Game 2, Marlboro at Rip City

[ezchen]

Marlboro's plan all along was to conserve KD's minutes and only play him if necessary.  It worked well in game 1 when his services were not needed, but in game 2, Marlboro finds itself down 9 with a little over 7 minutes left in the game.  Coach 'Z' double-teamed Kawai a lot in this game, so Marlboro figures KD could help score some points.  The plan worked, as KD rallied Marlboro to within 3 points with 1:04 left.  He then gets fouled on the next possession but ends up missing 1 FT -- Marlboro trails 109-111 with 54 seconds left.  The Matrix begin to intentionally foul.  Fast forward: Rip City has a 6-point lead with 41 seconds left.  Kawai hits a trey, and Marlboro immediately fouls White who makes his FTs to extend Rip's lead to 5 with 30 seconds left.  Kawai then hits another trey to cut the lead to 2 with 21 seconds left.  Harris fouls Gobert, who misses BOTH FTs!  Marlboro has a chance to win or tie with the last possession (18 secs left).  Rubio fouls Dejounte Murray with 14 seconds left.  Murray hits both FTs to tie the game at 117 apiece.  Marlboro puts its best defensive players in the game.  Rip gives the ball to Gobert, who drives to the hoop and is fouled by Murray on a very questionable call...  This time Gobert hits both free throws and Vucevic heaves a desperation shot with 4 seconds left that clangs off the front of the rim, and Rip City holds on for the win.  Despite being double-teamed for most of the game, Kawai leads all scorers with 43, while D. White leads Rip with 22.

Series is now tied 1-1.  

Doug, I will send out my game plan for game 3 later in the day.