Following two women’s games, it was time for the men’s quarterfinals to close out Saturday’s slate. All four teams entered with at least one loss, but a slip-up today would send them packing.
And that message was received.
Each team played with an intensity to keep its Rumph chances alive. But, in the end, it was Rex6 and TBB as the ones to claw their way to Sunday’s Final Four.
MEN’S GAME ONE: Rex6 51, Coach Tone Runs 46
An intense showdown between Rex6 and Coach Tone Runs was nothing short of sweet. The men in purple, fresh off a dominant 75–53 victory over 8Eye, looked to handle business in a win-or-go-home Saturday matchup.
Elimination day did not disappoint. Both Rex6 and Coach Tone Runs came out fired up, playing physical, high-level hoops. It was Jordan “Mr. 52” Hall getting to work early, flashing coast to coast, facilitating his teammates, and scoring with ease.
Both squads put on a show in the first half, keeping it close with Coach Tone Runs up 22–19 at the half.
Rex6 picked up right where they left off, going on a 10–0 run led by Quaddy “President” Welton and the 2021 MVP Wali Hepburn.
Hall and Coach Tone Runs answered right back with a 9–0 run to take a one-point lead with just 12 minutes left in a do-or-die situation.
Ultimately, however, it was always Wali’s world. Coach Tone Runs made a valiant effort, but the veteran guard’s leadership and experience proved to be too important in the final minutes. Hepburn finished with 17 points, four rebounds, and four assists.
Rex6 held their own, eliminating Coach Tone Runs in a back-and-forth classic. With the 51–46 win, Rex6 advances to the semi-finals on Sunday.
MEN’S GAME TWO: TBB 92, Develop Now 67
Saturday’s final matchup tipped off between TBB and Develop Now, two contending squads, both hungry for a finals run. TBB lost their first matchup on Thursday, but bounced back with a commanding win over Philly All American Game on Friday.
TBB took full control early, making a highlight reel of plays involving the former Villanova Wildcat Eric Dixon, Justin “Somebody’s Boss” Jaworski, and Tyrese “The Professional” Martin.
One of the biggest surprises of the tournament, Myles “Junkyard Dog” Cale exploded in the first half, hitting three three-pointers for 13 points.
Despite TBB’s star-studded roster, Develop Now’s former Oregon and Alabama guard Aaron Estrada did not back down, putting up 17 first-half points to close the gap.
Nonetheless, TBB controlled all the momentum; Former Brooklyn Net Maxwell Lewis took flight, racking in multiple backboard-shaking dunks and leading his team with 15 first-half points to give TBB a 56–35 lead at the half.
Disappointingly for Develop Now, TBB picked up right where they left off at the break. Eric “Somebody’s Lawyer” Timko had himself a day, exploding for 16 points off the bench. Martin and Maxwell both finished with respectable 21-point game performances.
In the end, TBB won in fashion, defeating Develop Now by a whopping 92–67 to close the day.