally tough opponent in Al-Hilal for their first matchup, then having to pivot to top-ten seed Sabinal State in the next round if things go chalk. OMU is only the fourth-best team in their region, so the hope for a deep run is not very bright. They're not known for having a rabid fanbase begging for success anyhow.

Cemmendy Tech, however, is the #12 seed out of 64. Somehow, there doesn't seem to be many fans of the Cyberpunks that expect a deep run. This is likely due to internal pessimism. After all, Cemmendy Tech has only made it past the second round once, and that was an Elite Eight loss. Tech has been dumped out in the first round of the Ultra 64 a total of five times. Over half those times they were the highly favored seed! Excuse their fanbase for not expecting much from this run, even given their solid conference performance and decent seeding.

#5: University of Raikennax
Raikennax is the newest member of the eight Drawkian schools that typically enter the NSCAA competition. When DISC decided to move away from the "schools that make the domestic Elite Eight go to the NSCAA" model, they decided to prioritize the schools with larger markets and national fanbases. Schools that are more recognizable to foreigners are more likely to receive international attention, which is good for marketing. Raikennax was returning to basketball relevance a few years ago, coinciding with the downfall of Corinth City University. Since then, they've been a solid outfit in the NSCAA conference stage, but have yet to win any games in the Ultra 64.

That being said, the fanbase is new enough to the competition that the depression has yet to set in like it has for Cemmendy Tech fans. There's still that optimism and hope for the Red Knights, especially considering they're the #8 seed in the tournament. Now, they were #10 in NSCAA 13 when they were blown out in the first round by Mount Ester, but you can chalk that up to first cycle jitters. That's what Raikennax fans are saying online, anyway.

This squad features three seniors and a solid junior, most having some experience in NSCAA 14. They may not have the fearsome duo of Natalie Endgard and Catalina Daywasson anymore, but this is a roster that can compete with the best of them. If there's a time for Raikennax to make a statement run and cement their spot in the Drawkian slate, the time is now. Too many early losses, and your program gets poisoned like Cemmendy Tech. Corinth City sucked for many cycles, but making back-to-back Final Fours in NSCAA 7 and 8 gave them enough leash to let them stick around well past their expiration date. Making a run to the championship? Winning it all? That's the golden ticket. Raikennax administration needs that run to happen, and the fans would be more than thrilled to watch it.

#4: Drawk Corps University
Drawk Corps U fans are tired of the talk. They're tired of the ridicule. A once-great program that was feared throughout the land becomes a sideshow and an afterthought on the grandest stage. To Corps U fans, this is injustice of the highest degree. All the shit talk about Cemmendy Tech always losing in the first round is funny, but the Cyberpunks still made an Elite Eight once. Corps U, somehow, has never even make it that far. Their reputation has kept them afloat, as well as consistent showings in the conference stage. For all their faults, Drawk Corps University is the only Drawkian school which has qualified for the Ultra 64 in every cycle that Drawkland has entered (even NSCAA 11, where only 3 schools made the cut).

With the #4 seed in hand, and a Final Four spot ahead barring upsets, this is the time for Corps U to finally remind the multiverse who the top dog in Drawkland is supposed to be. A spoiled fanbase has been consistently let down ... that can't survive in the long term. Something has to give. This is the big shot that Corps U needs. And as much as people talk about Sadeg State and hype up the Skyhawks for being undefeated, Corps U hasn't lost a game since MD2. They're currently sitting on a 27-game win streak, including the conference tournament they won.

Still, it seems complacency has entered the Corps U fanbase. The fatalism doesn't quite extend to Cemmendy Tech levels, but it's definitely there. Every Drawk Corps U fan wants a title, and believes this is the cycle to do it. Regardless, they don't have the same hunger and fire that the top three programs on this list have.

#3: Ducentu State University
The most recent Drawkian team to make the NSCAA championship game. Ducentu State was hanging on the ropes of the Drawkian NSCAA slate, until they put together that fateful run in NSCAA 13. The Eagles defeated back-to-back Drawkian top seeds, Old Mountain and Cavsar, en route to a championship game loss to Loyola-Istria. Ironically, in defeating the last two Drawkian schools to lose the NSCAA championship game, they became the next in line.

Now that hunger returns. No longer does Ducentu State consider themselves a fringe team, but one of Drawkland's frontrunners in the NSCAA. Head coach Anton Irving took a risky move in recruiting the transcendent Basil Thorne to the Eagles squad, but it has paid dividends. Ducentu State has only lost two games this cycle, both of them to Alexandria University out of Cardenao. No other team has managed to figure out how to stop the Eagle offense, led by the freshman Thorne.

Capturing the #1 seed thanks to conference strength and an obscene point differential, Ducentu State are obviously one of the favorites for this tournament. #1 seeds don't have an immaculate record in past tournaments, but they nearly always make a deep and impactful run. If the Eagles continue their dominant play, they may be able to go all the way. They may never get a chance with this level of roster strength again. Nobody knows how long Basil Thorne will stay in college. He may be a senior by the time next NSCAA rolls around, but he may declare for the DBO as early as this coming offseason. This is a right place, right time moment for Ducentu State. If you can't win it now, when can you expect to?

One teeny tiny little problem. Alexandria University is in the same region. It's possible that these squads will play each other a fourth time, in the Elite Eight of all rounds. The only team to beat the Eagles thus far may be their gatekeepers for a Final Four berth. That would be must-see TV, but a lot would have to go right for such a matchup to materialize.

#2: Cavsar University
Ever since their real breakout in NSCAA 12, Cavsar's fanbase has been starving for glory. To be so close to winning a title, to disappoint the home fans on home soil, it left a desperate longing in the hearts of all Cavsar faithful. NSCAA 13 was almost a rerun, only the Gladiators fell to friendly fire from Ducentu State. If anything, the back-to-back Final Four appearances bought Cavsar a lot of credit with DISC (a la Corinth City), so they have the leash to make mistakes. Nowadays, though, Cavsar wants more than just the honor of participation. They want it all.

The history of Cavsar has been riddled with near-misses, heartbreaking losses, and almost hilarious chokes. We're not even strictly talking about the university and its sports programs, either. This town has needed heroes and champions for decades, if not centuries. This basketball roster doesn't have a huge amount of star power, but this squad plays well as a team and has excellent depth. This is the team that won the Pink 14 conference, where 4 teams had 20+ wins. They may have barely grabbed a top ten seed thanks to their comparatively unimpressive record, but the strength of schedule makes up for it.

That being said, this is as good a chance as any for Cavsar. This fanbase and program are begging for another deep run, another opportunity to shake the moniker of failure and confirm that Cavsar has what it takes to be champions. The road will not be easy. If things go chalk, Everlin and LeBois Santura lie in wait. If Cavsar can run that gauntlet, they could be facing their bitter rivals, Sadeg State, in the Final Four. Can you imagine Skyhawks vs Gladiators for a spot in the NSCAA championship? Millennium Arena would burn to the ground.

#1: Sadeg State University
Could it be anyone else? Yeah, the Skyhawks have already been to the championship game twice, and they've won it once. The pedigree is there. Their slot in Drawkland's NSCAA entry may be permanently secured, barring an insane program implosion. The fanbase has already felt the bitter hunger of a near-miss, only to be vindicated years later. For all intents and purposes, you could assume that Sadeg State's arc in the NSCAA is finished ... but it isn't.

As you're probably well aware, Sadeg State has yet to lose a game this NSCAA cycle. They went a perfect 26-0 in the Salamantica Conference and busted through the conference tournament, even blowing out the #2 seed Grande Mountain in the championship. Now there is unfinished business. No team in NSCAA history has ever been undefeated through the conference stage and gone on to win the championship. The closest team to ever do it? NSCAA 7's Sadeg State, who went 31-1 with their loss to University of Cenial in the final.

NSCAA 10 completed NSCAA 7's unfinished business, winning the NSCAA title after losing the championship game prior. Now, the other half of NSCAA 7's unfinished business can be handled as well. An undefeated season on the line, Sadeg State's roster will be doing everything in their power to win the next six games. Originally people derided the Skyhawk starting line as being mishmash and unprepared, but Aldus Pope coached this team to 29 consecutive wins. There's even the family angle at play. Backup center on the NSCAA 7 roster, Elie Cooper, is the mother of current backup guard Brooklyn Beck. She hasn't had a big role this season, but she's played admirably in the few minutes she's gotten.

Regardless, you have to admit there is something special about this team. #3 seed is perfectly fine, even though some figure an undefeated team should be at the top of the rankings no matter what the team's conference looked like. This run has so much riding on it, though. At the very least, another championship game appearance would tie them with Moravica for the most all-time. Sadeg State doesn't care about all that, though. They care about winning. Six games separate them from achieving the ultimate glory. No team wants it more than them ... but perhaps that will be their undoing.

by **Valanora** » Sun Apr 21, 2024 11:57 am

Valanora Times
Let The Games Begin

This NSCAA season has been quite a roller coaster ride for several of the Vanorian programs, despite those highs and lows though all eight teams have managed to secure their passage into the Ultra 64 and now have their date with destiny in the upcoming few days and weeks. In the end, two schools did manage to earn a spot automatically into the tournament, as both Everlin and Sabinal State won their respective conference tournaments despite very little heraldry for either teams coming into the season. Perhaps the only other school least favored to win their conference or conference tournament was South Caddonia, who had a stellar run and nearly pulled off both feats but ended up falling short in both respects at the penultimate hurdle. It does not matter though if the teams played well or had to scrape through by the skin of their teeth and some late runs, looking squarely at you Turbani Tech and Rinaldi Naval Academy, the championship tournament offers everyone a clean slate and their chance at cutting down the nets after three weeks of the best basketball that the collegiate level has to offer.

Sabinal State by virtue of their conference tournament win managed to snag a second seed, which looks quite good on paper, yet the opponents that the team has to potentially play in the second round seems like the second seed is a bit of a cursed one for the school. Facing down either Drawkland giants Old Mountain or quite high on themselves with a great conference record of Al-Hilal from TJUN-ia in the second round does not look very appealing to the team from Caddo. The side is lead by senior guard Bacchus Maestas, the only senior on the roster and the go to person for the team when they need a bit of offense. Bacchus is one of those stoic like figures for which the Empire is somewhat infamous for, preferring to lead with actions rather than words and their scoring as well as defensive play out wide was a large reason why State was able to break away from Alexandria University in the Calania title game and win the tournament. A matchup against usual Banija powerhouse Moravica is no easy task either but the team has looked good and played their best against the best opponents, a win here vindicates their spot as a second seed and might provide the momentum for a titanic second round match where anything could happen.

Staying in the same region, Raynor garnered a fifth seed which feels just about right for the Rockets after a third place in the conference regular season standings but getting upset in the quarterfinals of the conference tournament. Predicted to be one of the powerhouses of the Five Star, the Rockets might be disappointed with themselves for not taking control of the conference early on and having to chase and never catching up to the rest of the best at the top of conference and then failing to produce in their second chance at the tournament. Senior center Lucas Knutsen is the key figure, as when he plays well and is getting blocks and rebounds, the team really seems to fly and find their footing. Reducing those second chance opportunities is a large part of the Rockets success when they have it and the man in the middle is the biggest contributor to that success and will need to elevate his play if the team makes good on their huge amount of talent. A rematch with a conference foe that they had the better of in the first round could provide that solid footing before having a difficult Dagan or Cardenao school in the second round.

Like Sabinal, Everlin snagged a second seed with a conference tournament win, although they do not have the same dread of their second round opponents as their countrymen do with a bit of a better placement if you ask Sabinal. The Jungle Cats are a well balanced team with no particular star that they rely heavily upon, which can be both good and bad, although senior starters Selma Abrahamsen and Maren Skjærvik provide a bit of veterancy about the team in the front court. Like the Rockets, the Jungle Cats seem to be at their best when that pair is doing the dirty work down low, grabbing defensive rebounds, getting in the passing lanes, and grabbing the occasional block or so. It was junior guard Frøya Johannessen who made the three point shot with two point four seconds to go in the Flying Drawk title game and if she can get hot, this team could be dangerous even for some of the more established schools. It does not start easy though with Dagan opposition, a poor performing Briannatown College whom the Jungle Cats must tussle with to begin their journey. The road to glory though has to pass through difficulties and this is one the Jungle Cats ought to think they are prepared for.

Turbani Tech is in Everlin's region as the thirteenth seed, which while might sound a tad low, Turbani will be happy to simply have made the tournament when three weeks before the end of the regular season everyone in the Empire had written off last NSCAA's darling from the Empire as it looked hopeless. Winning eight of their last ten games though as well as winning the first round of their conference tournament before giving Elmanden District a game in the quarterfinals salvaged their season from the jaws of disaster. Turbani is the third Vanorian school to have Dagan opposition, although unlike the others they do not come into their match as favorites, as Brattleboro Tech is one of the premier schools from Cassadaigua and had quite the regular season. It is a bit of an uphill battle but Turbani has been playing for their lives for a month now, they are already accustomed to the intensity that comes with the win or go home landscape that the tournament provides and the adversity that they overcame to get to this point could provide that edge that they will need to attempt to overcome a more talented opponent.

Former champions Hondo will have the biggest taste of almost bitterly sitting in their mouth after finishing second in the regular season of the Big Seven Seven before then also falling the semifinals against runaway champions Farrer University of Quebec. They have the first of the second seeds to comfort themselves with that feeling of nearly there but not quite and look to make a run into at least the second weekend for the third time in the last four editions of the tournament. Center Matilde Thorshaug was a freshman coming off the bench when the Owls won their championship and now that she is a starter in her final season, is desperate to help lead this team once more deep into the tournament and perhaps even to a second championship if the team can play up to their talent level. It starts off with an all Arrosia affair against Osheana State from the Commonwealth of Baker Park and this is a game where Eiril Rørvik could have a break out game, as the guard has torched teams like Osheana on several occasions and his ability to go on scoring runs is second to none in the Empire and getting to play in the Empire through the Elite Eight will be an advantage they will not look to squander.

