LIVE BLOG: Midwest Regional Tournament from Minneapolis | Watch on UHTV
Teams | Scores | Stats | PPR | Records
Sunday, March 27, 4:41 pm- Congrats to the Rockets, the Midwest Regional Champions! More coverage will be posted soon!
Sunday, March 27, 3:22 pm- It's looking like a re-match of the Minny teams in the finals. Truth has run out of gas and they look like a team worn out. Jumpers they normally would make are slightly off due fatigue. It was just a matter of time when their up and down pace would catch up to them. Detroit has proven they can run and compete with the best of the best, it just wasn't to be in this tournament. We thank the Truth for making the journey all the way to the heart of the cities. In the end, their lack of size and some inconsistency from the perimeter doomed their dreams of capturing the first Minnesota Regional Tournament title. Final score, 71-61, Titans.
Sunday, March 27, 3:15 pm- Titans making a push, 56-51 with 8:25 left in the game. Truth is looking to do it with their transition game. It's unbelievable they still have the energy to keep a quick pace.
Sunday, March 27, 3:06 pm- 14 minutes to go in the game and the Titans up by a single point. Will either team have enough bounce in their legs to compete against the well-rested Rockets?
Sunday, March 27, 2:45 pm- As the game goes on, I want to get my potential MVP candidates out there. After a full 2 days of watching these teams, a few players have stood out above the rest:
Tournament MVP Candidates:
Neal Anderson (Rockets) |
He does one thing and he does it well. His deadly shooting keeps his team in the ball game and keeps defenses honest. It allows other teammates to penetrate easier since the defenses can't sag to help. |
Drew Maynard (Truth) |
The high-flying, FTW big man from Detroit. His tough interior defense protects the paint, his above-the-rim type play energizes his team and keeps them in contention every contest. |
Jesse Foss (Titans) |
This all-purpose shooting guard can beat you with his deadly shooting and his slashing and finishing. He's no slouch on defense either. The way Jesse goes, the team follows suit. |
Deuce Coleman (YMBS) |
This electrifying point guard is the heart and soul for the Young Money Brick Squad. His youthful exuberance shows as his small 5'8 frame is oblivious to the size and height difference every time he attacks the bucket. His transition game is silky smooth and for a young pup, he generally makes good decisions. His shooting abilities are second to none as he's putting up close to 50% from beyond the arc. His potential is blockbuster, as in Limitless. |
Marcus Marshall (Celtics) |
You can't have a MVP race without mentioning double M. With a little more help, his Celtics could have made a deeper push in this tourney. He's capable of scoring from all over the court and he can finish with the best of them. When starting a franchise, he'd be a solid cornerstone to build off of. |
Sunday, March 27, 2:38 pm- Final play-in game. 2 fatigue-ridden teams, Truth and Titans. Both squads a little sluggish in the early going. The contest filled with ill-advised passes, bad shots and a lot of barking at the refs. On the subject of refs, I've never seen a positive outcome when yelling at the refs. The faster a player can move on, the better for their team. Refs are humans too. They'll eventually get tired of a player's yapping and calls will eventually go against the offending team and player. Expend your energy at playing ball, versus at the refs.
Sunday, March 27, 2:18 pm- The Rockets pull it out! A desperation 3 at the buzzer clangs off the back of the iron and the Rockets escape a hard-fought contest to represent in the finals. A tough road lies ahead for the Titans. They play immediately and if they win, they'll have to play again which means, back-to-back-to-back games potentially. My legs just hurt from writing that last sentence. Like I mentioned previously, you need a deep bench when going through the losers bracket. My advice to these players, e-caps. Electrolyte tablets are a must in these tournaments. They prevent cramping and keeps the body well nourished for the pounding of these weekend battles.
Sunday, March 27, 2:17 pm- A whirlwind of activity. Veteran Origin Spencer puts the Rockets up by 3 with 30 seconds left, with a couple free throws. Titans immediately come down and scores a bucket and now O. Spencer back at the line.
Sunday, March 27, 1:55 pm- Timeout Titans. Rockets up 49-42 as Neal Anderson drains yet another 3. Rockets perimeter players are wearing out the Titans counter-parts so far. In these multiple games, multiple day tournaments, it always helps to have a solid bench.
