BuzzerBeater Forums

The playoffs are here, the exciting part of the season! Here’s a quick preview of the games in EBBL and Division II.

EBBL
Last seasons champions, Mortal Wombats once again led the way and finished with the best record at 21-1. They will face off against T20 Cricketers in the first playoffs round. T20 won 4 of their last 5 games to snatch the 4th seed so enter the playoffs in good form, but it will take something special to cause an upset.

The other red side matchup sees cup winners Team Nook face Bromley-By-Bow. This is the 4th season both teams have made the red side playoffs, but have never faced each other. Nook won the season series between the side and will look to make it 3 out of 3.

Over in the blue side, two-time champion Optic Fibres finished top with a 18-4 record. They’ll face off against 3-time champion, and last seasons runner up, Arsenal 98. These two have a long playoff history, and another matchup between should provide an exciting tie.

The other matchup sees promoted side Gauson hosting MexicanTaxiDriver. Both teams finished with a 14-8 record so this game could go either way. MTD are coming in to the playoffs with a big win over Optic Fibres and will look to keep the momentum going.

The relegation series’s this season provide two very exciting matchups.

First off, 5th seeded Isca Centurions will look to put final day disappointment behind them as they face off against Durham Wasps. Isca won their matchup this season by 29 points, so Durham will have to perform much better if they want to upset the odds.

The other exciting series will see two promoted sides face off as Roaring Lions will host Los Mikitos in the 6v6 seed matchup. The Lions beat Mikitos by 17 earlier on the season, but Mikitos have the talent to turn the tables on that result.

Bournemouth Drunkers finished as the 5th seed and earned the easiest matchup as they face bot team BC Newmarketas.

Division II.1
Detroit Pistons I look to end their 31 season stay in division II.1 as they earned the leagues best record at 21-1. They will face off against 11-11 Ilex Inferno.

2nd seed Scunthorpe Devils will be look for star Eric Singleton to continue his almost 30ppg scoring as they face off against Toral Castro. The Devils are on the quest for back to back promotions.

Reds BC beat 2nd seed Nobiles Slough near the end of the season to claim the top seed, and the easier first round matchup. They will face the 12-10 Semper praesules.

Cup semi-finalists Nobiles Slough will host 18-3 kotwa in what is expected to be a high scoring affair between the two highest scoring teams in the league.

Division II.2
4-time EBBL champion, BC Zalgiris are looking to make it back to the top as they earned the best record at 20-2. They will face AJDM Arena in the first round, who will be looking to fringe NT guard Azuara.

The other blue side tie will see last seasons EBBL team BC Bloosa hosting Paxsons. Bloosa will be looking to return to the top flight at the first time of asking.

Over in the red side, only 2 wins separated 1st and 4th seeds. Margate Marauders managed to finish 1st with a 16-6 record, but are heading in to the playoffs with only 1 win in 4, and a loss against the other 3 playoff teams. They will face Bethnal Green Erks who they lost to on the final day of the season.

The other game sees Lancaster City face off against Porzigod. Lancaster are currently on a 6 game winning streak, including a win against Porzigod.

Division II.3
Camden Kings went unbeaten at 22-0 to earn the best record in division II, meaning they are guaranteed promotion to the EBBL, 4 seasons after relegation. They face the London Daredevils next in their quest to remain unbeaten.

Last seasons EBBL team, Galaxy Walkers finished 2nd in the conference and will host Leicester Corinthians in the playoffs. Leicester are in the midst of a fire sale, so this might be a routine win for the Walkers as they try and get back to the EBBL.

Over on the red side, CWA Fury achieved the best points difference in division II, but finished with a. 20-2 record. They will be fighting for a EBBL return, and start that fight against besikduzu e.s who finished at 12-10.

The other game will see Kauno Zalgiris 7 BC host MILF Hunters. The teams shared the season series, with the away team winning each time. MILF Hunters will be hoping that trend continues.

Division II.4
Gophers also managed to go unbeaten throughout the season and finish 22-0, but as they had lower PD they didn’t earn the guaranteed promotion spot. But being unbeaten will give them confidence that a return the EBBL is on the cards. They first face BC Black Dragons in their run to a EBBL return

He 2v3 matchup has Wigan Carpenters (17-5) facing Trefas Team (14-8). Wigan beat Trefas by 4 points on the final day of the season, so expect another close game between these two.

Drunkards finished with a 17-5 record and that was enough for them to finish as the #1 seed. They will battle the 12-10 OLYMPIACOS 1925 in the first round of the playoffs.