If someone feels quite hard done by by the selection committee, it is Mar Sara Tech who somehow fell all the way down to the nine line despite a pretty good performance on the season. It is yet another Dagan team for the Raiders and once more one of their usual best teams who are on a bit of downer this season, though not quite to the same extent that the Banija schools are in that regard. Concord Heights is one of those names that you think off right away when you think of Dagan excellence and that they are on the eight line is a bit of a surprise in itself setting up one of the most anticipated first round games in the entire tournament. A full slate of junior starter for the Raiders means they have the experience but that they were unable to finish better than third in the Salamantica and then losing a close and high scoring game in the semifinals against Grande Mountain of Cassadaigua could be seen as disappointing. If the team is to reclaim their spot as the second best team in the Empire they are going to have to do it the hard way, with Concord Heights in the first round and a potential date with Drawk Corps in the second round if their first round goes chalk. Nothing comes easy, although playing in the Empire at Stormguard might provide a bit of an the needed edge to get over the line.

Another school who might also not like their seeding is South Caddonia who despite being tied for the best record in the Pink 14 and only narrowly losing in the semifinals of the conference tournament are all the way on the seven line and having to travel to Drawkland, who also won the Final Four bid over the Empire. The Caddo school might feel like they are not likely to be welcomed in Drawkland and not get objective officiating from the referees, though they were also perceived as the weakest Vanorian team before the season and maybe overachieved to perform as well as they did. It helps to have senior leadership at the point guard position and that is what Lahuen Villagómez does give them and has been the director on the floor for the team as they marched their way to those nineteen victories and "second" place finish in the Pink 14. NSCF powerhouses from Ranoria in Richardson is the first round date as a result and if they play half as well as their gridiron counterparts do, then it is a tough task for a team who thought they had quite the good run and perhaps deserved something more accommodating to start their journey. If they do progress, the gauntlet really is thrown with either Drawkland opposition in Raikennax or Banija giants Kizza. Bring it on.

Last but not least is Rinaldi, who mirrors Turbani needing a late run to secure their spot even in the tournament and getting a spot on the thirteen line, though they did make it to the United semifinals, but the blowout to Quebcois school Queen's College at Cornwall who then got blown out in the championship game might not have helped their cause. Like South Caddonia, they will be taking on a team more known for their presence on the gridiron in Quebecois mega school Université du Saguenay and the Midshipmen are definitely not the favorites for the tilt. Playing in Drawkland might even the playing field out but there is no mistake that the Academy enters into their first round as the underdog. The lack of pressure plus the same sort of thing with Turbani in having played on the edge with their postseason lives on the line for the last month might play into their favor but a team that on paper is as disciplined as Saguenay is, it will still be a tall ask. This is the Ultra 64 though where you should come to expect the unexpected and anything can happen on the hardwood, so why not a major upset from Rinaldi when there is absolutely no pressure on them?

by **Ranoria** » Sun Apr 21, 2024 8:24 pm

Ranoria City, Ranoria

"Gramma, I know your computer isn't working, but I am literally three hours from the biggest game of my life!" Felix Carrington pined over the phone just as he began lacing up his shoes, "Can't this wait until tomorrow?"

"Weeeee-yll," she pondered in her accent, "I do need to get that email to the church board about the menu for the weekly spaghetti dinner, and I'm sure it could wait until tomorrow, but you know how old Debbie gets when last minute plans are made."

"Isn't the menu for the spaghetti dinner the same every week?" He waved his arms to emphasize his point over the phone, teammates snickering as they watched, "It's saghetti!"

"We-yll," a second of silence, and he groaned, "Sometimes the spices are different. And some weeks we use spinach, others iceberg lettuce, and maybe Banijan dressing instead of blue cheese."

"One sec, Gramma," he pulled the phone from his ear and swiped up to get the GPS. "You're five minutes away, hopefully I can fix it quickly, but then I gotta go."

"Oh wonderful! Can you drive me to the stadium?"

"No grandma, I'll have postgame team meet and showering and I'll just wanna go to bed."

It was, in fact, a two second fix. Felix's grandma had accidentally switched off her circuit breaker. He was the last man on the court for warm ups prior to their Ultra 64 game against Yoseo University at Montevicio.

by **Dhemixia** » Sun Apr 21, 2024 8:33 pm

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The Columbus Dominion(Est.1873)

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The law school is in? How did we get here?

It's that time of year again, March. In Dhemixia's first year of competition in NSCAA, WE'RE GOING DANCING BOYS! Time to see which of our lucky "big-name" schools got in. That's odd. It's not any of the UC's. Maybe the trade schools? Neither Medicine nor Tech nor A&M. It has to be Dhemix State then, right. What? Not Dhemix State? There's nobody left!

Oh.

Oh no.

As much as it pains me to say it, through trials and tribulations, the Dhemixian College of Law is going dancing (OOC: I literally made them up on the spot before I signed up because I needed an eighth school to fill the slot). It couldn't have been the UCs, the trade schools, or state, no, no, no. It HAD to be DCoL, the College of Law. Well, that's fine, surely they're a decent seed righ- *checks notes* really? We are BARELY in? The last spot? And we're playing DSU? This matchup was a done deal by the time it was drawn! We're gonna lose, no matter what!

However.

Nothing is ever technically impossible. There is always a nonzero chance that something will happen, and that something is convenient here for being the result where DCoL advances. In that case, let's go over DCoL's starting five for this matchup.

#3, 6'11 Freshman Center, Dante Leonard

All season long, authorities have been trying to arrest Dante for violating countless Point Guards' 8th Amendment rights, dishing out cruel and unusual punishment like it's going out of style by posterizing the poor freshmen unfortunate enough to be matched up with him. Leonard is also a firm believer in the second amendment, using his right to bear arms to be an absolute menace in the paint, dunking over people and having a higher rejection rate than the school itself. Needless to say, Dante Leonard is an absolute matchup NIGHTMARE, and that sure will come to use against DSU's absolute 8'8 Goliath in Kelly Sinclain.

#2, 6'7 Sophomore (Shooting) Forward, Dylan Holmes

Dylan Holmes is not your typical Shooting Forward. Sure, on the outside he may appear as your textbook sharpshooter who can drain buckets from the logo, and occasionally block some shots, but he is sneakily fast. On defense, he is wanted for an unknowable amount of 4th amendment violations, searching and seizing the ball from every guard who's dribbling a little too loosely for his liking, then dishing it to Dante to make some highlight plays happen. Holmes is an essentially key player when going against tall squads like DSU, as his range can allow him to get separation or create separation for his teammates, especially against a defensive specialist like Kyle Thorburn.

#11, 6'9 Senior (Power) Forward, Grady Armstrong

Grady Armstrong is a defensive mastermind inside the arc. With his long wingspan and his right to bear arms, he eliminates any and every attempted mid-range jumper in his zip code, and has a natural knack for avoiding drawing shooting fouls on blocks. His talents aren't reserved solely for defense and height however. Armstrong has proven himself time and time again that he's a streaky shooter who makes it when it counts. On normal days, Armstrong couldn't hit water if he fell out of a boat, but with seconds left in a game, he's greener from beyond the arc than the fresh produce section at your local supermarket. His key traits of lockdown defense and clutch shooting will be VERY useful against a team like DSU, who excel in limiting shots inside the arc with their height, especially with guys like Basil Thorne.

#15, 6'0 Junior (Shooting) Guard, Sergio Hamilton

As a shooting guard, Sergio is relatively weak from beyond the arc, but he excels in knocking down mid-range jumpers and drawing fouls. Similarly to your Dylan Holmes, he's a defensive pickpocket with a dash of shooting, just scaled down, allowing him to be speedier and thrive on the fast break when he creates chaos. When he's not knocking down shots, Hamilton is your #1 playmaker on the team. He has a talent for finding passes, especially helpful against the giants of DSU, and can make some amazing plays be set into motion by dishing the ball out to the wing. As a speedy pickpocket, he can take advantage of Ducentu's 8'0 David Fitzsimmons, and outrun their defense on a fast break to steal some early points.

#44, 6'2 Sophomore (Point) Guard, Easton Cooley

Yeah, there's not much that stands out about Cooley. He's your typical cookie-cutter mid-size demon in the paint with a dash of shooting and defense, like most guys on this squad. One of the only notable things about him is his all-around shooting. He barely misses a free-throw, is almost always a green from deep, and bullies other guards in the paint. He's at a huge disadvantage against 7'9 Isabelle Carlevaro, taking away his inside game, so his game plan is going to have to revolve around going up for layups and rebounds and drawing fouls, an unusual playstyle for someone with his mindset.

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Now that the squad that may or may not bring the gold, white, and blue their first taste of NSCAA glory has been recognized, let's take a look at the coaching matchup. Anton Irving is a proven coach with a dynamic playstyle and tons of accolades to his name, but on the other side, Billy Harrison seems just as worthy of commanding a team from the sidelines, meaning it's gonna come down to raw physical skill that decides this matchup. DCoL is a team with guts, so with the right playstyle, they've got a fighting chance against Ducentu State. I still have no clue how DCoL got in without me RPing all season, but now is not the time for questions. The only thing left to do is see what becomes of the Golden Hawks, so, no time like the present.

by **Cardenao** » Sun Apr 21, 2024 8:39 pm

The Big Dance!!! Audio Preview For Cardenaoan Schools In Ultra 64!

Click here to listen to Big Ronnie Ray Mac breakdown all seven (7) Cardenaon teams in the Ultra 64 college basketball tournament!

by **Quebec and Shingoryeo** » Sun Apr 21, 2024 9:00 pm

OOC: One RP per program now done. Woot!

The Mathletes - Scientific, Literary Venue of Sports Journalism

Legendary Queen's College women's coach Ike Kayembe mourned and remembered in a solemn, private ceremony

Jerome Tedros

CORNWALL, MAHAN - It was a quiet Tuesday morning in Cornwall, Mahan, as the family and friends, as well as former players and coaches have come to celebrate the life of legendary Queen's College women's basketball coach Ike Kayembe, who had passed in sleep last Tuesday, at age 76.

In the St. Michael's Cathedral, where he would attend every Sunday service possible for past forty-two years since his arrival as a young, impressionable head coach on his first position, Kayembe's family held a private Catholic church service for the Hall of Fame coach of forty years. The service, run by the Father Borges of the Parish and Hall of Fame centre Riley Jeon-Keane, reflected his life in an hourlong ceremony that talked of his dedication, passion and communitarian values were deeply appreciated in the local, collegiate and Quebecois basketball community.

Kayembe was buried at the Holly Cross cemetery just north of Downtown Cornwall, next to his wife Donna and second son Juvenale. The four-time national championship winner, who many had credited for being among the leading figures in the push for greater coverage of college basketball in the Arrosian nation, had previously expressed his desire for a quiet, unremarkable ceremony, but the ceremony would end up being one of gentle, stirring ceremony that would be accompanied by a trail of those who had loved him.

Former players and coaches, as well as members of the staff and the athletics department, were present in attendance, with most donning the tricolour tie donned blue, gold and red. Victoria Han, the current Athletic Director who had helped facilitate the coaching transition from Kayembe to Joanna Youngblood-Parker in 2049, were present, and both head coaches Avola and Youngblood-Parker present. They had returned in time for the celebration of life two days before, after finishing as the conference finalists of the NSCAA's United Conference.

Players from the 2023 and 2026 national championship were most notably present, including and not limited to Jeon-Keane, professional coaches Clara and Marianne Kasaboski sisters, and Veronique Francoeur, who would go onto become a fan favourite as Jeon-Keane's successor in two QIS Final Four runs.

'It was a difficult service, as we remember the legacy of the man who had coached the top-class program for so long, and to the highest standard of expectation, and one that we would remember dearly,' said Jeon-Keane, three-time Olympian and three-time QIS and five-time QWBL MVP who had struggled to hold back her emotions the entire service. 'We will dearly miss him and for long time, if not for ever.'

The players from the 2040 and 2042 national championship team were led by Olympic gold medalist Heo Myeong-Yoon, who now chairs Perce Town FC, and the two-time IBC champion, current Grim Reapers' point guard Philippa Price-Anderson, among the active players' contingent. Heo, the second of two QIS MVPs Kayembe had coached in his tenure stretching from 2020 to 2049 with 2042 and 2043 honours, would become part of the 2056 Prescott-Twin Cities gold medal team that won it all on home soil.

Of course, this wasn't just a celebration of life reserved for the Golden Gaels family and those direct to Kayembe. Head coaches of three programs considered traditional rivals to the Queen's College women also made appearance, with Saguenay's Mario Koo-Kweon, Farrer's Campbell Ainslie, and Latilutakówa National's Claudine Moretti, who was on Kayembe's 2040 national championship team alongside Heo, making their appearance.

With five out of eight NSCAA participating progarams' head coaches making their appearances, with Mount Ester's Yvette Hannford and Hong Gyeong-Wan, as well as Lauren Kim-Asfaw of Nideyinan College, there appears to be a certain sense of solemnity, even sheer calmness, as the nation heads into the NSCAA tournament's Ultra 64 tournament. A public memorial service will be held next Tuesday, at the Riley Jeon-Keane Arena at the Athletics Centre, the arena where Kayembe had kept a golden courtside seat. After presiding the ceremony, the Gaels teams head to RTC Arena in Brattleboro, Cassadaigua, on Wednesday morning for the first round of NSCAA tournament against Ranorian upstart University of Berlin.

by **Chromatika** » Sun Apr 21, 2024 9:22 pm

NSCAA 15 - Ultra 64

First Round Cutoff. Let it begin!

by **Drawkland** » Mon Apr 22, 2024 6:06 pm

The Ducentu State basketball team crowded together in a conference room in the athletic training center. It was Selection Sunday, time for the Ultra 64 bracket seedings and matchups to be revealed. The Eagles had already punched their ticket by running the Calania Conference, grabbing the conference regular season title and only taking two losses to Alexandria University along the way. This show would determine how far up the seedings Ducentu State would land, and what their potential path to the championship in Centivar County would look like.

