Curtis J. Phillips (2-1) holds off The Dawgs (1-2) 45-42

There has been one constant in the Lawrence Parks and Rec's Division Four Men's Basketball League, over the past two years, which has been team Curtis J. Phillips and The Dawgs. For both teams are the only two teams who have played in every league session and have won a combined 4 out of the 6 completed league championships. Tonight the two teams met yet again with their championship aspirations on the line as both teams came into the game at 1-1. From the opening possession it was clear that The Dawgs were going to slow this game down and make it a game of patience and precision. This was personified by a half time score in which neither team had scored more than 21 points. In the second half, the pace no different but CJP's zone defense eliminated The Dawgs superior post play and forced them into an outside shooting team. That along with several quick hitting plays led by Chris Wallace, Jim Hammen, Matt Donnelly, and most notably the five consecutive points by James Lawrence with just under four minutes to play provided CJP with breathing room late in the game. For CJP found themselves up by seven with two minutes to play but then Dawgs started to do what they always due against CJP. They began fouling CJP every possession, sending CJP to the line, where once again CJP struggled to connect. As CJP missed out on several opportunities to close the game, The Dawgs found themselves with a chance to tie with six second to go. On the final play The Dawgs found their star player in Big Mike but he was immediately met by two defenders and passed it off as time expired. Thus team Curtis J. Phillips league championship hopes are still alive.


Quotes

"The Dawgs put up a fight but CJP prevailed by using zone defense as the Center was out. Shooting wasn't as on as previous outings although we found a way to get the ball in the hole. Free throws nearly plagued us but we found a way to win. Great work guys!" CJP guard Chris Wallace

"I thought we really made them work against the zone and did a great job of making it difficult for their bigs while also still contesting their outside shooters. It always feels great to beat the Dawgs." CJP guard James Lawrence

"Well, we almost had another late game meltdown but thanks to James "Lights Out" Lawrence's scoring spree we survived The Dawgs comeback attempt. And as much I don't like playing zone defense, it worked well for us tonight as it kept Big Mike and the Dawgs' other big man in check." CJP forward Daniel Sondreal

Game Notes

CJP center Charles Morris missed his second consecutive game, this time due to illness. CJP center Josh Lawrence missed yet another game due to travel. CJP is now 3-4 all-time versus The Dawgs.