Sunday, March 27, 1:47 pm- What an exciting matchup! Both teams are evenly matched, with big men protecting the middle and perimeter players that can hit shots. This game doesn't have the highlight reel plays from the last 2 games, but don't be mistaken, it's every bit as exciting. These 2 teams epitomize Minnesota basketball to a T. Good fundamental basketball, precise passing with deadly accurate shooting. Big men are serviceable, not outstanding, but not just your typical role players either. A little late surge by the Rockets before halftime has them up 4, 42-38. Both teams showcasing their outside shooting as I imagine both of them shooting well above 50 percent. Who wants it more?
Sunday, March 27, 1:36 pm- 2nd timeout of the game, this one by the Rockets as they look to the scoreboard to see they're in a bucket deficit, 25-27. One thing is for certain, the guards on both teams can shoot. Who can limit the mental mistakes and play a near perfect game to punch a ticket to the finals?
Sunday, March 27, 1:33 pm- Just saw Josh from Muscle Milk bring in some more supplies. Stop by the booth and pick some up, I know I will.
Sunday, March 27, 1:30 pm- Quick timeout called by Titans as Rockets easily erased their early deficit with 3's from Anderson and Fogelberg. 19-14 Rockets, with 14:38 left in the first half.
Sunday, March 27, 1:29 pm- Match-up to watch: big men Andrew Klobe vs Grant Dudinsky. Whoever controls the paint, controls the game. The obvious intriguing match-up is Neal Anderson vs Jesse Foss, a great shooter in his own right.
Five minutes in and the score is 7-14 Titans. Jess came to play so far.
Sunday, March 27, 1:20 pm- After cooling off my keyboard, I'm ready to settle back down and focus on the winners bracket coming up. It's an all Minnesota winners bracket as Titans face the favored Rockets. It looks like both squads have their full roster. The 2 teams know each other intimately from the Bloomington South league, so we'll see who takes advantage of their knowledge. My prediction for this game, if Nels Fogelberg can't be contained, Rockets win easily. Neal Anderson will be his solid self, so who wants to step up and contain the sharpshooter?
Sunday, March 27, 1:15 pm- The game I didn't want to end has finally come to a close. Truth closes it out at the line in the last minute of the game. The gutsy play by YMBS and more notably, Deuce Coleman, has gained my respect for this scrappy, tenacious squad. They should be proud of their effort and with this experience, they'll be well equipped for the next tournament. Good game YMBS and good luck to your squad in Chicago. As they say here in Minny, FTW or "Fun To Watch"!
Sunday, March 27, 1:11 pm- Big turn of events, Deuce inexplicably picked up his dribble at mid-court. He was hounded by Truth defenders leading a turnover and easy layup for Truth. 32 seconds, 80-76, Truth up.
Sunday, March 27, 1:09 pm- Cushingberry with a gutsy play as he threw the ball off the defenders back when inbounding from the sideline. He gets immediately fouled and makes only 1 of 2. For now, it looks like YMBS's strategy of putting Truth at the line is working out. 52 seconds, 78-76, Truth up, YMBS with possession.
Sunday, March 27, 1:06 pm- Intensity has picked up 10-fold here in the last minute. Deuce is wearing Cushingberry's jersey, no change of Deuce touching the ball. Free-throws will be key as YMBS is playing the free throw/get possession game. 55 seconds left, Truth up 1 with possession. Wow.
Sunday, March 27, 1:02 pm- 73-73, with 2:31 left. Timeout called by YMBS to settle the tempo. Cushingberry doing his finest defensive work in the last several minutes in curtailing Deuce's coming out party. I get the sense that YMBS's inexperience is going to haunt them down the stretch. Only 2 and a half minutes to find out.
Sunday, March 27, 12:58 pm- YMBS vs Truth has been the most entertaining game so far in this tournament. Score is tied with 5:00 minutes left. Lead has changed more times than Kim Kardashian has changed beaus. It comes down to who wants it more, late-game execution and whether Truth can stop Deuce.
