We’ve passed the half-way mark of our regular season. The good weather has been a blessing indeed. This season is progressing much faster than last year’s “Wet Season,” much too fast for your MannofStat. I’ll hate when this season comes to a close. But, I’ll definitely find comfort in knowing that the monumental statement death row b-ball is making will be like the timeless lyricism in Tupac Shukur’s music. It will be a hot topic for generations to come. Feel me?
For the second time this season, the 7-1 Gatlins faced the 2-5 Ruffnex. The last time these two teams met, it resulted in a 61-56 Gatlins win. A tight game, no doubt. The first half of this one resembled their first meeting. Gatlins led at the break 29-28, but Phillip “Lil Magic” Davis brought the heat coming out of the recess. He scored 9 of the Gatlins’ first 11 points of the 2nd half. He finished with a healthy line; 22 points, (3/4 from the stripe), 9 rebounds, 6 dimes and 5 thefts.
Martin “Heart-N-Soul” Richardson surpassed his own b-ball brilliance by tallying 10 thefts, a career high, and one better than his previous record of 9. His total contributions were, 22 points, (8/10 from the stripe), 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 10 thefts. As a team, Gatlins recorded 18 thefts, 15 between Lil Magic and Heart-N-Soul. Without a doubt, death row’s version of HBO and Showtime featured the blockbuster, “The Prince of Thieves” at this morning’s Humidity session. Ya heard?
The Gatlins won this one 64-48, but the Ruffnex got mass production from the explosive combination of “TNT.” Eddie “E-Smoove” Taylor produced his 3rd double/double of the season. He finished with 22 points, 12 boards, 3 assists and 4 swats. In two games against the Gatlins, he’s averaging 26 points, 13.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 3.1 blocks. The second half of this explosive duo, Rodney “Bucktown” Taylor recorded his 3rd double/double of the season as well. Today’s 11 points, 10 boards, 2 assists, 2 steals and 4 swats, gives him season averages of 13 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.5 blocks.
Game 2 saw team Elixir produce their 2nd win of the season. They were without their 1st team All-World selection Jeremy “J-Rock” Murrell. He’s still recovering from the eye injury he suffered in last week’s “Fuego” session. Compensating for the loss of his 19.1 points per game average would be a challenge, but Chris “Bigg Dogg” Gregory was up to the task.
The BiggDogg stepped off the porch to contribute 17 points, (13 in the 1st half), 6 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals, but the x-factor for team Elixir turned out to be James “Jimmy-Jam” Morgan. He finished the day with a season high 16 points (2 treys and 2/3 from the stripe). He also contributed 4 rebounds and 1 assist. David “Bo” Williams finished with 12 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals and 2 blocks. Paul “Lil Bison” Cummings came through with 11 points and 1 steal to cap a 61-58 Elixir victory.
The stats say The Realest should’ve won this game. They outrebounded team Elixir 53-26 (3 players with double digit rebounds). James “Silk Money” Little, III tallied 22 points (16 in the 1st half), 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal and 1 block. Warren “Pitt Bull” Gregory produced his first double/double of the year with 12 points (2/2 from the stripe), 12 boards and 1 assist. Shawn “The General” Bonnett finished with 10 points, 13 boards (a career best), 4 assists, 1 steal and 1 block. Elrico “Concrete” Fowler contributed 8 points (4/6 from the stripe), 13 boards, 1 assist and 1 block.
The Realest led 37-36 at the half. Team Elixir was grasping onto a 55-54 lead with 1:42 to play, but frustration caused a momentum shift in favor of team Elixir. Obviously team Elixir had the antidote for the absence of J-Rock, but they will need him if they plan on improving to 3-5 when they face 2-5, team Ruffnex. The last time they met, it resulted in the Ruffnex winning by forfeit. I can feel the Heat already. Na mean?
Catch me at the table b-ballers. I’m out lie Glenn Chapman.
One,
MannofStat
Copyright © 2010 by Leroy Elwood Mann
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