Basil was present, even though it wasn't an official team meeting. He didn't know many people at DSU, so the members of the basketball team were the closest thing he had to friends. While the pundits and talking heads gabbed on in the preshow, Basil perused a fishing magazine in the back of the room. He didn't really understand the hype. They were going to the tournament, they would have to play and win games, what's all the big fuss about? Who cares which end of the bracket they would come through?

Eventually it came to the part of the show where the top seeds were announced. The Eagles were confident they'd be one of the top competitors, but the revelation of their true seeding still came as a shock. Ducentu State was #1 out of 64. They were proclaimed the top dogs, and every team would be dying to take out the supposed best team in the bracket on the way to further glory.

What finally caught Basil's attention was the venue announcement. Ducentu State would be in Region 1, which means their games would be held in Drawkland. Perhaps as an intentional marketing move by DISC, the early round venues for Ducentu State's potential matchups was The Shire Center, home of the Shire-Port Privateers of the DBO. This was huge, because Shire-Port was one of the main population centers in Ellzidanet. It wasn't literally in Ducentu's backyard, but it was very close. Eagles fans would be coming out in droves to support their team in the early stages of the tournament. More interestingly to Basil, Shire-Port was perhaps the only city his father didn't loathe.

"Ay Coach," Basil approached Anton Irving after the selection show ended and the team began trickling out of the room. "How would I goes about gettin' one of them fancy boxes fer sum friends and family fer the games?"

"The first round games in the Ultra 64?" Coach Irving raised his eyebrows. "Those boxes are in high demand, Basil. Not cheap. The athletic department doesn't really have access to those tickets since it's a neutral venue, technically."

"Ah, I see." Basil nodded slowly and pursed his lips. "Wail, how much are they then?"

"I don't know Basil, but if you're looking to get box seats, it'll probably cost a couple hundred bucks each. I'm not sure if you'll be able to afford that."

"I think I could." Basil squinted his eyes, trying to squeeze a thought out of his brain like one would squeeze juice from a dry lemon. "I did those commercials for that truck dealership uptown last week. They said they would be giving me a fat paycheck, sir."

"I thought you weren't really keen on those NIL advertising deals?" Coach Irving asked curiously.

"Well, they offered me a brand new pickup and a check with more O's than an archery target. I have to admit I was swayed."

"Interesting."

"Anyhow, Coach, could you maybe find me some info about gettin' some of those tickets?"

"Certainly, Basil." Coach Irving tapped his chin, and figured he'd send that to his secretary. "I'll have Beverly look it up and send you the details. You may have to buy those tickets online, though."

"Aw hell coach, I can do thangs on my computer, don't you worry about me." Basil grinned proudly. "Just last week I learned about this thang called Eeee-mail. Not sure why they call it that but it's like a letter that shows up in your computer. And you don't even gotta pay for stamps!"

"That's great, Basil. Maybe Beverly can send you the information via E-mail."

"Ok Coach!" Basil gave a thumbs up, and he wandered out of the room and down the hall.

A week later, Basil arrived back at the Thorne homestead in a brand new pickup. It was summer break at this point, so he had plenty of spare time. If it weren't for the NSCAA, he'd have been home for a couple weeks already. Earl Thorne, Basil's father, eyed the strangely shiny vehicle with suspicion, until the truck pulled into the exact tread marks where Basil always parked.

"Hey dad!" Basil called out as he jogged up the hill to the partially dilapidated farmhouse.

"Took ya damn long enough," Earl grumbled as Basil came nearer. He thrust his chin in the direction of the truck. "Is that yours?"

"Naw, not at all." Basil grinned, then held the keys out toward his father. "It's fer you."

"The hell are you talkin' about?"

"I got this truck for free dad. Some truck dealership up in Ducentu wanted me to do some commercials. They gave me this beauty in return."

"Beauty?" Earl scoffed. "That's a toy, son. Hardly cut out fer farm work."

"Sure it is." Basil pressed the keys into his dad's hand, though it wasn't outstretched. "I talked to owner of the dealership for an hour to figure out which model would be best for offroadin' and haulin'. They say this model has all the special features any blue collar worker would need."

"Pfuh!" Earl scowled. "Like any city boy would understand the needs of the workin' man. Ol' Bessie does everything we need around here."

"Bull-shit!" Basil countered. "You told me in a letter last month that Ol' Bessie's transmission needs work. I know you don't got the money to replace that ol' gearbox. Thing'll be three times what Bessie's worth anyhow. This truck is free dad, and it'll do anything Bessie can do. Almost as well, too."

"Hmph." Earl finally snatched the keys and examined the fob with a twisted lip. "I suppose it wouldn't hurt to give it a test drive."

"Whether or not you use it, I'm leavin' it here." Basil shrugged. "My truck still works fine and dandy. Got the brakes and rotors done too after I nearly ran over three pedestrians last month. Not sure the campus police enjoyed me takin' up three spots of the dorm parkin' lot to fix 'er though."

"Right." Earl slowly turned and shuffled back towards the house.

"Dad, I got one more thing for ya."

"What now?"

"Here." Basil pulled an envelope out of his pocket, and produced a stack of glossy arena tickets. He selected one from the stack and handed it to his dad. "We're gonna be playin' some big games in the next couple weeks. Multiversal type junk. I wanted you to come watch me play, seein' as how you haven't been able to make it up to any of my games in Ducentu."

"I hate that damn place," Earl replied immediately. "I ain't drivin' up to Ducentu fer nothin'."

"It ain't in Ducentu, dad." Basil pointed at the ticket. "Shire-Port, out east. And I got you box seats. Free food and beer! And I got enough tickets for the whole family. Grampa Otis can come if he wants. I invited Ed and his wife and Charlie says he can make it out there and I think Darlene might convince her husband to come out. Gonna make it a whole family reunion. Take the week off and everything."

"I can't afford to take a whole week off. Who's gonna take care of-"

"I already talked to Uncle Chuck. He said he can take care of the farm while we're gone." Basil raised an eyebrow. "I got this all planned out, dad. Trust me on this'un!"

Earl eyed his son with a suspicious glance, then looked back down at the ticket. "I do like that casino they got off the highway out in Shire-Port."

"Yeah, the game's at the arena that's just down the highway from there," Basil nodded. "I'm sure you can take a pitstop after the game or somethin'."

"Fine." Earl gave another odd glance to his son, then clapped him on the shoulder. "Better not make me regret this, though."

A week later, the time had come. The Ducentu State basketball team sat in the home locker room in The Shire Center, getting themselves hyped up for the game. They were only going against the Dhemixian College of Law - the worst seed in the tournament, and by all standard metrics, probably a pushover. #1 seeds weren't infallible, though, especially in the NSCAA. The Eagles just needed to take it one game at a time, and start their quest for the championship on the right foot.

Basil Thorne wasn't able to escort his father or the rest of his family to the stadium, given that he was stuck with the team pregame obligations for the entire morning and afternoon. He was confident his brothers and sister and siblings-in-law would be able to figure things out. They pitched money together to get some hotel rooms next to each other outside of downtown Shire-Port, and supposedly they'd all travel together to the game. For perhaps the first time ever, Basil felt a gnawing bit of anxiety in his gut before the game.

"Ay Basil, you good?" Fellow freshman Dustin Leigh noticed Basil standing a little awkwardly off to the side of the locker room. Basil normally didn't participate heavily in the pre-game hype circles, but he seemed noticeably off tonight. "Worried about the tournament or something?"

"Naw, don't care much about that," Basil replied plainly.

Dustin Leigh screwed his face up a bit. "Basil, it's the Ultra 64. We got to ball out. What's wrong with you?"

"Aww, nothin' really," Basil insisted. "Just this'll be the first time my family will be here watchin' and I hope my dad don't hate it. Was a big pain in the ass even getting 'em all out here."

"I bet." Dustin frowned. "C'mon Basil, just go out and play your game. If you're balling then who gives a damn what they think?"

"I guess you're right." Basil nodded, stretching to his feet. "That's all I can do anyhow."

By the time Basil got out on the floor for warmups, the anxiety had been forgotten. He let his mind wander during his routine, thinking about anything other than basketball or his dad. He hit shots without question, without worry. Before he went back to the locker room for the pregame pageantry, he scanned the luxury boxes up above the grandstand. He found his quarry. Sure enough, his whole family was there. He couldn't help but grin when he saw his dad sitting, shoulders slumped and arms crossed, in the front row of the box. He could just make out the sour look on his face.

The arena darkened. The lineup announcements began. The crowd cheered and clapped for each member of each team, though the cheers for Ducentu State's starting line were much louder than those for DCoL. Finally it was Basil's turn.

"Starting at Power Forward ... Freshman, number 55 ... Basiiiiiiiil Thorne!"

As Basil shot out of the tunnel under the spotlight, the crowd roared. Even though he said he didn't care, he had started to like how loud the crowd would get when he entered the floor. The Shire Center was loud then, but there was still the enter game to go.

The game itself was one to remember. Both teams were rolling offensively (or completely useless defensively, it's difficult to draw the line sometimes). Basil got out to a hot start, draining 28 points in the first half as the Eagles led the Golden Hawks 48-40 at halftime. Basil was 5-for-6 on three-pointers with a few field goals and free throws mixed in. Coach Irving lightly grilled the team for giving up defensively and playing too loose, but when he looked at Basil, he was filled with confidence. He felt something emanating from the kid.

The second half was when things really took off. Basil continued sharpshooting from outside the arc, and pulling up flawlessly from midrange. DCoL's defense did everything they could to stop him, but all that did was open up more opportunities for the rest of the Ducentu State offense, who hit their shots as needed. As the time waned in the game, people started to take notice. Basil Thorne had scored just over 50 points with a few minutes left to go. He was a bit too far from any sort of record, but this was an incredible personal performance that you don't see every day. Every time Basil got the ball from then on, the crowd got noticeably louder.

By now the game was pretty much decided. Dhemixian College of Law had put up a good fight and they ended up scoring more points than any of the other bottom seeds in the first round. They were nearly twenty points down with minutes to go, though. The foul game would only extend the suffering, and with every missed shot, the chances of a comeback became infinitesimally smaller. Now all eyes were on Basil, wondering what else he could do.

Basil went down, bounced the ball to Kyle Thorburn, who bounced the ball right back. Basil continued driving to the basket and put up a pretty layup. 53 points.

Basil came around, dribbled in the midrange, shook off a defender, then nailed a jumper with his iconic and "ugly" finish. 55 points.

Basil got the ball on the outside, drove towards the paint, then decided against it as the defense converged. He took a couple steps back and put up another shot as he was getting fouled, and one! 57 points. Free throw sank. 58 points.

The game was nearly over now. The score was 97-80, and the Golden Hawks had one more chance to end their cinderella bid on a high note despite the loss. The shot missed with less than ten seconds to go. Kelly Sinclain got the rebound, she tossed it out to Rebecca McGuire, who figured it wouldn't hurt to give one more chance to Basil.

Basil received the bullet from Rebecca with a little confusion. Wasn't the game over? There were just seconds left, the other team wasn't even moving at this point. Through the confusion, Basil's basketball instinct took over. He took a few quick strides past halfcourt, looked to the basket, and fired away right before the buzzer sounded from about 40 feet out. Bang. 61 points.

The crowd erupted into cheers, perhaps the loudest they'd been all night. Basil had hung 60 in an Ultra 64 game. Ducentu State scored 100 in the first step of the run. Upset avoided, Eagles moving on, and it felt like something greater was coming. It was time to celebrate.

Ducentu State's bench shot up from their seats and went to crowd around Basil. Eventually the throng of players was paraded to the side of the arena with the DSU student section, who began chanting "Basil! Basil! Basil!" on repeat. From his box seat, which he'd only stood up from to grab beer throughout the game, Earl Thorne stuck out his bottom lip.

"Well I'll be damned. Maybe that boy has a point about all this nonsense."

by **Valanora** » Tue Apr 23, 2024 2:31 pm

The Zapata Arena hardwood was glistening as the last bit of prep work was going into the hardwood as the arena prepared to host a weekend of the Ultra 64 tournament, the first major collegiate tournament to be at least partially in Sabine and Caddonia. Unfortunately for the local fans, neither Sabinal State nor South Caddonia were placed in the quadrant being hosted in the Empire, although their would be a school from the Empire that would play at the arena. The University of Hondo, the nation's only NSCAA champion and the team that most inside the Empire were hedging their bets around making the deepest run in the tournament would be making Bexar their home during the first weekend and playing in the newly renovated arena that now could sit just a little over fifteen thousand people inside of it from the near ten thousand capacity that it had before the renovations and expansion. This was going to be a moment to shine for the entirety of the city as well as Sabine and Caddonia as a whole, who over time was getting more and more involved in the hosting of prestigious events within the Empire and when it was awarded hosting rights to tournaments.

