SUGARLOAF, GA: Behind Martin Johnson's 44 points, Hustle Gang Wins Fall Championship

Some of the smallest mistakes can turn into the biggest problems.
This is seemed like the underlining theme of the Ultimate Hoops Atlanta Championship at the Sugarloaf Life Time Fitness. Hustle Gang and Life Timers traded baskets, leads, technacle’s and mistakes in a game that lived up to a college level atmosphere.

However, in the end, Hustle Gang managed to survive its own mistakes and capitalize on Life Timers’ mishaps for a 78-69 double overtime win at the Lawrenceville-based club.

The catalyst for Hustle Gang was Martin Johnson. As the teams primary ball-handler, the lightning quick guard was not willing to let his team go down without a fight. At one-point Johnson walked over toward his own bench and said,

“I’m about to drop 50 [points] tonight.”

Well, Johnson didn’t get the half-century mark but he made sure his team was going to walk away victorious. In the double overtime session, Johnson was 6-for-6 from the free throw line to help send the game into the second overtime and to seal the game.

He finished with 44 points. Ironically, his six free throws down the stretch were the only ones he hit all game. Johnson was named the Most Valuable Player.

Johnson's scoring from the field was not affected by his early struggles from the free thrown line. He was 15-fot-22 from the field and shot 57 percent from three-point range. Johnson’s brother Michael Johnson helped with the scoring pouring in 14 points before fouling out.


Hustle Gang clamped down on defense and forced Life Timers late in the game into terrible mistakes and miscues. Life Timers were called for some questionable calls that cost them the game.

Life Timers, who battled back to take a lead late in the game, just fell apart down the stretch in the first overtime, which helped Hustle Gang.

LT had a hard time keeping their composure and it cost them this time. A technical foul late and miscommunication cost them. This sent Hustle Gang to the charity stripe. Life Timers literally had victory in their hand but is slipped because of their lack of discipline.

The teams scoring and emotional leader was Steve Morant. This former Most Valuable Player scored 17 points, including some big baskets down the stretch. Unfortunately for his team, Morant was held scoreless in the second overtime.

Roi Madu finished with a double double 16 points and 10 rebounds. Marquis Babb added 13 points.