When weather canceled the final night of regular season games, Yellow and White were forced to play a five-minute game for the fourth and final spot in the playoffs. It was the best five minutes of defense in IBL history, and White prevailed 4-2.

With this victory, White played Black in the first playoff match-up. This game, much like the five-minute game, was an offensive struggle. Black led at the half 11-10. In the second half both teams found their stroke. Black just had too much fire power. White had strong performances from Nate Fujita, Jeremy Brofsky, and Matt Ayanian, but that was it. Black had a balanced offensive attack in the second half, and got defensive stops in crunch time and pulled away. Black played a solid game, earning themselves a spot in the championship.

The second playoff game featured second seed Blue vs. third seed Red. Blue entered the game with a six-game win streak, but all that meant nothing if they lost against Red. This game was an even match-up and a close one. Neither team played their best.

Blue struggled shooting the whole game, but thanks to great defense by Brett Thomas, Ricky Levitt, Andrew Herstine, and Mackland Steel, they were able to shut down Red’s two best players, Cal Williams and Joey Felipe. The defense kept them in the game, and Blue didn’t get rattled when they had an early second half deficit. They chipped away at it until Andrew Herstine hit a critical three to give them the lead. Blue escaped with a 40-39 win over Red.

The finals are a rematch of a week one match-up. Black manhandled Blue and dominated in the paint and on the glass on their way to an easy victory. Since then, however, a lot has changed. Blue gained height with the acquisition of Mackland Steel, who so far has been a presence in the paint. It’s a toss up. If Blue can hit their shots, I don’t think Black can keep up. But if Black defense can shut down Blue, I like Black’s chances. Come watch the game its this Tuesday at 8:00 PM in the Field House.

I promised a shout out to cover boy Nitin Rajinikanth for tying Joe Cooper’s IBL record with 43 points. His Yellow squad dismantled Grey and scored an IBL season high 87 points. It’s too bad they didn’t make the playoffs. Their match-up against Black would have been interesting. Anyway there is only one game left in the season and that’s the championship.

Here’s a look at the standings.

Championship: #1 Black vs. #2 Blue

Standings:

*3. Red 5-4

*4. White 4-5

5. Yellow 5-4

6. Orange 3-6

7. Green 2-7

8. Grey 2-7

* made playoffs