As the front doors opened at ten in the morning local time, a small drizzle of fans began to make their way to the arena and fill up the seats while the Owls of Hondo in their pristine white and navy training kits began to take their pregame shootaround and warm ups. Mathias Pettersen and Eiril Rørvik were talking together as they waited for their turn to do the layup drill on their side of the court, the two guards looking like they might be discussing some late adjustments to the strategy. On the other end of the court the Baker Park players from Osheana State University were starting to do their own warm ups as well, the media teams starting to get themselves and their equipment prepared for the all day broadcasts that they were going be having with tournament beginning in earnest with this first game. It would be the first of four games during the day, being the second half of the Arrosia regional, with the games in Stormguard having occurred the previous day. The Empire hosting one of the four regionals in the first two rounds was becoming something of a tradition now and with this edition coming to Bexar, the locals wanted to leave a good impression with all of their visitors.

The first day of the tournament had been quite fruitful for the Vanorian schools, with three of the four teams having won their contest, the only ones to fail to capture the win was Turbani Tech who had a highly contested and contentious game with the Dagans of Brattleboro Technical Institute. Mar Sara Tech in Stormguard was able to harness the energy of the crowd and be one of a handful of schools who were able to pull off an upset, even if it was only in the eight versus nine game that is usually a coin flip. The Raiders know that their hands are full with the second match in Stormguard though, taking on the number one seed in the region in Drawk Corps University, a formidable foe as all Drawkland schools tend to be. They have a day to gather themselves, rest any nagging injures, and try to figure out a way to defeat one of the best teams in all of the sport. All the luck and coffee that the assistants can gather in the next few hours will definitely be needed as they try to formulate a way to defeat a team who is both physically imposing as well as just better than the team they have on hand. Luck be with them as well as all of Elune's blessings that they can take.

As the crowd begin to really fill out, the teams returned to their locker rooms before coming back to the fanfare of both starting lineups being announced with more flair and style being offered to the Owls than their Arrosian counterparts in Osheana. From the opening tip though, you could tell that there was something a little different and off about this match as both teams hit their first ten shots in the first few minutes of the half. Both coaches looked a bit perplexed as to why their team could not find a stop, but both sides were nailing both their mid range as well as the easy buckets in and around the paint, with Eiril Rørvik leading the way for the Owls, having eighteen points at the half. It was fifty-two to forty-six at the half, both teams shooting nearly seventy percent from the field and no matter what either coaching staff did, their team could not find a way to slow down the opponents' flow. Matilde Thorshaug came up with a huge block on an attempted layup with three minutes and twenty seconds to go, before Emil Vangen tipped an attempted pass in the lane to Jørgen Kleven with half a minute to go. The guard made the ensuing two free throws to ice the game and it would finish with the Owls winning ninety-two to eighty-five with the Baker Park team collecting a three as time expired to make the score a little better.

Elsewhere about an hour later South Caddonia won a thriller in a double overtime tilt against Richardson University of Ranoria and the crowd went wild with the final score of it was shown, just like there was small roaring of the crowd when Sabinal State's game went final and the nearest team was shown to have won in Rushmore over their Banija opponents. When the day came to an end, all four Vanorian schools had won and that made it seven of the eight who made it to the second round, which was quite the accomplishment only bettered by Drawkland having all eight of their teams in the second game of the first weekend. The lights were dimmed and the smell of popcorn and nachos was slowly fading from the arena but everyone around the arena from Bexar thought it had been a stunning success. It was a success they hoped could help land the city more events in the near future. For the Vanorian schools, the second round brings quite a lot of anxiety and tension with three matchups against Drawkland teams with Drawkland Corps, Old Mountain, and Raikennax. The other games are just as intense and this could be either a momentous and wonderous occasion if the teams rise to the occasion or a weekend that Vanorians would want to forget quickly if the quality of the opposition proves to be a step too far in what has been quite the roller coaster season if you are just a fan of the Empire in general and not a specific school.

by **Cardenao** » Tue Apr 23, 2024 8:37 pm

An Unfortunately Interrupted Look At Second Round Matchups!

Click here for an interrupted preview at Cardenaoan College matchups in the second round of the Ultra 64 tournament!

by **Chromatika** » Tue Apr 23, 2024 9:02 pm

NSCAA 15 - Ultra 64

Who makes the Sweet Sixteen? Second Round Cutoff!

by **Valanora** » Thu Apr 25, 2024 1:01 pm

For the fans of the various Vanorian establishments still participating in the Ultra 64 of this running of the NSCAA, the second round presented quite a bit of challenge across the board with each team seeing their level of competition rise significantly from the first round. That is usually the nature of the beast when it comes to tournaments though, as each round you venture into, you more often than not run into an opponent who is better than the last you just took on and have to elevate your game to continue to compete and advance as well. Failure to play up to the level of your competition sees you on the wrong end of the result and arranging travel back to home rather than the next venue of the tournament and booking the hotels for the team to stay at. Every Vanorian university still alive in the Ultra 64 had that very gauntlet thrown against them, perhaps none more so than the Raiders of Mar Sara Tech and having to try and figure out a game plan to eliminate first seeds and physically imposing Drawk Corps University, who they were a bit unfortunate to be having to play in the first weekend still.

The Raiders were unfortunately not quite up to the task with the length of their Drawkland opposition doing what one would have expected and stifled the Raiders on the offensive end with numerous blocked shots, steals, and forcing more difficult shots than the team had been working to set up with their passing. An eight point defeat and keeping the number one seeds to less than eighty points in the game is a feather in their cap but the Raiders want to add to the number of teams to have won both the NSCF and NSCAA must yet wait for at least one more edition. The side will be fortunate that their entire starting lineup should be returning for the next edition of the tournament but the team has to find ways to get better and more consistent if they truly want to be among that elite group who has the collegiate double.

In the battle of the Naval Academies, Rinaldi managed to pull off a last second victory that stunned their Cardenao opposition and truly rocks the boat with the thirteen seed making it into the Sweet Sixteen. Runar Nervik will be celebrated around campus whenever the Midshipmen return back to Rinaldi after the end of their run in the tournament, as the center grabbed the rebound from Zainab Kvammen three point attempt with three seconds to go and put it back in off the boards as time expired, giving Rinaldi the one point win in a game that was close from the opening tip. Niccostrato Naval Academy were up to their billing but that Rinaldi has been playing ride or die basketball for the past two months has to have been a huge part of their ability to keep up with the higher seeded team. The defense was able to bend but not break against a team who has fed off of second chance points and it will have its hand full in the next round with first seeds Ducentu State University of Drawkland on the docket. Talking about how good Drawkland schools are and how their height makes playing against them miserable, particularly for Vanorian schools with our typically undersized players, but no guts no glory as some will say. Rinaldi will give it their all and perhaps it will be just enough to see them past a formidable foe in Drawkland.

Perhaps they can take inspiration from South Caddonia, who was able to defeat University of Raikennax despite the home advantage that the Drawkland team was able to muster, the crowd trying to will Raikennax to victory. It was another back and forth game and senior guard Koko Meraz lead the way for the Caddo school with nineteen points but it was senior forward Elpidio Castillo's bank shot from the top of the box with nine seconds to go that put South Caddonia up for good. Executing a pick and roll with fellow senior Lahuen Villagómez, the point guard dished it to the forward as the pair of Drawkland defenders collapsed on his cutting run towards the paint and the forward banked it off the glass and in to give the side the lead. Axel Storås then got their fingertips towards an attempted pass to the inside of the paint two seconds left and forced an inbound pass. It was contested by Castillo and the shot off the inbound went off the rim and out, giving the Caddonese school a mammoth victory. It gets interesting now with Alexandria University from Cardenao after their massive blowout win in the second round of fourteen seeds Uniwersytet Nowa Kalanianska that felt more like a scrimmage than postseason basketball.

In Bexar, the Owls were having a contentious contest with Nideyinàn College, the Quebecois school keeping things close despite Hondo trying multiple times to try and separate themselves. It was not a particularly chippy game but there was definitely a feel of grit to the game with the way Nideyinàn College kept hanging on and stopping any run that the Owls were going on. As they had to resort to fouls to save the clock in the last two minutes of the game though, the game was sealed and Hondo hit all eight of those trips to the charity stripe with Eiril Rørvik leading the way with six of those makes and Mathias Pettersen drowning the other two with the side emerging as five point victors. Without those made attempts, it might have been a different result and the Owls will probably thank the support that the locals in Bexar gave them in the game, as they now move to Raynor City on the mainland and the Lagnthanian Arena. It is not their actual home court but with their close proximity to Raynor City, the Owls are expecting quite a large turn out from alumni and students to cheer them on in the Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight if they can get there. It's a massive two versus three seed game though and against Cemmendy Tech, the Drawkland school being conference champions and having played like it in their first two games. Like the other schools vying with Drawkland opponents, we can only offer them luck and hope they can figure out the formula to slowing down the Drawkland machine.

Everlin University had to perform a miracle in another school's homeland to escape as victors in Quebec, with seventh seeded Mount Ester University gave the Jungle Cats quite a bit of competition. Maren Skjærvik was the MVP for Everlin with sixteen points, fourteen rebounds, and three steals and perhaps the reason why the Jungle Cats were able to hold off a furious charge in the last five minutes from Mount Ester after leading by as much as twelve in the second half. It was a case of holding on to a lead rather than a back and forth affair and the Jungle Cats will have a bit of relief that their shooting failing them for a seven minute period in the second half did not come back to bite them, that help Mount Ester rally. They will not be getting much neutral support in the next game as they are going to be taking on quite popular Cascade Tradesmen College from Cardenao, who in particular have rabid fanfare in Ranoria. Yet the thirteen seed is more than just fanfare, they are a very talented group of players and they just took down Cavsar of Drawkland (#NeverCountOnCavsar). It will be a tilt of teams that perhaps some would not think should be here but the Jungle Cats have slowly made themselves a force in the NSCAA and an Elite Eight appearance would really cement that.

In what is a bit of a surprise, the Rockets of Raynor University actually played up to their billing and got a twelve point victory over the Dagan outfit Southern Victoriaville University. It has been a long time coming if you ask their fans who will be asking where this sort of effort has been the rest of the season where they were up and down for large swathes of it. Whatever did go right for them in the round of thirty-two, they need to bottle it up and do it again, as the big bad of the tournament are their next foe. The Skyhawks of Sadeg State University are the better favorite in the Empire to win the tournament and the Rockets are going to have more than their hands full in this mammoth matchup that would not be out of place during the playoffs of the NSCF. The Skyhawks have yet to taste the bitter pill of defeat and the hoodoo that they have over Vanorian schools also might be in the head of the Rockets, as both on the gridiron and hardwood it has been quite some time since a Vanorian school has bested Sadeg State. The hatred for the Skyhawks is such a fever pitch that the Raiders are expected to give all the advice they can give to their rivals in order for someone to finally put an end to the Skyhawks reign of terror.

Last, but far from least, Sabinal State completely played up to their seeding, being on the two line and ran out as massive victors against Old Mountain University, eventually winning by fourteen points and keeping Old Mountain to a paltry sixty-three points. Despite the immense physical disparity, Old Mountain had trouble with the full court press that State was employing and it seemed to rattle them as they became quite turnover happy. Sabinal State took advantage of those turnovers with twenty-one points off of thirteen turnovers from Old Mountain, limiting the offensive presence of one of the most dominating teams in the competition. It was by far the most impressive showing from a Vanorian outfit in a second game and they should be more than proud of their achievement, but the fight is far from over for the team. Up next is another extremely talented squad, Cardenao's Küsbon College who are off a close three point win over Quebec's Yoseo University at Montevicio. There is no reason to change up what the side has been doing as it worked well in the regular season, the conference tournament, and now here in the Ultra 64. Why change what is getting the results that they are all seeking?

by **Cardenao** » Thu Apr 25, 2024 8:59 pm

Ultra 64 Round of 16 Previews!!!

Alexandria University

The Alexandria University Swordsmen have recovered excellently after a poor start to the season, they find themselves going up against South Caddonia University of Valanora. Alexandria’s game plan is pretty straight forward; score more points than the opponent does, and play great defense while doing so.

The Crimson-Golds have perhaps the best Cardenaoan point guard in D’Angelo Fox, who brings great vision, incredible athleticism, and a pass-first approach to the court. Junior center Tom Parliamence is vital to coordinate the defensive effort.

Beating South Caddonia? Hit your shots, limit Axel Storås’ shots, and bang the rock down through the middle.

Costa Alto Military Academy

For the Costa Alto Jets, reaching this stage of the Ultra 64 tournament is insanity. The Cardenaoan Air Force Academy runs a high-tempo offense that displays highlight reel plays on the regular.

Sophomore point guard Blake D’Augustino is a remarkable athlete and facilitator, so he’ll have to have one of the best games of his life against the first seeded DCU. Truth is the Drawkians are tall as hell, so that’s a really tough skill to overcome, but the Jets could do it thanks to how quickly they move the ball across the court, and their liberal use of screening.

Cascade College

For the Cascade Tradesmen, being here is far beyond what any fans could have hoped for. Reaching this round of the Ultra 64? Insane. Reaching any round of the Ultra 64? Insane. Yet here they are.

It’s no secret who these fellas are, we know how they’re a bunch of electricians/ HVAC technicians/construction workers/etc. I mean they are the tradesmen afterall. They’re surprisingly adept at scoring despite their defensive focus. Now though, they play #2 Everlin University, led by Junior PG Mikkel Aarum; shut him down, trust Matteo Atkinson to hit his shots, and there could be victory.

Küsbon College

The Küsbon College Minders…who could’ve predicted the season they’ve had? Conference championship winners, conference league runners up after choking in the final stretch, it’s been quite the season for the city more known for high school football than college basketball.