In the other matchup, Expatriots will host Cramlington Showboaters. Expatriots have won their last 10 games and are on red hot form heading in to the playoffs.

As well as the 4 playoff winners, a 5th promotion spot goes to the team with the best record not to win the playoffs. Here is the #1 seeds ranked by record. The highest team on this list will also earn promotion.

Camden Kings 22-0 992PD (d2.3)
Gophers 22-0 710PD (d2.4)
Detroit Pistons 21-1 822PD (d2.1)
CWA Fury 20-2 1050PD (d2.3)
Reds BC 20-2 844PD (d2.1)
Zalgiris 20-2 816PD (d2.2)
Drunkard 17-5 237PD (d2.4)
Margate 16-6 422PD (d2.2)

The First playoff round was done and dusted, here’s what happened (yes I know this I late haha):

EBBL
Mortal Wombats started their quest for back to back titles with a comfortable win over T20 Cricketers, 86-71. Piric top scored for the Wombats with 17 points, while Kwong added 15 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists.

Team Nook also booked their place in the conference finals with a 105-75 win over Bromley-by-Bow. Glavonjic top scored for Nook with 27 points, while Catty led the way for Bromley with 26 points.

This means we see a rematch of last season’s conference finals, with the Wombats hosting Nook. Wombats have won the last 5 league meetings between the sides, but coach Arrows will be looking to end that run on Saturday.

Last season’s finalists Arsenal 98 have been eliminated by top seeds Optic Fibres after losing 103-57. MVP Bazant showed why he was MVP with a monster 33 point performance on an efficient 15-23 shooting. Fibres were helped when Arsenal’s key player Oconnor went down with an injury early in the 2nd half, but the lead at that point was already starting to grow in Fibre’s favour.

MexicanTaxiDriver were able to defeat 2nd seed Gauson 116-75 as Gauson decided to only suit up 5 players. MTD SG Sini hit 8 3-pointers on his way to a big 36 points.

MTD have had impressive performances against Optic Fibres this season, and they will need another big performance if they want to reach their first finals. Optic Fibres own the top 4 MVP candidates this season and will be looking their star power to earn them a spot in the finals.

Isca Centurions gained the upper hand in their relegation series against Durham Wasps with a 91-73 victory. Chongjing top scored with 29 points for Isca, but it was Choudhry who proved crucial as he came off the bench to score 26 points in 27minutes. Durham will need a win on Saturday or face relegation.

Roaring Lions just managed to maintain home court advantage with a 92-86 win over Los Mikitos. Parham led the way for the Lions with 22pts and 13rebs. Alexander also had 22pts for Mikitos, but his injury will be a big blow to Mikitos’ chances of survival.

Division II.1
Detroit Pistons I started the playoff campaign with a 19 point win over Ilex Inferno. MacEachern had a big game for Pistons with 29pts, 14rebs and 4asts on 14/21 shooting.

Scunthorpe Devils matched the Piston’s result with a 19 point win of their own against Toral Castro. Singleton stuck to his scoring average with 30 points, and he was well supported by Lizarzaburu who had 29 points.

Detroit Pistons beat Scunthorpe Devils by a combined 51 points over their 2 games this season, so will feel confident they will be able to get a 3rd victory against them. The Devils will again be looking to Singleton to produce some magic to give them a chance.

Reds BC cruised passed Semper praesules 120-98 to reach the conference finals for the 2nd season in a row. MVP Kasiura was a little poor in the game, but it was the e MVP runner up Fullerton who led the way for Reds with 22pts, 4reb, 4asts, 2stls.

As promised, Nobiles Slough Vs Kotwa produced a high scoring affair as Nobiles won in a 140-134 game. Slough were carried by an incredible 62pt, 8rebs and 5asts performance from Matvejevas. Kotwa had a more balanced attack with 7 players reaching double digits, but Matvejevas’ performance was too good for them to overcome.

Reds BC will be looking for their MVP duo to lead them to the finals, while Nobiles will be hoping their high scoring system is enough to cause the upset.

Division II.2
BC Zalgiris sent a message to the league with a dominant 122-67 win over AJDM Arena. Granitsas had a big game with 28pts and 20rebs I lead they way, but he was well supported by Popovic and Bagara who had 25 and 22 points respectively.

BC Bloosa also had a comfortable win in their game over Paxsons as they won 103-88. Cameiro had a very good performance for Bloosa with 24pts, 8rebs and 6asts from the bench.

BC Bloosa did beat Zalgiris in their most recent matchup by 16 points, but Zalgiris have made some significant additions since then and will be looking to avenge that loss in the conference finals.

