Delta Force 35, Uptempo 50

In a 1000-degree gym, the 2010 NRF Playoffs began. And if it means anything, Delta Force were the first ones on the board after a nice post move from Damian Bulluck. But getting his bucket parade underway, Scott Williams’ jumper had the shooter’s roll.

You knew this game was going to be a tough one, and early on each team was called for moving picks. But it was Uptempo’s ball movement – which all starts with Danny Milan at the high post – that got them going for easy buckets down low. And when you have Nick Blatchford hitting his threes, this team is in rare form. With nine minutes remaining in the half, Uptempo led 17-4.

At that point, it was make or break time for Delta Force. Were they going to go on a run? Were they going to make a stop? Or were they going to let Uptempo throw alley-oop passes to Mike Won underneath? For the next couple of minutes, they decided on the run after Sure Shot knocked in a three. At halftime, they cut Uptempo’s lead down to 25-13.

In the second half, Won and Williams got things going. Playing a two-man game, the two of them (who are equally League MVPs in my eyes) couldn’t be stopped as they delivered it down low. But Delta Force wouldn’t quit. Despite missing a bunch of shots, they kept the intensity level high. With just under 14 minutes left, the score was 37-17.

Picking their man up full-court, Delta Force refused to say uncle. And with a point to prove after last week’s loss, Uptempo wanted to pour it on as much as they could. But Kelvin Coffey doesn’t know quit – even when he’s under the basket throwing up crazy behind-the-back layups… that go in.

But Delta Force had no answer on the defensive end. Because yes, Blatchford can shoot. Well. And with eight of their guys finally in uniform, working through the rotation kept all of them with fresh legs. For the rest of the game, Uptempo looked like the two-time defending champs. With defensive pressure everywhere, there was nothing you could do.

Final score: Uptempo wins, 50-35.

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