| Taking Care of Business |
Jan 28, 2008 |
As mentioned in this game’s preview, if Tamjeed was going to face Ma’un they could face some problems. In the regular season Tamjeed squeaked by with a 5-point victory 59-54, as they were unable to limit the effectiveness of Darko and Kenrick.
After Ma’un’s earlier victory against Qadr, there was some sense that they may be able to pull another one out of the bag and surprise everyone. Unfortunately for them, fate and Sanel wouldn’t let them on this day.
Immediately after the tip, Ma’un looked refreshed and energetic as they scored a couple of quick baskets; players were driving and not settling just for jumpers. But anytime Ma’un started feeling good about their chances, Sanel threw some cold water on them. Also helping Tamjeed along was the strong play of Ahsan Raza, a perennial Scarborough league MVP candidate who has been having problems defining his role on this West team roster, as he started in the place of absent Nav. Tamjeed was up at the half 33-22 behind Sanel’s 19 points on his scorching 5-8 shooting from behind the arc and Ahsan’s 7 points. Ma’un was lead by Darko’s 10 points.
Those watching the game realized that for Ma’un to contend and pull out this game they would have to a) stick to Sanel like glue, b) stop dropping under the picks set for Sanel and step around them so that he wouldn’t get daylight to shoot the 3, and c) work their offence through Darko, last season’s MVP, for whom Tamjeed had no answer. Unfortunately for Ma’un luck wasn’t on their side as Darko crumpled to the floor in a heap just 2:52 into the 2nd half clutching his knee which he said he heard pop as he battled 2 Tamjeed players for a defensive rebound.
It seemed as if the energy had been snapped from Ma’un and they had resigned themselves to losing shortly after the injury as they played the game out on an even par with Tamjeed. Though Ma’un got a bit of a wind back 5 minutes later forcing Tamjeed to call a timeout after seeing their lead drop to 48-33, the game was essentially over. Tamjeed was up 52-42 with 3 minutes left and Ma’un couldn’t score another point.
Tamjeed moves on to face Fatiha in the championship game next week, while Ma’un is left on the bubble to see if they can contend in next season’s Tier 1 league. |