Top seeded Margate Marauders poor form at the end of the season followed in to the playoffs as they were defeated by 4th seed Bethnal Green Erks 81-69. Sanz had an efficient game for Bethnal as he finished with 23pts and 14rebs on 10-15 shooting.

The red conference saw another upset, as 3rd seed Porzigod beat Lancaster City 89-84 behind 22 points from Vituvis. Lancaster did get a combined 50 points from Ferrandon (26) and Shannon (24), but only 7 bench points they weren’t well supported.

3rd seed Porzigod will be hosting a playoff game this season as they face the 4th seeded Bethnal Green Erks. They went 2-0 against the Erks this season and look to make it 3 out of 3.

Division II.3
Already promoted Camden Kings made no mistake in their first round game against London Daredevils as they won 95-80. Otvos led the way with 30pts, but Pardal scoring 15pts in 14mins was just as important in the win.

As expected, Galaxy Walkers picked up an easy victory against Leicester Corinthians, 86-49. Svejstrup had a big game with 33pts, 10rebs, 4asts and 3stls in the win.

The Walkers will go in to the conference finals with some hope as Camden weren’t as dominant in the first round as you’d expect from a 22-0 team. But Camden will be fighting to keep their unbeaten season alive.

106 combined points from Quigley, Augustine, Malta and Carneiro led CWA Fury to the conference finals as they dismantled besikduzu 134-92. Raczek had 38 points for the visitors, but that wasn’t enough to make it close.

Former England u21 players Johnson and Murphy combined for 49 points and 33 rebounds as MILF Hunters upset 2nd seed Kauno Zalgiris. Kauno Zalgiris were just unable to stop the two bigs as they shot a combined 21-31.

CWA Fury beat MILF Hunters by 27 points in the last matchup, and will be favourites heading in to the game. But MILF Hunters have some very good players and will cause

Division II.4
Gophers maintained their unbeaten record with a 105-90 win over BC Black Dragons. Lianjie top scored for Gophers with 31 points, and had good support from MVP Martinez Castro who had 25 points

Trefas Team convincingly beat 2nd seed Wigan Carpenters 122-98. 7 Trefas players scored double figures, with Kaupellis leading the way with 28 points. All 6 of the Wigan players scored in double digits as well, but weren’t good enough on the defensive end.

Gophers need to take down Trefas Team to continue their unbeaten season, and earn a spot in the finals.

Drunkards beat OLYMPIACOS 1925 103-84, with 6 players contributing between 10 and 19 points. Drunkards found a way to get to the line a lot more than Olympiacos, which proved to be the difference.

Expatriots continued their great form with a 108-98 win over Cramlington Showboaters. Expatriots dominated the rebounding battle, and the Showboaters were unable to make up for the difference in the end. Castrelo had a game high 25 points in the win.

The season series between Drunkards and Expatriots I pretty much tied on all fronts, with Drunkards winning their home game by 10 points, and Expatriots winning theirs by 12. This game could go either way.

We now know our finalists! Here’s how the conference finals went down.

EBBL
Mortal Wombats took care of business in impressive fashion with a 111-87 win of Team Nook. England NT duo Gillesipe and Albrighton had monster nights with a combined 50 points and 31 rebounds on 23-38 shooting. Team Nook’s only answer came from their NT star Kanjilal who had 37 points himself, but the Wombats were just too strong all over the court and won in dominating fashion.

Optic Fibres also booked their place in the finals with a 96-75 victory over MexicanTaxiDriver. MVP Bazant again dominated with 38 points including 7 3-pointers. He’s now averaging an impressive 35.5ppg in the playoffs. MTD’s NT star Mackley had 24 points and 7 rebounds but that was no answer to the Fibres star power.

Mortal Wombats will have home court advantage Optic Fibres for the finals, which is a repeat of the season 59 cup final. Wombats have had the better of Optic Fibres in recent seasons, but the Fibres have made a couple of key additions since their last matchup.

Isca Centurions swept Durham Wasp 2-0 to retain their EBBL status after a low scoring 65-49 win. Zubalik had 19 points in the win, and Choudhry once again had a good game off the bench with 15 points. O’Malley was the only player for the Wasps to reach double figures as he scored 27 points. Despite being the only team to beat Mortal Wombats this season, Durham Wasps have been relegated to division II.

Roaring Lions and Los Mikitos will go to a decisive game 3 as Mikitos managed to win game 2 91-87. 3 of the Mikitos starters had double-doubles as they had a balanced team effort in the win. Lions also had a balanced attack with 5 players scoring in double figures, but they came just short. Must win game 3 for both teams.