Senior PG Castro Calhoun brings great scoring from the 3 to the basket, junior PF Drew Kristoffsen is a menace around the hoop, and senior SG Keerian Giovanbattista has emerged as one of the better defensive players in Cardenao. This is a team looking forward to any challenge, shut down Sabinal’s Stian Eriksen and they might emerge as the winners.

by **Chromatika** » Thu Apr 25, 2024 9:16 pm

NSCAA 15 - Ultra 64

This is your cutoff for the Sweet Sixteen.

by **Drawkland** » Sat Apr 27, 2024 1:41 pm

The Contenders

Eight schools remain to chase the elusive NSCAA title. Of these eight, three hail from Drawkland. These three schools have three wins separating them from glory. The home stretch is always the most difficult. As the NSCAA season approaches its climax, let's summarize the Drawkians approaching their final battles.

Sadeg State University. Including the regular season and tournament games to date, these Skyhawks sit at 32-0. Undefeated. Despite not having the strongest roster on paper, Sadeg State's basketball squad has fired on all cylinders offensively and defensively, especially in the tournament. They've already passed their nearly-undefeated NSCAA 7 brethren in win totals, and are three wins away from setting the all-time mark for most wins in an NSCAA season ... assuming they can handle the pressure from now until then. This team has the pedigree as one of the greatest schools in NSCAA basketball history, and they're desperate to write another chapter.

Ducentu State University. They may not be undefeated, but they've only taken two losses. This squad has been dominant on the scoring side, led by the incomparable Basil Thorne on offense. Thorne is already projected to go #1 overall, should he declare early for the DBO draft, and his dominance on the court shows why. He's an absolute sharpshooter from any range, and looks fearless against any defender. The rest of the Eagles are no slouches either. You need more than one player to win a championship, and Ducentu State's squad is built deep enough to make such a run. The Eagles saw the pressure of the #1 seed and didn't flinch ... but their biggest challenge awaits them now.

Cemmendy Tech. This is a school that certainly exists. This is only the second time the Cyberpunks have ever made it past the second round of the Ultra 64. That last time was an Elite Eight exit while bigger-name Drawkian schools went on to compete for the title. This team has been on its last legs trying to stay in the 8 Drawkian entries to the NSCAA, and a Final Four appearance could keep their dreams alive a little longer. Cemmendy Tech was expected by most to lose three games ago, but here they are. A little good luck here and bad luck there could make the Cyberpunks into Drawkland's last hope ... are they really prepared for such duty though?

The Challengers

They never said it would be easy, just that it would be worth it. Of course, of all the regions to go chalk by the Elite Eight, it would be the one in Cassadaigua where Sadeg State was playing. While the other regions feature lower seeds fighting for Final Four fame, Sadeg State faces Sabinal State from Valanora, the #2 seed in the Dagan region and #6 seed overall. This is by far the closest matchup in this quarterfinal round. The margin between these teams is razor-thin, essentially a coinflip. For a neutral, this will probably be the most thrilling game of the four, but you never know. For the Skyhawks chasing their dream of a fully undefeated season, they better hope the magic stays on their side awhile longer.

Ducentu State may have an easier matchup on paper, but ironically this might be the toughest possible game for them. Alexandria University lies in wait. The #6 in the region and #24 in the bracket Cardenaoan squad wasn't seen as a huge contender going into the tournament, but they have one thing no other team has: two wins over Ducentu State. That's right, both of DSU's losses this season came at the hands of Alexandria, known as the Swordsmen. Matchday 11 at home, Ducentu State lost 76-82. Ducentu State got revenge in matchday 24 with a 58-89 win in Alexandria. The Swordsmen got the last laugh though, winning 74-84 in the Calania semifinals against the Eagles. This is a big showdown for both teams. With a trip to Centivar County on the line, Ducentu State has to prove they can beat Alexandria when it counts, while Alexandria can solidify a reputation as giant-killers. One last thing to note: Alexandria has been the favored team in all three of their Ultra 64 matchups so far, thanks to upsets occurring earlier in the bracket. This is the first time this tournament they'll be playing as the underdogs.

Cemmendy Tech also faces a school hailing from Cardenao, that of Costa Alto Military Academy. The winner of Cyberpunks vs Jets will face the winner of Eagles vs Swordsmen in one of the Final Four matches. Both games feature an important swing for their nations. If both teams from Drawkland win, or both teams from Cardenao win, it would guarantee a finalist from that nation. That, or it brings another Drawkland vs Cardenao rematch to the table. As far as this particular match is concerned, this is the lowest seeded game in the Elite Eight. Cemmendy Tech comes in at #3/12, and CAMA sits at #5/20. There's a little bit of gap between these schools, but neither were considered true title contenders coming into the tournament. Cemmendy Tech has the advantage, but CAMA isn't too far behind. If either team gets out to an early lead, it could be enough to secure the win (especially with Costa Alto's high-risk, high-reward style of play). Who wants the spot in Centivar County more?

A quick note: three of the teams in the Elite Eight are from the Calania Conference, two from the Eternal Conference, and one each from the Flying Drawk, Pink 14, and Salamantica. With this in mind, one could easily make the case that the Calania Conference was the strongest out of all the conferences this cycle.

The Postmortem

For the first time in NSCAA history, all 8 Drawkian schools survived the first round of the Ultra 64. This is not the only time an entire 8-school slate has passed to the second round, it was done as recently as last edition by Banija. Still, there's always been at least one school (usually Cemmendy Tech) that loses in the first round for Drawkland. The fact that this was staved off this cycle is to be commended. Considering some of the outright massacres that have occurred at Drawkland's expense in the early rounds of cycles past, this is a welcome surprise.

Alas, good things can't last forever. Three Drawkian schools fell in the second round. University of Raikennax suffered the most heartbreaking of those defeats, allowing Elpidio Castillo a go-ahead bank shot with seconds left. A series of failed passing and errant shot by Celeste Easton off the inbound left Raikennax 1 point short of advancing, a 79-80 defeat to the Vanorian school South Caddonia. A disappointing loss to be sure, and despite Raikennax's large fanbase back home, you have to wonder if they have a long-term future in the NSCAA after failing to reach the Sweet 16 in three attempts. One thing's for sure: NSCAA 16 will be make-or-break for the Red Knights.

Old Mountain University was the least impressive Drawkian school this season, so it's no surprise that they folded against Sabinal State in the second round. The Northerners coughed up 13 turnovers in that game, which led to over twenty points scored by Sabinal State. OMU went on to lose that game by fourteen points. You can't fault them for making it this far, as they were the underdogs in this game and won their first round matchup against another conference champion squad, Al-Hilal University. Old Mountain may have made the championship game in NSCAA 8, but they've failed to replicate that success. Is this small-market school's time in the NSCAA running short?

By far the most disappointing loss of the second round was none other than Cavsar University. Many cynical Drawkian neutrals and rivals jeered at the Gladiator's early exit, especially against the #11/42 Cascade Tradesmen College, but the #3/11 Cavsar team was one of the frontrunners in the Arrosia region. With them gone, the best Drawkian team was #8/31 Elmanden District University in that region. One of Drawkland's best chances at full bracket dominance had been foiled, though knowing Cavsar's track record, is anybody really surprised? They'll be back, ready to disappoint everyone again next cycle.

Speaking of Elmanden District University, they were one of the two Drawkian schools who were felled in the Sweet Sixteen. The only Drawkian team to not outright win their conference, nobody expected the Mechanors to make a deep run, even after they managed to win the Newlands Conference tournament in thrilling fashion. They fell apart in the late game to Coloratura State University out of Quebec, losing 76-80 against the squad energized by local fans who traveled to the Twin Cities. Though EDU was not able to replicate their NSCAA 8 title run, they did Drawkland (and the rest of the bracket) a favor by upsetting the #2 team in the tournament, LeBois Santura, by 7 points in the second round. Though it didn't lead to a Drawkian team coming out of that region, it could make things easier for Sadeg State (provided the Skyhawks make the Final Four at all). For fans of Drawkian solidarity in the Ultra 64, EDU did an admirable job.

Now to talk about Drawk Corps University. It's almost hilarious how this team flies under the radar despite their growing legacy of failure on the international stage. In nine entries to the Ultra 64, Corps U has never made it to the Elite Eight. Even schools that aren't in the Drawkian slate anymore, like Corinth City University, have managed a deep run here or there. Drawk Corps U has managed to totally fail all expectations. Thanks to an impressive winning streak that last from MD3 of the conference stage all the way to the second round of the Ultra 64, it looked like they were finally primed to make the deep run that their program had been promising since the very beginning. Two convincing wins in the first round made everybody believe this was it. Corps U went against Costa Alto in the Sweet 16 ... and got their shit kicked in. DCU barely mustered 50 points on the game, while CAMA scored at will to the tune of 75 by the time the buzzer rang. This was finally supposed to be the breakout cycle for Corps U, ranked #4 out of 64, and they failed just as spectacularly as they have in years past. Is it finally time to shutter the supposed "best program in Drawkland" from the international stage?

These questions will be asked and hopefully answered by DISC in the few years between NSCAA 15 and 16. For now, though, we place our hope in the three bastions remaining in the bracket. The chance is still there, however unlikely, for the 3 of 4 Final Four feat like NSCAA 8 (or NSCAA 14 with Banija). This raises the most significant question of all those asked this cycle. Do any of these schools have what it takes to finish the job?

by **Cardenao** » Sat Apr 27, 2024 2:55 pm

The Elite Eight!!! Audio Preview For Cardenaoen Schools In College Basketball Tournament!

Click here to listen to Big Ronnie Ray Mack go in-depth on the two Cardenaoen schools remaining in the NSCAA Ultra 64 tournament!

by **Valanora** » Sat Apr 27, 2024 6:37 pm

"Any chance that a team from Drawkland does not win the NSCAA? They did not even put out their best and they just blew away our own schools as did the Cardenao schools. Everlin might win their match against Coloratura State but there is no way the Jungle Cats are beating anyone in the Final Four or championship game if they get some sort of miracle from the Final Four game. It is all Drawkland all the time and if they don't do it, then the upstart Cardenao schools are going to."

"As much as I would love to believe that Everlin and Sabinal State have a chance to join Hondo as NSCAA winners, I unfortunately agree with you. This has been an awful season when push comes to shove for the teams and it started with the regular season. Even Hondo was made to look like they were completely overmatched in their game against Cemmendy Tech. It feels like an uphill battle and you are having to make the ascent while a blizzard is going on around you and you do not even have a sweater to protect you. Blessed be those that are able to find ways to defeat the Drawkland beasts and their giant figures that literally loom over the opposition, to a point where it simply really is not fair to even try to compete with that, the recovery range is ridiculous even if you are able to break them down."

"Maybe the NSCF will offer a bit of hope, but for now hope sleeps on the Eternal Empire."

by **Chromatika** » Sat Apr 27, 2024 9:43 pm

NSCAA 15 - Ultra 64

Who makes it to the Final Four? Cutoff.

by **Drawkland** » Sun Apr 28, 2024 2:31 pm

Sadeg State was three games away from doing the impossible. Over two decades ago, the Skyhawks went undefeated in the NSCAA conference stage. They won their conference tournament. They drove through the chaos of the Ultra 64 bracket, landing in the championship game with a cumulative record of 31-0. In the NSCAA 7 final, Sadeg State University took aim at the University of Cenial, a school from the capital of Ceni.

They failed. Forty minutes separated the Skyhawks from perfection, and they couldn’t seal the deal. The game was testy, defensive, and hard-fought. Both teams had scored at will all tournament, but this was a different challenge entirely. Sadeg State in particular averaged almost 90 points per game in the conference stage. They’d only be held to less than 70 points once all season. In this championship game, the searing Skyhawks offense fell silent. Shots weren’t landing, Cenial was heavily contesting, and ultimately Sadeg State couldn’t eclipse the 60 point mark. Cenial didn’t fare much better, but they pulled ahead late and captured the title by a 59-67 margin.

The 31-1 mark haunted Sadeg State fans for years. The Skyhawks were vindicated nearly a decade later in NSCAA 10, when Sadeg State returned to the championship and took down the University of Moravica in an epic final. The NSCAA title was finally where it belonged, in Sadeg, but the failure of NSCAA 7 was still a little haunting. Nobody before or since that cycle had been one game away from perfection.

A novatim bench center named Elie Cooper was part of that fateful roster from NSCAA 7. She wasn’t a huge part of that squad, being in her first year and sitting behind the solid Corey Penn at center, but she had some big moments throughout the season. Elie hoped for redemption, but her future NSCAA participation was marked with a disappointing second-round exit in the Ultra 64. She had long since graduated by the time the Skyhawks returned to the championship and won it all.

Elie went on to have a brief stint in the DBO. Her professional career was marked by a name change - no longer was she Elie Cooper, but Elie Beck. Her marriage to fellow State alumnus Dustin Beck was great news to Skyhawk fans everywhere, especially those who knew them as a power couple on campus. She bore one child, a daughter they named Brooklyn. Two decades later, Brooklyn herself was a Skyhawk, trying to follow her parent’s footsteps while still forging her own legacy.

The stress of trying to acclimate to the college landscape was one thing. The pressure of living up to the expectations of a fanbase is another thing. Now, sitting three games away from a championship she shouldn’t even be competing for, Brooklyn felt the weight of her own mother’s unfinished business.

By all means and metrics, Brooklyn Beck did not deserve to suit up for the Sadeg State basketball team in NSCAA 15. Her spot on the roster appeared entirely by circumstance. Injuries, inexperience, and positional needs meant that head coach Aldus Pope had no other options. He could either go into a borderline exhibition tournament with a 9-man roster, or he could add Brooklyn as an emergency depth piece. It wasn’t easy, and it wasn’t what he wanted, but Coach Pope acquired Brooklyn’s services for the duration of the competition.

The situation was made clear to Brooklyn from the get-go. She would only be used when absolutely necessary, soaking up minutes in the back end of blowouts, serving as a substitute in case of injury or whatever else.

