Crazy endings cap off the weekend for The Basketball Tournament

After Saturday’s tougher than expected game, Boeheim’s Army took the court on Sunday hoping to rebound from their sluggish start. Upstart Talladega Knights were looking to continue their run to the quarterfinals while local favorite Gaelnation (former Iona players) were looking to advance as well. Here are takeaways from Sunday’s TBT Round 2 games at the Steinberg Wellness Center on the campus of LIU-Brooklyn.

A Cinderella Story

There is a good story coming from The Basketball Tournament, and they are called the Talladega Knights. After a winning a play-in game on Friday, the Knights knocked out number two seed HBC Sicklerville on Saturday. Sunday saw the Cinderella story continue after they defeated the seven seeded Team Arkansas to advance to the Super 16.

In all of their wins in Brooklyn, there was a different player that stepped up. Saturday saw Franz Massenat lead the team in scoring. Sunday saw Novar Gadson score 30 points in the win. Heading into their matchup against the Golden Eagles in Atlanta, there is no doubt that they could pull more upsets and advance. Similar to the NCAA Tournament, the Talladega Knights are having their one shining moment.

Boeheim’s Army Survives and Advances

In the final game of the day, Boeheim’s Army (Syracuse alums) defeated Team Fancy to advance in The Basketball Tournament. John Gillon led a late Army charge to hold off Fancy who was looking for the upset.

Boeheim’s Army had another tough game Sunday which could cause one of two things. Either it toughens them up for the Super 16 in Atlanta for tougher teams. On the other hand, these games could have tired them out, leaving them with nothing for their game against Armored Athlete. Time will tell, but they played good basketball in Brooklyn. Just ask the crowd of Syracuse fans in the stands at LIU-Brooklyn.

The Elam Ending Works

Have I mentioned that I am a fan of the Elam Ending? Sunday’s second game between Gaelnation and Armored Athlete was the perfect example of how this unique idea works.

Armored Athlete was ahead 68-62 when the transition occurred, meaning the target score was 75 (click here for an explanation of The Elam Ending). The final minutes of the game were exciting as Gaelnation pulled to within 74-73 as Armored Athlete turned the ball over numerous times to allow Gaelnation back in. Unfortunately for Gaelnation, missed layups (four to my count) ended up being their downfall.

Julian Gamble’s free throw ended the game as Armored Athlete moved on. As I said before, The Elam Ending is a groundbreaking idea that leagues should look at. It created the most exciting game of the weekend.

Sunday’s Results

Talladega Knights 91, Team Arkansas 74

Armored Athlete 75, Iona Gaelnation 73

Boeheim’s Army 60, Team Fancy 55