OBWL PLAYOFFS: ROUND 1, GAME 1 RECAPS

Buzzards Soar Past Mustangs, 119-104, Behind McDaniel’s Scorching Performance

The Boston Buzzards dominated the San Francisco Mustangs in a high-scoring affair, securing a 119-104 victory behind a stellar performance from Don McDaniel. McDaniel was unstoppable, pouring in 36 points on 12-of-18 shooting, including a scorching 6-of-7 from beyond the arc. The Buzzards’ efficient offense, shooting 52.1% from the field and 54.5% from three, proved too much for the Mustangs to handle. Despite a strong effort from San Francisco’s Cary Fisher, who posted 25 points and 12 rebounds, the Mustangs struggled with efficiency, shooting just 42.9% overall and 61.5% from the free-throw line. Boston’s superior ball movement, with 31 assists to Detroit’s 26, and their defensive presence, highlighted by 11 blocks, sealed the win.

Chaos Dominate Archers 114-79 Behind Lindstrom’s Scoring Explosion

The Los Angeles Chaos cruised to a commanding 114-79 victory over the Anaheim Archers, fueled by a dominant performance from Raymond Lindstrom, who poured in 43 points on 16-of-29 shooting while adding 11 free throws. The Chaos set the tone early, outscoring the Archers 34-20 in the first quarter and never looking back. Their balanced attack featured 30 assists and a strong presence on the boards, out-rebounding the Archers 57-42. Meanwhile, the Archers struggled offensively, shooting just 34.9% from the field and a dismal 16.7% from beyond the arc. Freddie Long led the Archers with 15 points, but it wasn’t enough to counter the Chaos’ efficient offense. With Lindstrom leading the charge, the Chaos’ superior ball movement and rebounding proved to be the decisive factors in this lopsided contest.

Huskies Edge Evolution in Thriller, 98-94, Behind Justin Clark’s Heroics

In a tightly contested battle, the Toronto Huskies outlasted the New Jersey Evolution 98-94, thanks to a stellar performance from Justin Clark. Clark led all scorers with 25 points, adding 8 rebounds and 7 assists to fuel his team’s offense. The Huskies capitalized on their efficiency at the free-throw line, converting 16 of 18 attempts (88.9%), while the Evolution struggled, making just 19 of 30 (63.3%). Despite shooting a slightly better field goal percentage (45.5% to 41.6%), the Evolution couldn’t overcome their free-throw woes and were out-rebounded 52-39. Kenneth McKinley also played a key role for the Huskies, contributing 17 points and 5 three-pointers. Donnie McGinty led the Evolution with 16 points, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win. The Huskies’ strong fourth quarter, outscoring the Evolution 30-17, proved to be the difference in this hard-fought contest.

Invaders Outlast Gators, 109-100, Behind Stacy’s Heroics

In a frenetic battle, the Indiana Invaders held off the New Orleans Gators 109-100, fueled by a stellar performance from Jake Stacy. The Invaders erupted for 41 points in the third quarter, creating a cushion that proved too much for the Gators to overcome. Stacy led the charge with 16 points, shooting an efficient 4-of-8 from the field and a perfect 6-of-6 from the free-throw line, while also contributing three assists and four steals. Jose Gaynor added 24 points, knocking down five three-pointers, and Douglas Floyd anchored the defense with an impressive eight blocks. The Gators fought valiantly, with Sidney Beavers pouring in a game-high 29 points on 13-of-19 shooting, but their 26 turnovers proved costly. Despite shooting a solid 48.4% from the field, the Gators couldn’t overcome the Invaders’ defensive pressure and three-point shooting, as the home team secured the hard-fought victory.

Knights Surge Late to Defeat Coyotes 100-88 Behind Dozier’s Dominance

In a game that was tightly contested through three quarters, the London Knights pulled away in the fourth, outscoring the Quebec Coyotes 28-10 to secure a 100-88 victory. Kenneth Dozier led the charge for the Knights with a dominant performance, posting 17 points and 17 rebounds while shooting an efficient 8-for-15 from the field. The Coyotes were paced by Brian Washer, who poured in a game-high 25 points and grabbed 15 rebounds, but his efforts weren’t enough to overcome Quebec’s shooting struggles (34.6% from the field, 24.1% from three). The Knights capitalized on their superior efficiency, shooting 45.9% overall and controlling the paint with 32 free throws to Quebec’s 10. Ultimately, London’s late-game surge and defensive intensity proved to be the difference, sealing the win.

Stallions Outpace Sun Kings 110-100 in Close-Fought Battle, Huynh Shines

The Kentucky Stallions secured a 110-100 victory over the St. Louis Sun Kings in a competitive matchup, fueled by a dominant performance from Christopher Huynh, who led all scorers with 23 points and grabbed 14 rebounds. The game remained close through half time, but the Stallions pulled away in the third, outscoring the Sun Kings 30-20. Justin Swenson added 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Dean Josephson contributed 14 points and 5 assists. The Sun Kings were led by Clemente Gomez’s 28 points and 8 rebounds, but their 42.9% shooting and struggles at the free-throw line (65.4%) proved costly. The Stallions’ superior rebounding (51-47) and efficiency at the line (76.9%) were key factors in their victory.

Thunderbirds Rise Above Sea Dogs, 117-102, Behind Doyle Wagoner’s Dominance

The Arizona Thunderbirds secured a convincing 117-102 victory over the Seattle Sea Dogs, powered by a stellar performance from center Doyle Wagoner. Wagoner filled the stat sheet with 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists while also contributing defensively with 2 steals and 2 blocks. The Thunderbirds’ balanced attack saw four other players score in double figures, including Ben Toy, who added 20 points and 12 rebounds. Arizona’s defense was a key factor, forcing 25 turnovers and racking up 19 steals, disrupting Seattle’s offensive rhythm. Despite a strong 27-point effort from Geraldo Ibanez, the Sea Dogs struggled with ball control and free-throw shooting, ultimately falling short. The Thunderbirds’ efficient shooting and defensive pressure proved to be the difference in this high-energy matchup.

Fry’s Red-Hot Performance Propels Tritons to 101-88 Victory Over Labradors

The Tampa Bay Tritons pulled away late to secure a 101-88 victory over the York Labradors in a competitive matchup, fueled by a stellar performance from Jerome Fry, who led all scorers with 24 points on 11-of-17 shooting. The game remained close through three quarters, but the Tritons dominated the fourth, outscoring the Labradors 30-23 to seal the win. David Fausel also contributed 24 points, while Rick Cavender orchestrated the offense with 10 assists. The Labradors were paced by John Howerton’s 21 points and 11 rebounds, but their 39.1% shooting from the field and struggles from beyond the arc (7-of-22, 31.8%) proved costly. The Tritons’ superior 46.7% shooting and defensive presence with 13 blocks were the key factors in their victory.