Sunday, March 27, 12:50 pm- Deuce (Donovan Coleman) is loose! He's single-handily keeping his squad in the ball game. He's not only doing it in the transition game, but hitting contested 3's and jumpers. Truth needs to get gritty and have their defense step up. Deuce hits another deep ball. Does anyone from the Truth want to step up and contest Deuce? Like I mentioned earlier, he might be a favorite for the tourney MVP.
Sunday, March 27, 12:42 pm- A lot of unforced turnovers by YMBS allows Truth to get back into the game. Within the first minutes of the 2nd half, score is all tied up. Inspired play by the Cushingberry brothers has the team looking to the next round. One quick game note, The Truth's path to the next round isn't trying to run with the young squad, but to slow it down and play more of a methodical half court game. If they do that, I believe they can survive for another game.
Sunday, March 27, 12:26 pm- Whoa! YMBS is BRINGING IT! A monster break-away slam by Jarvis Griffin brings the fans to their feet and a lead 27-22. The deafening roar from the slam is still resonating through the rafters. Truth needs to nip this in the bud before the game gets out of hand.
Sunday, March 27, 12:06 pm- Young Money Brick Squad advance. Thank goodness they have a young squad, cause they've got 5 minutes to rest their tired legs to play a back-to-back. Not only do they have to play right away, but they're facing a revitalized Truth squad, trying to make amends for their lackluster Saturday performance. Thank you to the Nebraska Manhart Real Estate team for making the trip. Next time, they might consider adding to their bench. They only had one sub and it showed in their game today. Fatigue maybe? Too much Captain from last night? Either way, YMBS was a little quicker to the ball and made the hustle plays to outlast the veteran MRE. It was fun watching them compete. Good luck to you in your league down in Omaha!
Sunday, March 27, 11:52 am- And just like that, YMBS gets a turnover plus layup, a three and they're up by 10 again. Young Donovan Coleman might be the MVP for this game. Any time YMBS has needed a bucket, he's come through. His quickness and finishing abilities are giving MRE fits. Can we say early candidate for tournament MVP?
Sunday, March 27, 11:50 am- MRE has pulled within 7 points with 9:25 left. They've picked up their intensity and with YMBS's carelessness with the ball, they're threatening to take the lead.
Sunday, March 27, 11:32 am- Single elimination day brings the chippy-ness out in all the players. The threat of going home with nothing to show but bruised egos, takes the intensity to another level. It's the case in today's 2nd game, Manhart Real Estate vs Young Money Brick Squad. YMBS has a comfortable double-digit halftime lead.
Sunday, March 27, 11:13 am- I'm working on my second Muscle Milk Cafe Latte flavored shake. I can feel the effects of the caffeine. Thanks to Sara from our Muscle Milk booth!
Sunday, March 27, 11:02 am- Minnesota Rec Celtics represented the Rec league well this weekend, but their run at the title ended 2 minutes ago. With no bench (Samuelson brothers were absent from today's game) and not enough fire power, Celtics fall to The Truth by 4, 87-83. Truth slowed the game down and out-lasted the scrappy Celtics. They staved off a late run and hopefully saved enough in their tank to make the arduous loser-bracket journey to the finals.
Sunday, March 27, 10:00 am- Day 2 fans. What a whirlwind of basketball activity. Let's get it started as Celtics take the court to face The Truth. Truth looking to lick their wounds after yesterday's dismantling by the Rockets. Let's see if they can re-group and prove there's some substance behind their flashy neon jerseys.
UHTV will be back live UStreaming the games at noon.
Saturday, March 26, 5:19 pm- The Rockets take down The Truth 94-69. See everyone back here at 10am CDT tomorrow!
Saturday, March 26, 4:21 pm- We are back on-air on UHTV. YMBS defeats the UH Classics to advance to play Manhart's Real Estate at 11am on Sunday.
Saturday, March 26, 3:36 pm- UHTV will be back on-air for the 4pm match-up between the Rockets and The Truth.
Saturday, March 26, 3:33 pm-- The Titans are the first team to advance to the Final Four, defeating the Celtics. Updated brackets at the bottom.
