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Revenge of the Blue Roos: Heartbreakers Flogged Unmercifully; Series at 2-2
The Blue Roos were more than ready for Game #4 this week as they were determined not to let any technicalities get in their way. This week saw only a couple of changes as Bina Patel returned, and Erica Smith joined the Blue Roos. Apparently all the political maneuvering was exhausted last week and the teams were ready to just play ball. As the inimitable Lane Smith would say, "Let's Get It On!"
The Blue Roos won the first throw, an ominous omen for the Heartbreakers. Right out of the gate, their A Game was off to the races with Neil Desai and Alan Denton combining for the first baskets of the game. In fact, it was 4-0 before the Heartbreakers even got their first bucket, from star goal attack Dee Patel. The final basket went to the Blue Roos and they only relaxed at the siren with a comfortable 5-1 lead.
The second quarter was more balanced as the shocked Heartbreakers shook off the doldrums with Nicia Behary (returning from her finger injury) and Dee Patel able to break through for several buckets each. Unfortunately for them on the other end, newcomer and a fine complement at goal shooter to Alan Denton, Pete Patel, beat up on the helpless club president, Jeff Persson. Apparently the title merits no favors on the court (just like the footy field). With the amazing shooting display, the Blue Roos won the quarter and extended their lead to 11-6 at the big break.
The Heartbreakers, desperate to get back in the game shook up their lineup. Unfortunately, the plan backfired as the Blue Roo defenders Anand Patel and Bina Patel totally shut down the Heartbreakers offense in the third quarter, and even playing head coach Moreen Logsdon's passing skills did not lead to baskets. Meanwhile, at the other end of the court, Pete Patel and Neil Desai rained baskets and extended the lead to a seemingly insurmountable 16-7.
Then, in an unprecedented move, Tai Logsdon, dropped her alliance with the Blue Roos and joined the Heartbreakers in a mid-game trade for Erica Smith. "I had to help my Mom, so I really had no choice" she commented afterwards. Such familial loyalty! The Heartbreakers, motivated by the courageous move immediately scored the first four baskets of the final frame, thanks to Jai Patel quarterbacking the attack from his center position and Tai's inspired work in the defensive end. The shell-shocked Blue Roos recovered momentarily as Erica Smith in her first game hit her first of two career baskets.
With a little breathing room, the Blue Roos obviously relaxed and again the Heartbreaker offense went into high gear with Dee Patel and Nicia Behary combining for three more scores and the Blue Roos looked a little nervous. But it was Pete Patel to the rescue with an acrobatic move around the hapless defense (that darn president again) to gain possession and nail a beauty of a shot from just inside the arc. The Heartbreakers were only able to gain one more basket just before the final horn, 19-15.
So the Blue Roos were able to walk the talk this week and cruised to an easy victory. That levels the series at 2-2 and it is now a best-of-three game battle for the title. The Blue Roos are flying high and we will have to see if they can maintain that level of excellence. Meanwhile, the Heartbreakers tuck their tails and will be licking their wounds during the coming week. The season series continues with Game #5 next Sunday February 22, scheduled for 4 pm at Velocity Sports Performance in Murfreesboro.
Score by Quarter
First Quarter: Blue Roos 5, Heartbreakers 1
Second Quarter: Blue Roos 11, Heartbreakers 6
Third Quarter: Blue Roos 16, Heartbreakers 7
Fourth Quarter: Blue Roos 19, Heartbreakers 15
Umpire: Christine Peever
Injuries: Persson (Ego)
Photographs: Holly Baker
