24 Mar.2017– The biggest game of the season is upon us and what a game it was.
The game started off very tense as both teams were feeling the pressure. Riyadi were playing tough defense waiting for any mistake to push on the break. Fast break after fast break they were able to escape Homenetmen’s defense. Jackson was clearly changing his style of play, driving the lane and playing the post instead of shooting carelessly. As for Aminu he was able to find his groove down low and grabbed many rebounds. The best player on the floor. Both teams traded buckets as Riyadi finished the first q up 12-13.
In the second, the game was going back and forth. A bucket here, a three there as it was hectic. Homenetmen‘s shot selection was bad at some times as they took those fast threes they’re known for. This allowed Riyadi to stay close in the game as the hosts started to build a bit of a lead. With Jean on the floor, Fadi was not able to find his grove. He didn’t score any field goal in the first half! Riyadi were sterile offensively as Homenetmen took advantage of their open shots to take a 26-21 lead at HT.
In the third, Riyadi battled hard to regain the lead, but with Kevin Galloway and Majok pounding the bucket hard they kept the 5 point lead midway through the quarter. Riyadi shooting 2/17 from behind the arc, were never going to scare Homenetmen and spread their defense. Homenetmen found their way to the basket, making the paint their favorite place to be. If that wasn’t enough, Jackson added insult to injury with a deep shot to increase the lead to 14. The visitors showed no heart, nor passion. Losing the ball carelessly, even Ismael turned the ball over more than twice. It wasn’t their night as they trailed going into the fourth, 48-31.
Same old same old with the start of the fourth. Riyadi were even missing their free-throws. Homenetmen were making great use of Riyadi’s weak defense today. The yellows were leaving many spaces down low, players were coming from the back door uncontrolled. This zone defense was a curse to start with, offensive rebound after offensive rebound. 12 steals show the defensive effort Homenetmen were playing. Riyadi scored few buckets in garbage times as they reduced the lead. Homenetmen cruised to a 67-49 win.
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