Saturday, March 26, 2:40 pm- Rec Celtics are pulling a shocker against the Open Titans. Celtics playing them tough and if they would have made some open shots, they'd be up by a sizable lead. Instead, they're only down by 3, 32-29. Ryan Samuelson has been uncharacteristically off with his shot. For them to have a chance, he's got to get back to his normal self. Marshall caring the load right now, but he'll need help. Open Titans aren't just playing for their team, they're playing for the respect of the Open league. If the Rec Celtics win, get ready for a slew of chatter about the viability of the Open league and whether the Celtics are playing in the wrong league.
Saturday, March 26, 2:24 pm- Manhart's Real Estate moves on. I've been behind this computer all morning and after 3 Muscle Milk and a Starbucks, I need some solid grub. I'm off to Jimmy Johns, who coincidentally is supporting the tournament's winning team. The team will receive a 30 piece party platter from the downtown location JJ's (off 6th Street). Good luck teams! 2nd game, 2nd round, Minnesota team representing both sides, Rec Celtics vs Open Titan. Buckle up!
Saturday, March 26, 2:06 pm- Gritty comeback led by Nicolas Smith (MRE). With 7:37 left in the game, they've taken a shaky 6 point lead. Can they maintain their energy level til the finish? Or have they spent too much climbing all the way back?
Saturday, March 26, 1:48 pm- 2nd round, 1st game is at the halfway point. All Black Everything leads 35-32 against Manhart's Real Estate squad. A change in the bracket leads to the loser of this game being out of the tournament and no reason to stick around to Sunday. The winner, still has a chance to make it to the finals. It's tough to see 2 out of town teams with the possibility of being out of the tourney by 3 pm on Saturday. The moral of the story, win your games and don't put your team in this situation.
Saturday, March 26, 1:14 pm- Classic battled back, but dug themselves too big of a hole. A late push got them within a few buckets, but key 3's and layups by Truth broke the Classic's resolve. Last 1st round game, first Minny team to get dropped. Toatley did his best to bring them back, but a short bench, untimely turnovers eventually cost them. Truth proved they could handle the pressure and hype. Final score, 73-71, isn't indicative of how in-control the Detroit squad was.
Saturday, March 26, 1:02 pm- 2nd tech, against Classics. 8 minutes to go, down by 6. Not a good mistake to have late in this game. Either the tech is going to fire them or break their backs. My guess is the latter.
Saturday, March 26, 12:44 am- 41-35, Truth clinging to a lead at half. Inspired play by Toatley and squad got them within 6. Hope their "Classic" legs can hold out for the 2nd half and rest of the tournament.
Saturday, March 26, 12:36 am- Most hyped game and the least amount of energy on the court. Can't figure it out. Lazy defense on both ends. The Truth getting by on their physical talents. I don't see much team play on either sides. Classic trying to crawl back into this game. 6:20 left in the first half, Classic down 20-29.
Saturday, March 26, 12:33 am- Truth's heavily tatto-ed Maynard is the difference maker in the first half. The high flying swing man is doing it on the outside and inside. He's clearly the most athletic player I've seen so far. The Blake Griffin-esque reckless abandon is energizing his team to a 24-14 lead halfway through the first half.
Saturday, March 26, 12:21 am- Final first round under way. UH Classics vs Detroit's finest, the Truth. The much hyped Detroit squad showcasing their skills and athletic ability. First 3 minutes and they're cruising 14-2. The Classics looking slow and old.
Saturday, March 26, 12:09 am- The Rockets have put the tournament teams on notice. They're here to win. They dismantled the YMBS 93-62. Their potent 3-point shooting, interior size and just plain good team basketball.
Saturday, March 26, 11:37 am- First impressions: Rockets size is bothering YMBS. Rockets roster is full of 6'8 big men. It's also plain and simple, Rockets can shoot. YMBS made a push at the end of the first half to cut the deficit to 5. How did YMBS do it? They got out in transition. It's clear they're more athletic and if they take advantage of the transition game, they could come out on top of this game. That'd be amazing considering they fell down by 20+ points.