Division II.1
24 points each from Yargici and Zhibin was enough to outperform 39 points from Lizarzaburu as Detroit Pistons I got 1 step closer to getting out of division II.1 after beating Scunthorpe Devils 104-92.

Reds BC also reached the finals with a 127-115 win over Nobiles Slough. MVP duo Kasiura and Fullerton led the way for Reds with 52 combined points, but Reds also had 5 other players reach double figure points. Matvejevas top scored for Nobiles with 38 points.

In the sole game between Detroit Pistons and Reds BC this season, the Pistons came out 108-96 winners. They’ll be hoping they can take that confidence in to the finals. Reds BC will be looking to their MVPs to lead them to the EBBL.

Division II.2
BC Zalgiris we’re too strong defensively as they held BC Bloosa to only 72 points in a 18point win. Oklu had a game high 23 points, with Popovic shooting 9-10 for 21 points.

In the 3v4 seed matchup, Porzigod beat Bethnal Green Erks 102-76. Porzigod hit 12 3-pointers on 55% shooting in the win compared to only 2 made 3s for the Erks (13% 3FG).

BC Zalgiris will go in the finals as the favourites given their star power and home court advantage. But Porzigod will hope their good recent form can cause an upset.

Division II.3
Camden Kings decided to give their players an early off season, as they sacrificed their unbeaten season and let Galaxy Walkers walkover them with a 101-48 win. Svejstrup was unstoppable with 50 points on 23-29 shooting.

CWA Fury also cruised to the finals with a 101-73 win over MILF Hunters. CWA legend Quigley had a game high 28 points and added 14 rebounds in the win got carried his team back to the finals.

Galaxy Walkers beat CWA Fury earlier in the season, which will give them confidence going in to the finals where CWA have home court advantage. Both teams will give their all to return to the EBBL.

Division II.4
With Camden Kings eliminated and occupying the automatic promotion spot, Gophers will need to complete their unbeaten season if they are to win promotion. They made strides towards that with a 119-85 victory over Trefas Team. Van Orshaegan had a game high 30 points, while Menendez added 26 points in 18mins off the bench.

Expatriots’ hot streak continues as they knock off the 1st seed Drunkard 95-94 following a game winning, buzzer beating 3-pointer from Mullane! He had a game high 31 points to lead Expatriots to the finals.

Expatriots have now won 12 league games in a row, but it was Gophers who last beat them. That game ended in a 42 point win for Gophers, but Expatriots are much stronger and in very good form

Game 1 of the finals have been played. 5 teams took 1 step towards a title.

EBBL
Mortal Wombats took a big step towards a back to back title with a 117-87 win over Optic Fibres in game 1 of the finals. Gillespie came off the bench to score 28 points as he led the way for the Wombats, who also had 5 other players score in double figures. Optic Fibres were led by Baro who had 28 points of his own but with less support. MVP Bazant struggled with only 11 points on 5-17 shooting, Optic will need more from him if they are to turn this series around.

Roaring Lions won their decisive game 3 against Los Mikitos 107-78. Manakovas scored 28 points and added 10 rebounds and 3 steals. Sengupta also added 21 points. Mikitos were missing key man Alexander and that showed on the offensive end. Los Mikitos have been relegated to Division II.

Division II.1
Detroit Pistons I had a big 1st quarter which was enough for them to go on and win game 1 against Reds BC. Detroit won the first quarter 35-15. MacEchern was a nightmare for the Reds defence as he had 31 points and 15 rebounds, which included 13-16 FT shooting. Shibin also had a strong game for Detroit with 20 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Reds BC were led by Fullerton who had 28 points and 6 assists and Kasiura had 20 points and 8 assists but that wasn’t enough. Reds BC will host game 2 which will be a must win game for them.

Division II.2
BC Zalgiris overcame a late Porzigod run to win game 1 112-99 behind a combined 80 points from Oklu, Popovic and Bagara. Vituvis had 29 points of his own for Porzigod, but was unable to lead the way to victory. Game 2 at Porzigod on Saturday.

Division II.3
CWA Fury dominated game 1 with a 86-57 win over Galaxy Walkers. Augustine had a big night with 23 points and 19 rebounds. Walkers we’re once again led by Svejstrup who had 36 of their 57 points and 13 rebounds, but the CWA defence was just too strong. Galaxy are going to need a new game plan if they’re going to turn this series around

Division.4
Expatriots 12 game winning run is over after a 109-105 loss to Gophers. Gophers were led by their perimeter trio who combined for 82 points which turned out to be just enough to get the win. Game 2 in this series will be worth the watch