“Don’t even think for a minute that you’ll get priority over any of the players who’ve dedicated all their energy to this program,” Coach Pope told Brooklyn the day she was added to the roster. For the duration of the conference stage, Coach Pope kept his promise.

Thirty-two games later, things had become more complicated. By the Drawkian calendar, the NSCAA conference stage kicks off just a couple weeks after the DOCA basketball championship tournament concludes. The members of the Skyhawk roster just got done playing thirty-plus games, then after a too-short break had to grind back through another thirty, now with multiversal travel included! Even with the semester coming to a close around the time the conference tournaments come around, it’s a lot of wear and tear for college-aged athletes. As the Ultra 64 grew nearer, the starting line of the Skyhawk squad was getting quite fatigued, to say nothing about the mounting pressure of maintaining an undefeated season.

As the starters and even the rotational bench options lagged further and further behind in the second half of games, Aldus Pope was forced to bite the bullet and let Brooklyn onto the floor. Brooklyn may not have put in the work all winter with the team in the domestic season, but she spent that time recouping from the gridiron season and keeping herself in shape. In other words, she was fresh at the beginning of the NSCAA season. Combine that with her naturally high endurance, and the fact that she only averaged 3 minutes per game over the course of the conference season. This meant that Brooklyn was absolutely ready to go as the tournaments came around.

Her usage was still limited to appearances in the second half, but each appearance lasted longer. Two minutes in the Calania quarterfinals. Three minutes in the conference semis. Five entire minutes on the floor as the Skyhawks captured the Calania crown. Being an emergency option, Brooklyn didn’t receive many scoring opportunities, but she was consistently making shots at the shooting guard position, and even came away with a few clutch steals to keep the game out of reach for their opponents.

When the Skyhawks traveled to Cassadaigua for regional play in the Ultra 64, things really started to turn around. Brooklyn got seven minutes of play in the first round against University Carlandas, mostly thanks to the twenty-point margin the Skyhawks held for a majority of the second half. She played ten minutes, on-and-off, against Berlin in the second round. Against Raynor in the Sweet 16, Brooklyn got her first taste of first-half action, getting about a minute of play as Coach Pope hoped to tide things over going into halftime with a double-digit lead. With a few nice threes in the latter half, Brooklyn had her first double-digit scoring game in college basketball play, hitting a two-pointer and-one to bring her total to 11 in the final thirty seconds.

Then came the final game of regional play. The Elite Eight match against Sabinal State, held in Concord Heights. The winner of this game would go on to the Final Four. A Sadeg State win would put them two games away from perfection, and bring them back to home soil to finish the campaign.

Of course, Brooklyn’s parents were present for all the tournament games. When Brooklyn had free time between Ultra 64 games, she was either hanging out with her new friends on the basketball team (who she’d grown quite fond of in the past couple months), or spending time with her parents, who booked extended stays in Cassadaigua. Now with the Elite Eight coming up, their time in Rushmore was coming to an end one way or another.

Elie and Dustin sat across from Brooklyn in the restaurant booth. They were sitting in a rather nice restaurant in downtown Concord Heights, nothing too swanky (as Brooklyn didn’t bring nice clothes on the trip with her), but a good spot nonetheless. The Becks chowed down on some Dagan fusion food, while Brooklyn tried her best to not think about the game scheduled for the next night. The pressure had been constant ever since they arrived in Cassadaigua, but Brooklyn knew that consciously stressing on the off days was not going to help. Even so, it was difficult to talk about anything else.

“We got courtside tickets for tomorrow night,” Elie spoke up, breaking a few minutes of comfortable silence.

“Courtside?” Brooklyn repeated, raising her eyebrows curiously.

“That’s right. We’ll be right across from the Sadeg State bench.” Dustin pointed his fork across the table towards Brooklyn. “We’ll be able to watch you sit for the whole game! Definitely worth the cost.”

“Oh please, honey.” Elie nudged her husband with her elbow. “BB’s been getting a good amount of playing time lately. And even if she isn’t, we’re here to support our alma mater. Surely that’s reason enough for a splurge?”

“I already had to spend a gross amount on getting half-decent Final Four tickets.” Dustin grumbled. “That’s enough of a splurge for me, even without the courtside upgrade for tomorrow.”

“You guys bought tickets to the Final Four already?” Brooklyn asked, a little surprised at this revelation.

“Of course!” Elie replied immediately.

“Yeah, and you better win tomorrow, because I’m not buying a third ticket for you.” Dustin cracked a wry smile.

“We figured we’d buy the tickets early just in case. Even if you don’t make it, it’s still NSCAA basketball on home soil.” Elie grinned. “The best kind of basketball.”

“Don’t you two worry.” Brooklyn sat up in her seat and mimed a few stretches. “We’ll make light work of Sabinal State. No problem at all.”

“Don’t be so sure,” Elie countered. “Each round is going to be twice as tough as the last. You guys won’t be able to score at will. Defense becomes more and more important. Not to mention that Sabinal State is the toughest ‘underdog’ team in this round. You guys-”

“Mom, I got it!” Brooklyn interrupted as politely as she could. “Trust me, Coach Pope has been drilling us about it all week. We’ll be prepared.”

Brooklyn had noticed something odd come over her mother over the last few weeks. Her mom had always been well-versed with the sports climate, and often tagged along as Brooklyn and Dustin watched and attended games. Usually she was easy-going, interested but not overly invested in whatever the Becks were watching. Once Sadeg State made it to the Ultra 64 with the lossless record, Elie’s attitude had changed considerably. Brooklyn wasn’t necessarily uncomfortable, but she’d never seen that side of her mom before.

“Is that your mom?” Randall Willis asked Brooklyn as the Skyhawks warmed up for the game the next night. Randall was the starting point guard for the Sadeg State team, a sophomore just a year older than Brooklyn.

“Yeah, that’s her.” Brooklyn grinned, waving at her parents before putting up a shot from behind the arc. Dustin Beck was easy enough to spot, being one of the more famous Drawkian athletes of the past couple decades, but Elie Beck’s face was not widely known. “Looks like she’s wearing one of her old jerseys.”

“Now that’s real fandom.” Randall chuckled. “I saw in some clips online that she’s been going crazy in the stands these last couple games.”

“I haven’t seen them.” Brooklyn frowned, hoping her mom wasn’t making too much of a fool of herself. “I guess we’ll have a front row seat to the antics tonight, though.”

“Correction: you will have a front row seat. I will be too busy knocking down threes all night.” Randall drained another shot to punctuate his point.

“Yeah, until you’re getting double teamed every time you touch the ball!” Brooklyn shot back.

“In your dreams, Beck! I’m shaking ‘em all loose tonight!”

Randall Willis did not, in fact, shake Sabinal State loose. As the leading Skyhawk scorer from outside the arc, Willis was targeted heavily by Sabinal State’s defense every time he had the ball on the perimeter. Really the team from Sabine was doing an excellent job at holding the Skyhawks defensively, just like Elie had predicted. Thankfully, Sadeg’s defense was just as tough, resulting in a taxing 29-29 scoreline at halftime. Brooklyn had not left her seat for the entirety of the first half, except when standing to celebrate good shots from her teammates.

The second half was more of the same. Open looks were hard to come by for either team. Almost every shot was contested in some way. The defense was tough, many players were going to the free throw line, but the game was still blow-for-blow. Neither team had more than a 6-point lead for the entirety of the second half. It was exhausting, both mentally and physically. The cracks were beginning to show, so Aldus Pope started rotating in the bench pieces. Even with their relatively young age, the Sadeg State reserves were some of the best in the tournament. You need depth to compete in a long NSCAA season, and the depth is half the reason Sadeg State still had a zero in the loss column.

That zero was being threatened, though. With nine minutes left in the game, Sadeg State guard Linda Canne fouled out and sent Sabinal State’s Imre Iversen to the line. He hit both his shots, putting the Vanorian school up by four. Coach Pope was now down a guard, with the typical backup guard Cyan Orlando serving as the sixth woman and playing in relief of Keri Gibbs at forward. His best option to fill in at shooting guard was that pesky Beck.

9:03 showed on the scoreboard when Brooklyn tagged into the game and tried her best to keep her nerves about her. Right now, the Skyhawks didn’t need heroics or insane shots, they needed to clamp down against Sabinal State and secure the ball. No free points on either end. As she started getting touches, she dished the ball out as needed. She wasn’t getting open looks, so she didn’t bother trying to pull up. That’s all she needed to do.

Sadeg State made up the deficit after a couple solid sequences in a row. Despite the lack of points on the board, both teams were still playing excellent fundamental basketball. The defense was just too tight on either side. Whatever one side had dialed up, the other was playing the right defense to counter. It was a chess match between Aldus Pope and Sabinal State’s head coach, and it was starting to feel like whichever team got the last shot off would be the one to come away with the win.

Throughout all of this, Brooklyn continued to play quietly. She attempted one shot, an open 2-pointer that banked harmlessly off the inner rim. Defensively she was sound, using her agility to stay tight against Iversen or whichever other Sabinal player she was up against. She contested nicely and only came away with one foul going into the final two minutes.

The stress levels of the entire arena were skyrocketing. With a little over a minute left in the game, the score stood in Sabinal State’s favor at 59-60 following a solid layup by Joe Rivas for the Skyhawks. Now Sabinal State got the ball back and were content to sit on it, allowing the shot clock to slowly drain away. If they hit a shot here with the shot clock low, and Sadeg State did the same, they would have an ideal amount of clock left to score with no time remaining for the Skyhawks to respond. Even if they missed and Sadeg State hit, they would still have ample time to tie or take the lead before the buzzer.

Thus, Stian Eriksen stood near the top of the key and a little offset, dribbling away the clock as the rest of the Sabinal State lineup looped and shuffled around, trying to create an opening and trap Sadeg State in a broken defensive arrangement. Brooklyn Beck was glued to the hip of Imre Iversen, and she felt her mind slipping into The Zone. This was it. This was the closest game Sadeg State had played in weeks, and the Final Four was on the line. Brooklyn may not need to be the hero for this game, but she certainly could not be the scapegoat.

She felt as the court movement almost started progressing in slow motion. She watched the eyes of Eriksen as she kept Iversen in her peripheral vision. She felt the urge to hesitate. She allowed her body to lose a step. Almost immediately she noticed as Eriksen shifted to his right, feeling Iversen pull loose, hoping to get the ball his way. She sprung forward, a split-second ahead of where Eriksen expected her to be. She extended her left arm as the ball came in, and poked it away.

Brooklyn felt things speed back up to normal pace as she corralled the ball in front of her. The arena burst into gasps as they saw the ball knocked away, and suddenly Brooklyn was on the fast break. She was closely pursued by Iversen and Eriksen, as both tried to pinch her away from the hoop. She wasn’t going to pull up for a shot while double teamed, but she saw Joe Rivas screaming towards the post. Brooklyn simply lobbed the ball up to where she thought Rivas would be. Joe Rivas snagged the ball right at the top of its arc, and with Sabinal State’s Sander Strand’s hand in his face, he jammed the ball down for the dunk.

“AND ONE! AND ONE!! AND ONE!!!” Elie Beck’s scream could be heard cutting through the roar of the crowd, at least in Brooklyn’s ears. She whipped her head to the opposite sideline, where her mother was emphatically jabbing her pointer finger in the air. She didn’t know what was funnier, how passionately her mom was screaming, or the bemused expression on her dad’s face.

Elie was correct. The referee whistle blew as Joe’s jam came down, and he went to the line to raise the new Skyhawk lead. Brooklyn allowed herself one more look, one more chuckle at her mom’s utterly concentrated face on the sideline. She turned to Joe at the line and locked back in. He nailed the shot, and the Skyhawks scurried back to play defense and protect their two-point lead.

Sabinal State picked up the pace for this one, obviously. If too much time fell off the clock and they didn’t score, they’d be forced to play the foul game and pray. They had to get a good shot off, and quickly. Just like the rest of the game, though, open looks were not easily forthcoming. Eventually the ball came to Bacchus Maestas, who didn’t really have a good look, but time was not on their side. He launched a shot from three, which bounced errantly off the glass and directly into the grasp of Cyan Orlando in the paint.

There were 40 seconds left. Too much time to foul for Sabinal State; the Skyhawks were up by two and you don’t want to give them the two-possession margin for free. If they could play solid defense like they had all game, they would have one last chance with the ball to tie to win it. They just had to clamp down one more time.

Cyan held the ball for a few seconds to allow both squads to reset before bouncing it over to Randall Willis to take it up the court. Randall ambled along the floor with intention. There could not be a giveaway. They had to drain the clock, they had to get a shot, preferably with points scored at the end. He brought it across halfcourt and the Skyhawks offense kicked in. Like the gears in a clock, the Sadeg State offense rotated, revolved, and clicked past each other. Randall distributed the ball out, it got passed back and forth. Brooklyn had the ball for a second before kicking it back to Joe. With ten seconds remaining on the shot clock, the ball came back to Randall. Sadeg attempted a screen, but Sabinal saw it coming and kept Randall clamped. The shot clock was waning. He knew there was no time left, and nowhere to go. Desperately, Randall looked behind him. Brooklyn was there, nobody around her, as her man was currently locked on Randall. She was probably thirty feet from the basket, but she was alone. Out of options, Randall simply fired the ball out to her.

Brooklyn wasn’t expecting the ball, but her hands went out to grasp it automatically. She knew she was too far out for a good shot, but her internal timing told her there was no time left on the shot clock to take any further steps. Her mind should’ve raced at a million miles per hour, thinking about the significance of the moment, how she should’ve positioned a little closer, how taking this shot was a little stupid, how she shouldn’t even be here in the first place. Instead, The Zone quieted everything. All her mind could go was focus on the mechanics. Receive the ball. Bounce it once to reset. Pull up. Fire away.

