National Tournament Time!! (The Real Cup Championship???)With the next round moving to the Neutral court format, tonight's game featuring Eugene Register-Guard at High Point Heroes is likely the true Championship for Season 38. Although there are other very good teams still alive in the tourney, it's difficult to see anyone knocking off one of these two teams without Home Court Advantage. Despite being the home team, High Point appeared to be the underdog earlier this week with their slew of injuries...however, they are now fully healthy and their game shape remained relatively strong (pun intended) and High Point looks poised to go after that elusive Gold trophy!
High Point heads into tonight's game with a pretty sizeable payroll advantage over everyone in the USA, including Eugene. Additionally, one would think that with HCA and a 2 million DMI advantage, everything tips in their favor. However, Eugene has never been a team that you can judge or forecast by their salaries or even DMI. This well put together group is a true example of the sum being better than the parts.
After being healthy and on the court together for the first time in weeks, High Point is going to be hungry to resume their Championship quest. On paper, it appears the Heroes boasts the five best players playing in this game; however, Eugene runs 11 players deep and is sure to keep coming at High Point all night.
PredictionI see High Point grabbing the early lead trying to get it to double digits in the first quarter, falling just short of that mark. A late end of quarter surge sees Eugene tie the game heading into the 2nd. The teams will play a very close back and forth game for the next quarter and a half before the injury bug strikes High Point once again. Going into the 4th, still, in a very close game, Eugene's depth will wear the Heroes out and they pull away late, winning 90-83.
What are your predictions?
Last edited by Jason at 5/11/2017 3:21:59 PM