Recap

Plenty of stories going into, and coming out of this one. First, could the Bros. get off the schnide and get a W? Would Cole cash in on his prediction of “30…easy” on Ford? Who would the crowd be behind with Grinders villains on both sides? Well, we got answers. The Eskimos snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. Cole blew donkey balls and scored 6 points. Lastly, the crowd cheered on the Eskimos, choosing Ford over Cole (for shame people, for shame).

The game itself was pretty good. The Long Con may have made a coaching error right out of the gate by playing a soft zone, allowing the Bros to find a rhythm and get some easy looks. They jumped out to a lead early, a lead they would not relinquish until late in the second half. Worm (19pts, (5) 3”s) was hitting from the top of the key over the top of the zone, and ball movement got them some mid-range easy looks. The Bros led 27-21 at half and had dreams of “Upset City Baby!” #dickiev.

Luckily for the Long Con Jimmy “Big D” Zietz went full “A.I.” mode and got to the bucket over and over again. No one from the Bros could do anything with him. Jimmy dropped 33 points on an astounding 16/22. At certain points the Bros were just straight doubling him……and still getting nut busted all over their faces (which they happily shared with each other).

The Long Con went man in the second half and the Eskimos responded by going to the block on Captain E with Mike “I got a smaller guy on me. It”s time to go to work.” Ford (19/10) and Joe “I whisper fouls and violations” Marie (17/7). They played old school 90”s basketball and spaced the block effectively. Things got a little chippy in the second half and the physicality picked up…..which brings me to the play that may forever be dubbed “The Spear of Destiny.” Eskimo was up 3, the shot clock was off, and all they had to do was run out the clock. Instead they passed….and passed…and passed. Eventually Worm threw a quail through the air near midcourt. Boccio went for it. Old Man Jon went for it. There was a collision. Jon stood over Boccio like the school bully…..or Terry Tate office linebacker. The ball bounced right to E who nailed a 3 at the buzzer, right in Mike “I already punched outta work” Ford”s face. BANG! OT!

OT wasn”t quite as much fun as regulation. E banked in a 3. Worm responded by blooding in a 3 of his own. Jimmy continued to be unstoppable. The game was decided though when Helmet went all Ray Allen and buried a jumper from the corner just before the buzzer. Ballgame. Eskimo Bros still cum swapping….and winless.