Saturday, March 26, 11:30 am- First technical of the day called at 4:57 left in the first half. T goes to YMBS Ocho. Frustration from the 40-25 scoreboard most likely. Rockets firmly in control. YMBS needs to get out and run if they want to get back in this game. They've shown glimpses of their running game and it's pretty.
Saturday, March 26, 11:18 am- Less than 5 minutes in, score is 21-2, Rockets up big. A barrage of 3's by Anderson and team. YMBS need to be careful this doesn't get ugly.
Saturday, March 26, 11:11 am- Game on! 3rd game of the day. Highly rep-ed Neal Anderson on the Minny Rockets squad. If the UH community don't know about him, they will after today. Right off the bat, Neal drains an NBA 3. Rockets vs YMBS out of Illinois.
Saturday, March 26, 11:02 am- It's final, Minnesota teams are 2-0 after the first 2 games. Titans re-grouped in time to take down the higher seeded MRE. It goes to show, just one or two superstars can't lead a team in this talent rich tournament.
Saturday, March 26, 10:54 am- Looking like it's going to be a great finish to the 2nd game. 63-60 with 2:22 left. Minny team Titans up by 3 with possession.
Saturday, March 26, 10:47 am- Wow. Titans take the lead, 54-51. An improbable comeback. The only difference between now and the first half, is they're making shots now.
Saturday, March 26, 10:33 am- Halftime, 38-29. Titans settled down, cut the deficit to single digit. MRE's Brian Jakubowski and Joel Merwick pacing their squad. No one on the Titans wants to or has the defensive skills to guard either one.
Saturday, March 26, 10:15 am- First tv timeout, 15-26, Manhart's Real Estate out of Nebraska leading big. Game is sloppy. Bad shots, bad passes. Titans going a lot of 1 on 5 and it's showing on the scoreboard. Turning out to be a glorified pick-up ball. Titans need to start playing as a team and less 1 on 5. MRE is a team to watch for the rest of the tourney. I can see them making a run to the finals.
Saturday, March 26, 10:07 am- 2nd game under way. Wow. Definite height difference between the first game and this. There's a lot of size out on the court. At first impression, level of play is higher... a lot.
Saturday, March 26, 10:00 am- Final score: 70-54, Celtics. I'm impressed with how in control the Celts looked. There were a few sloppy minutes, but they've represented the Rec division well.
Saturday, March 26, 9:46 am- 8:40 left in the game, Celtics dominating, 52-40. ABE with only 6 players are looking fatigued. Maybe they can hit the Muscle Milk stand after the game. I was tired from watching Celtics run so much, so I picked up the new Cafe Latte flavored Muscle Milk. It's the Light version (watching the waistline).
Saturday, March 26, 9:26 am- Half-time score: 33-25, home-town Celtics up. All Black Everything looking a little winded. Perhaps they enjoyed the Mpls nightlife a little too much? Ryan Samuelson (CEL) is trying to take over the game. He's missed some shots he normally makes. ABE better focus their D on him in the 2nd half otherwise, I could see a HUGE 2nd half from him. And where's Marcus Marshall? He's a little out of his game right now.
Saturday, March 26, 9:15 am- First game score 22-19 with 9:15 left in the first half, Celtics up at first time-out. Celtics looking good early. They're starting to get out in the open court, which led to an All Black Everything calling a time-out.
Friday, March 25, 4:32 pm- Balln's Player/GM Robert Sutton is expected to be in attendance tomorrow in Minneapolis to explain Balln's late absence from the tourney.
Friday, March 25, 3:43 pm- All teams have checked into the Hyatt hotel in downtown Minneapolis. Detroit's The Truth is planning an early evening shootaround that will be closed to the media.
Friday, March 25, 3:12 pm- Ultimate Hoops partner Muscle Milk is in the building, prepping their booth for the tourney.
Friday, March 25, 2:35 pm- It has been announced that Chicago's 2nd place team All Black Everything is a late replacement for Balln.
Friday, March 25, 2:05 pm- League Coordinators Michael Harrington [Detroit], T.J. Rickert [Omaha], Mario Jez [Chicago], Pat Keller [Chicago] and Jimmy Neilly [Minneapolis] have arrived at the Life Time Target Center for pre-tourney meetings.
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