The shot clock buzzed. The crowd sucked in air. The ball spun towards the hoop. It banked off the glass and buried itself in the net. Three.

The arena exploded into noise. Brooklyn was too stunned to put any flair in her follow through, so she just pumped her fist as the shot came down. In vain, Sabinal State’s coach called their final timeout, but it would be too late. 11.4 seconds remained on the clock, and now the Skyhawks led by 5. The dagger had struck true. Barring a collapse of unimaginable magnitude, Sadeg State was heading back to Drawkland with their hopes alive.

The Skyhawks converged around Brooklyn as they headed towards their sideline to discuss the defensive gameplan for the final dozen seconds. Brooklyn sneaked a look at her mom across the court. She was standing with her hands over her mouth. Were those tears? She didn’t have time to think about it, as Coach Pope immediately launched into a quick sentence of commendation for locking down the final minute, followed by three rapid-fire paragraphs of strategy for ensuring the game wasn’t blown.

Thankfully for the Drawkian fans, Sabinal State’s last shot whiffed, and Sadeg State was officially heading back to the Final Four for the third time. There would be time to stress about all that later. For now, it was time for the Becks and the Skyhawks to celebrate 33-0.

by **Cardenao** » Mon Apr 29, 2024 6:16 pm

Alexandria University Does It Again; Downs Ducentu 77-74, Advance to Final Four Against Costa Alto Military Academy

Click here to listen to the radio call for the last minutes between Alexandria University and Ducentu State University, an instant classic!

by **Chromatika** » Mon Apr 29, 2024 9:23 pm

NSCAA 15 - Ultra 64

It's time to see who makes it to the Championship. Cutoff.

by **Cardenao** » Wed May 01, 2024 7:28 pm

IT’S THE FINAL, ALEXANDRIA UNIVERSITY REPRESENTS CARDENAO IN FIRST FINAL APPERANCE

Well here they are against all the odds, the Alexandria University Swordsmen are in the college basketball final. It has been a rollercoaster of a season for Alexandria as they’ve gone from a preseason tournament 3rd place finish to, at their lowest, a ninth place position in their conference before finishing in fifth and narrowly losing the conference championship tournament. Here they are now though, the opposite of Sadeg State University, who have enjoyed a undefeated season…to this point. Read on for a preview of the Alexandria University team, and Biiiiiiiig Ronnie Ray Mac’s game preview!

PG: D’Angelo Fox, Hyper Athletic Playmaker, Sophomore

What a season it’s been from 6’2 point guard D’Angelo Fox. The sophomore has exploded onto the scene after a quiet freshman year, racking up 16.9 points to go with his 8.2 assists per game off the back of his incredible athleticism and ability to drive to the basket and react to how the defense covers him. While he’s certainly a reliable option beyond the three, hitting just over 40% of his attempts, D’Angelo’s main strength comes from using his second to none combination of speed and agility to break into the paint, forcing the defense to collapse before either passing out of a jump or using his athleticism to earn a pair of free throws. Everything flows through Fox, he’s the lynchpin for the Swordsman's offense.

SG: Mac Zollinger, 3-and-D, Senior

Somehow the Mac Zollinger hype has both died down and reached unforseen levels since the preseason. Entering the NSCAA season, the senior shooting guard had earned a reputation as a knockdown shooter who excelled at creating his own opportunities off the dribble, and he loved to take a heatcheck attempt from 3, but this season has seen a new Zollinger take the court. Gone is the selfish big-3 hunter, now arrived is a patient senior who understands the value of going through the play so he can get open to finally splash a shot without a hand in his face. It’s been a pleasant surprise to see Big Mac find his best fit as a catch and shooter on offense while using his agility and stamina to emerge as an elite lockdown defender. He will be tasked with shutting down Sadeg’s Randall Willis while also needing to hit his open 3s.

SF: Alejandro Liulia, All-Around, Junior

Alejandro Liulia might be the most overlooked player on Alexandria University’s roster, the 6’9 small forward might not be the best in any specific aspect of the game, but damn if he isn’t pretty good at all of it. You can trust Liulia to hit most of his shots, he’s reliable from close range and fairly dependable from behind the arc. He’s a decent enough dribbler who can handle on-ball pressure and the lad’s a solid defender on the other side of the ball. In his own way, Alejandro Liulia might have a key role to play in the championship game as he will need to be the perfect teammate, the perfect glueman to hold their whole gameplan together.

PF: Troy Vazquez, 3-level Scorer, Senior-hit the buzzer beating 3 vs Costa Alto

Troyyyyyy Vazquez. With his buzzer beating half-court heave against the Ducentu State Eagles, Troy secured his place in Alexandria history. The senior powerfoward is probably still riding a high from that shot and we’ll be hoping his level of play reflects it in the final. The big man has proven his ability to find the net across all three scoring levels, he’s comfortable slinging it from behind the arc, he’s got great touch from mid-range, and he’s near automatic next to the hoop. He has physically struggled when matched up against a bigger, stronger player, so that does raise some concerns as he faces off against yet another Drawkian school. Despite those concerns, the record doesn’t lie as Alexandria has put each of those schools to the sword.

C: Tom Parliamance, Defensive Anchor, Junior

For Alexandria University’s defense, everything revolves around Tom Parliamance and his ability to command the unit. Tall and strong at 7’1, Tom is a defensive expert who knows how to coordinate his teammates and adapt to the opponent’s game plan. He’s got the height and large arms to shut down attempts at the rim but he’s also fairly agile for being such a big lad, so he can hang with guards too if he gets switched on to them, but what makes him so good is how he calls out his teammates and directs them where to go and it seems to always work. Tom Parliamance is a defensive savant and Alexandria University will need him to be at his best to shut down center #22 Remus Gervais and 8’3 star forward Joe Rivas.

Tune in to listen to Big Ronnie Ray Mac preview the NSCAA Ultra 64 Final!

And here are the stars of another aspect of Cardenaon collegiate sports, it’s the former LeBois Santura football stars Bobby Dials and Alabaster Red.

It seems they’ve got great courtside seats, perfect to cheer on a fellow Cardenaoan college as Alexandria University reaches the final stage that Big Red and Bobby D couldn’t quite get to.

Looks like the two of them are engaged in a deep conversation, showing each other their phones and really in an animated discussion. Man, you could only hope to be behind them, listening to the conversation between the surefire #1 and #2 picks in the upcoming Cardenaoan Football League draft…

“Bobby!!!! Check your email my man!”

“Why what’s going on?”

“Awwwhhhhh I think we just got our combine results back Bobz, I’m pulling up my numbers right now man come check this out while yours loads up!”

To: Alabaster Red
From: Cardenao Football League Pre-Draft Committee
Subject: Official Combine Results

Dear Alabaster Red,

Congratulations on completing the pre-draft process to become eligible for selection in the upcoming Cardenao Football League Draft. Enclosed you will find the official results of your performance across the various events. Good luck, and we wish you the best during this process.

-Cardenao Football League Pre-Draft Committee

“Damn Big Red…those are some solid numbers man. 38 on the wonderlic??? Shit this whole time I thought you had bird brains between your ears, looks like there’s a good reason why you killed it in college football play.”

“Hey there’s a reason why I got the green dot boss, anyone can hit, well no-one can hit like I do, and definitely no-one can tackle AND set up the defense like I do. That’s a FACT.”

Bobby: “For sure, for sure. But that sub 4.5 40-yard dash time? Yeahhhhh I don’t know about that man. You’re quick, don't get me wrong, but that’s QUICK QUICK and I always seem to scramble away from you so I don’t know about all that.”

“Yeah yeah enough of that shit, check that 3 cone, that vert, dog I put up 31 reps of 225lbs, I knew I was elite, I played like I was elite, now I got the numbers to show that I’m fucking elite…shitfire I’m feeling HOT!”

“Shit Big Red, can’t argue with you there man. Listen man, looking at your stats, at your combine results, and everything you’ve done, why I feel pretty confident naming you as easily[/i], without a [b]single doubt……the consensus second overall pick, right behind Bobbbbbby DIALS!!!”

“You’re a son of a bitch Bobby, you know that right?”

“Yeah yeah love you man, look what we did together.”

“Yeah I love you…right up until I’m lining up across from you.”

“Gotta catch me first baby, good luck with that.”

Ping!

“Oh shit let’s go, I think I got my combine results back!”

by **Drawkland** » Wed May 01, 2024 8:53 pm

NSCAA 15: CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW
Written By: Chris Angeline and Hannah Brent

The wait is over for fans of elite college basketball. Here in Drawkland, we must wait several years between editions of the NSCAA, the showcase of the best talent that college basketball has to offer. We receive a smorgasbord of content throughout the conference stage, watching as teams forge a legacy in a tournament that you don't see very often compared to other international competitions. Tensions mount in the conference tournaments, as teams make their last-ditch efforts to make the final tournament. We finally receive your average domestic college championship knockout tournament, but on steroids. The best of the best, fighting for supremacy, knowing that this is their only shot with that core. It's like one distills the very essence of what makes college basketball great, and magnifies it.

Now we sit right before the climax. 140 teams whittled down to 2. The dreams of 138 teams and fanbases crushed, with only a pair remaining. 40 minutes separate these teams from either greatness or almost-good-enoughness. Of course, if you've been paying attention to the NSCAA season thus far, you're likely already aware of the storylines involving the two finalist teams who will do battle tomorrow night. Alexandria University out of Cardenao, not the best among their entry going into the season, but with the ability to slay the #1 seed Ducentu State University three times in the same season. Sadeg State University of Drawkland, one of our blue blood basketball schools, currently undefeated at 34-0 going into the final.

Once Sadeg State finished the Salamantica Conference regular season with zero losses, the narrative regarding their potential undefeated season really took off. It's magnified by the fact that Sadeg State went 31-1 in Drawkland's debut cycle, NSCAA 7. Those Skyhawks went undefeated until the very last game, the championship against the University of Cenial. While they made up for it with a title win in NSCAA 10, the failed chance at an impossible undefeated season still haunts Sadeg fandom to this day. Now, there's finally a chance to right that wrong.

How impressive would that undefeated feat really be, though? Before we take a look at each contender in the championship, let's dive into the best teams in NSCAA history, at least by raw win count.

MOST WINS IN NSCAA HISTORY

Name, Nation, Edition, Games Played, Total Wins, Total Losses, Conference Regular Season Wins, Final Result

Team                 NAT  Edition#  GP  TW  TL  CW  Result
Cavsar               DRK  NSCAA 13  39  37   2  29  Final Four Loss
Moravica             BNJ  NSCAA 14  40  36   4  27  Championship Win
Hondo                VAL  NSCAA 12  40  36   4  26  Championship Win
Tundra Falls         NEW  NSCAA  9  37  35   2  29  Elite Eight Loss
Hangaza Tech         BNJ  NSCAA 14  38  35   3  28  Elite Eight Loss
Kitara               BNJ  NSCAA 14  39  35   4  27  Final Four Loss
Sadeg State *        DRK  NSCAA 15  34  34   0  26  [pending]
Frostvale I.T.       STK  NSCAA 11  35  34   1  28  Elite Eight Loss
Saugeais-Metalton    SAU  NSCAA  4  36  34   2  25  Championship Win
Rutland              CDG  NSCAA  9  36  34   2  29  Second Round Loss
Sadeg State          DRK  NSCAA 10  37  34   3  25  Championship Win
Moravica             BNJ  NSCAA 11  37  34   3  27  Championship Loss
Loyola-Istria        BNJ  NSCAA 14  37  34   3  26  Final Four Loss
Moravica             BNJ  NSCAA 13  38  34   3  29  Elite Eight Loss
Everlin              VAL  NSCAA 12  38  34   4  27  Final Four Loss
Drawk Corps          DRK  NSCAA  9  38  34   4  27  Elite Eight Loss
Ceni                 CEN  NSCAA  9  35  33   2  29  Second Round Loss
Star and Crescent    BNJ  NSCAA 13  35  33   2  29  First Round Loss
Ciudad Sangti        TRB  NSCAA  6  37  33   2  28  Elite Eight Loss
Penske               NCS  NSCAA 14  37  33   4  28  Sweet Sixteen Loss
Elmanden District    DRK  NSCAA 13  37  33   4  27  Sweet Sixteen Loss
Cavsar               DRK  NSCAA 12  40  33   7  25  Championship Loss
Farrer               QUE  NSCAA  9  40  33   7  24  Championship Loss

Sorted by Total Wins, Total Losses, Final Result, then Conference Wins

Win or lose, this Sadeg State season will be historic for several reasons. When you think of the "best" teams in past years, you think about the ones that won a lot of games and lost very few. In order to highlight the best seasons of all time, we'll look at the teams best at getting wins, and the teams best at avoiding losses. There's surprisingly little overlap between these teams, hence why both lists are included. You can see this edition's Sadeg State marked with the * for comparison.

This year's Sadeg State team will not be able to eclipse the total win total, thanks to larger group stages in recent editions resulting in multiple teams getting to the 35 win mark. The first list is mostly skewed towards editions with longer conference stages obviously, but every team to break the 33 win mark is listed here. In the same vein as the first table, the second list shows that teams from the early editions of the NSCAA had a better time collecting few losses, since there were fewer games. All teams suffering less than 3 losses are on this list, besides the editions with no conference stages, which only feature the champions.

There was a reasonably long hiatus between NSCAA 6 and NSCAA 7, which also serves as a helpful watershed between the more antiquated version of the tournament and the modern formats we expect to see today. NSCAA 1 and 2 featured no conferences, just a single bracket, so those teams had no chance of acquiring large win totals. NSCAA 5 did have conferences, but they just ran 4-round tournaments as a form of initial seeding. Even in editions 3, 4, and 6, where long conference stages were utilized, few teams were dominant like we'd expect to see today. Only Saugeais-Metalton and Ciudad Sangti managed to crack the 33 win mark from these early editions.

With existent but smaller conference stages in 7 and 8, NSCAA 9 is where we really saw the boom of 30-matchday conference seasons and teams that could actually reliably win 26 or more games in that span. A lot of the teams appearing on this list are volume merchants, especially Cavsar and Farrer Universities, who grinded 33 wins out of 40 games thanks to a losing championship game appearance each. Moravica appears on this list 3 times, with Sadeg State and Cavsar the other multi-time schools to break the 33 win mark at 2 apiece.

The biggest peak came in NSCAA 14, where three teams had 35 or more wins. This is especially interesting, as two of them (Hangaza Tech and Kitara) met in the Elite Eight. Kitara ended Hangaza Tech's run at 35 wins, collecting their own 35th in the process (only to lose in the next round to The Legacy Institute). Both pale in comparison to University of Moravica. Despite taking 3 losses in the regular season, the Golden Bears went 9-1 in the last 10 games of the year (the various tournaments), culminating in their third Ultra 64 championship game appearance and first title win. That blueprint came from the University of Hondo, who had a similar postseason in NSCAA 12.

Though nobody was paying attention at the time, the most impressive run came in NSCAA 13. Cavsar University followed up their breakout edition with another impressive feat: capturing the most one-edition wins in NSCAA history. The Gladiators went 29-1 in the Shango Conference and won that tournament including a round of 16 win, then proceeded to win into the Final Four and lose to the eventual runners-up in Ducentu State. That equated to 37 wins, a mark which is unlikely to be broken anytime soon.

NSCAA 6 Saugeais-Metalton held the record at 34 wins for a long time, not being beaten until Tundra Falls grabbed 35 wins in NSCAA 9. It was another three cycles until Hondo came and broke that record in NSCAA 12, their championship win netting them 36 wins, but Cavsar outshined that just one cycle afterwards. Theoretically it's possible to grab 38 or 39 wins, but a team would likely have to be undefeated to make it happen. Speaking of undefeated teams ...

FEWEST LOSSES IN NSCAA HISTORY

Name, Nation, Edition, Games Played, Total Wins, Total Losses, Conference Regular Season Wins, Final Result

Team                 NAT  Edition#  GP  TW  TL  CW  Result
Sadeg State *        DRK  NSCAA 15  26  34   0  26  [pending]
Concord Heights      CDG  NSCAA  5  10  10   0   4  Championship Win
Eastern Darnai       NEW  NSCAA  2   6   6   0  --  Championship Win
Joe Gibbs            SRZ  NSCAA  1   6   6   0  --  Championship Win
Frostvale I.T.       STK  NSCAA 11  35  34   1  28  Elite Eight Loss
Sadeg State          DRK  NSCAA  7  31  30   1  22  Championship Loss
Cavsar               DRK  NSCAA 13  39  37   2  29  Final Four Loss
Saugeais-Metalton    SAU  NSCAA  4  36  34   2  25  Championship Win
Tundra Falls         NEW  NSCAA  9  37  35   2  29  Elite Eight Loss
Rutland              CDG  NSCAA  9  36  34   2  29  Second Round Loss
Ciudad Sangti        TRB  NSCAA  6  37  33   2  28  Elite Eight Loss
Ceni                 CEN  NSCAA  9  35  33   2  29  Second Round Loss
Star and Crescent    BNJ  NSCAA 13  35  33   2  29  First Round Loss
Ducentu State        DRK  NSCAA 10  35  32   2  27  Elite Eight Loss
South Union          STK  NSCAA 11  34  32   2  27  Sweet Sixteen Loss
Elmanden District    DRK  NSCAA  8  31  29   2  21  Championship Win
Corinth City         DRK  NSCAA  7  30  28   2  21  Final Four Loss
Endemian Whitehaven  CEN  NSCAA  8  27  25   2  21  Second Round Loss
Arten Eastern        FND  NSCAA  7  27  25   2  21  Second Round Loss
Pur State            CMT  NSCAA  7  27  25   2  19  Elite Eight Loss

Sorted by Total Losses, Total Wins, Games Played, Final Result

As aforementioned, the only teams that finished the NSCAA season with zero losses were ones that didn't have to play a regular season prior to the actual Ultra 64 tournament. Joe Gibbs and Eastern Darnai braved the early chaos of the competition, and were eventually one-upped by Concord Heights, who did play 4 games of a conference tournament before their actual tournament win, bringing their mark to 10-0.

There's a larger amount of schools that didn't go deep on this list. Amazing regular seasons cut down by early-round upsets in the Ultra 64, like NSCAA 9's University of Ceni and Rutland College. NSCAA 13's Banijan Star and Crescent is the only team on either list that was eliminated in the first round.

We couldn't go this whole segment without mentioning the almost-undefeated teams that had their dreams slashed in the later rounds. Sadeg State's NSCAA 7 squad we know of well, having aced their 22-game group stage and gone undefeated until the final game, the most important hurdle. Their 30-1 is in a similar tier to the 34-1 of the Frostvale Institute of Technology out of Saint Kanye. That NSCAA 11 cycle featured a 28-game conference stage which FIT handled without issue. Their conference tournament featured lots of byes, and they lost in huge Elite Eight upset, resigning them to a 34-win total. Had FIT managed to win out, their 37-0 undefeated mark would stand alone as the best season in NSCAA history.

Another interesting thing to note: despite being the nation with the most 33+ win seasons, University of Moravica does not appear on this second list. The Golden Bears have never lost fewer that 3 games in a season. Sadeg State appears twice on both lists: this season on both, the NSCAA 10 championship win on the most wins, and NSCAA 7 near-undefeated run in the fewer losses.

If we had to rank the greatest seasons in NSCAA history just by win production, this is how we'd go:

1. NSCAA 4 University of Saugeais-Metalton (SAU) 34-2 (Champions)
2. NSCAA 14 University of Moravica (BNJ) 36-4 (Champions)
3. NSCAA 12 University of Hondo (VAL) 36-4 (Champions)
4. NSCAA 11 Frostvale Institute of Technology (STK) 34-1
5. NSCAA 7 Sadeg State University (DRK) 30-1
6. NSCAA 13 Cavsar University (DRK) 37-2

This edition's Sadeg State will join this list, but where exactly it lands depends heavily on the results of the championship game, if you could imagine that. Speaking of the NSCAA 15 championship game ...

ALEXANDRIA
Back on the actual topic of this article. It's not exactly a cinderella story for Alexandria University out of Cardenao, but few expected them to be this deep in the tournament from the beginning. Perhaps pundits should've taken their two wins over Ducentu State in the conference stage more seriously, showing that even if the Swordsmen couldn't win a lot of games in the regular season, they have some balls when going against tough teams in must-win games. Their loss to Sabinal State in the Calania Conference final may have been part of the reason that Alexandria was underrated going in.

Their tournament didn't start very convincingly, needing a buzzer-beating shot in the first round to get past College of Portside, but a mega rebound came in their game Uniwersytet Nowa Kalanianska where they won by almost 40 points, breaking the century mark in the process. Their chalk matchup against South Caddonia was one of the closest-fought by a seeding standpoint, and Alexandria pulled away late to secure their spot in the Elite Eight.

Then came their match against Ducentu State. Alexandria had beaten Ducentu State twice already, so surely the Eagles would've figured out an answer by now, right? This was the first game of the tournament that Alexandria would be the underdog, thanks to upsets further up the bracket keeping their matchups easier. Against the #1 seed, surely the cracks would form? No dice. The Swordsmen played an on-fire Eagles squad led by Basil Thorne and broke their hearts. Troy Vazquez's buzzer-beating shot may go down as one of the greatest in NSCAA Ultra 64 history.

In a friendly fire Final Four, Alexandria laid the heat on Costa Alto Military Academy, accruing a 20-point margin of victory by the final buzzer. The Swordsmen have officially heated up, and it's coming at exactly the right time. If you're going to beat a team that hasn't been beaten before, you need to be firing on all cylinders, offensively and defensively. Right now, Alexandria has that magic about them ... but do they have enough for one more amazing performance?

SADEG STATE
It's not going to be easy. Sadeg State University stands on the brink of setting new records: maybe the first real undefeated season in history, perhaps the first individual school to win multiple NSCAA titles. By making this championship game, Sadeg State is once again even with the University of Moravica for most NSCAA championship game appearances at three apiece. The pressure is all on the Skyhawks here. They have to make this happen. Failure now would be incomprehensible ... but it has happened before.

Even with the expectations, this team is still on fire. Every win in the Ultra 64, besides the tight Elite Eight match against Sabinal State, has been by double digits. The Skyhawks aren't just scraping by, they're dominating in all facets of the game. Out of the 34 games that Sadeg State has played, only 8 of them were won by less than double digits. Over 75% of their wins this season have been by the blowout ... but that could make them more vulnerable.

When it comes to beating Sadeg State, you have to think more about their team chemistry and gameplan. As far as roster construction goes, it's impossible to find a true weak point.

There's a lot of upperclassmen on this squad, and with that comes a plethora of experience. Keri Gibbs, Joe Rivas, and Linda Canne all played in NSCAA 14, though that wasn't exactly a great season for Drawkian teams. They've been leading the team both literally and statistically, with a majority of the team's 2000+ coming from that trio. Joe Rivas in particular has been vicious in the midrange and paint down the stretch, so expect a lot of the scoring to route through him in this championship. Randall Willis is the youngest member of the starting line, and for good reason. The sophomore point guard is an excellent passer and deadly from beyond the arc. Willis has struggled through the last couple games, but if he gets hot from three, it could be curtains.

Like we said, pretty much every member of the bench is solid too. Cyan Orlando has been the sixth woman for this squad, and her average PPG lines up easily among the starters. Her versatile approach allows her to play whatever position the team needs, which helps even more for spreading out minutes and keeping the starting line fresh. Gordon Chaplain and Tyla Alessi have also been strong in backup roles, scoring when they have open opportunities and playing sound defense. Novatim Mac Fernandez has been used sparingly, but his huge frame has given him some good playing time for defensive reasons. Then there's Brooklyn Beck, who is essentially the varsity athlete version of a Make-A-Wish kid. The fact that she's even playing in this tournament is bizarre, but she's hit some big shots in the tournament so maybe Aldus Pope isn't a complete hack.

The team has been playing great on all sides of the ball for the entire season. Now they just need one more excellent performance to lock up what could be the greatest season ever.

PREVIEW
For all their success this season, Sadeg State has rarely had to play from behind. In the early going of some games, State have fallen into a deficit, but they always make it a tight game by the second half. The Skyhawk roster has excellent depth, a bench full of good scorers who play reliable defense. Most teams run out of gas as the game goes on, but the Skyhawks stay strong and pull away late. The Elite Eight game against Sabinal State was the first time all season that Sadeg State was trailing with less than 2 minutes left on the clock. They clutched up and got the victory, but that was the only real brush with death the Skyhawks have experienced so far.

Alexandria has a good starting line, but their bench is basically non-existent. A bunch of no-names, as far as anybody's concerned. If the Swordsmen are going to win this game, they have to get up big and early. Expect to see the Swordsmen try to ambush early, get as many points on the board as possible, and aggressively disrupt the Skyhawk attack. Sadeg State may have great depth, but it's hard to utilize your bench pieces when you're down and running out of time. By getting out to an early lead, Alexandria could coast through the middle of the game and save enough energy to put things away for good late in the second half. This isn't the only way Alexandria can win, but it seems to be the most plausible scenario.

The Swordsmen could easily beat the Skyhawks in a back-in-forth game as well. Sadeg State was a couple lucky plays away from losing to Sabinal State in the Elite Eight, maybe Alexandria could finish the game the way their conference rivals couldn't. If Sadeg State pulls away late, though, forget it. With the depth at their disposal, excellent shooting accuracy, and quality defense, it will be a wrap for Alexandria. You can't ignore the possibility of an Alexandria comeback, but you might not want to bet on it.

The only common game between Sadeg State and Alexandria is that of Sabinal State. As aforementioned, the Skyhawks won 65-60 over the Vanorian outfit in an earlier rounds. Alexandria played Sabinal State thrice in the Calania Conference season, with a 2-1 record in Sabinal State's favor. The teams exchanged single-digit home losses in the regular season, but Sabinal State came away victorious in the conference championship, winning by a series-high 7 points in that game. It's not as easy as the transitive property would make it seem (Sadeg State beats Sabinal State who beats Alexandria, so Sadeg State beats Alexandria), but the fact that Sadeg State handled a close-fought game against Sabinal State implies they could do the same against Alexandria, who had a hard time beating Sabinal State in similar scenarios.

With the raw talent disparity between these teams, this feels like the makings of a championship game blowout. It's happened before: NSCAA 12's championship saw Cavsar lose by almost 30 points to Hondo. This was also played at Millennium Arena, where this championship game is to be held. With all the gigantic home crowd cheering them on, Cavsar couldn't get the job done. To be fair, they were playing in way over their heads, as opposed to this much better-put-together Skyhawk team. That's what you'll hear if you take a stroll around Sadeg right now, at least.

Many NSCAA championship games have been close, testy affairs. Low final scores due to tough defense and jittery offense have happened a lot. Sadeg State has only scored less than 70 points twice this season. If this game gets rough and shooters can't find their rhythm, will the Skyhawks survive? Now, say the opposite happens. Would Alexandria be able to make it to the finish line in an exhausting, high-scoring slugfest?

Either way, it's nearly game time. We're all hyped to see this conclusion to the NSCAA season ... let's just hope it's a good one.

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