Games We Play: Lobos Too edges Big Shwarma in OT thriller

In a Final Four game that turned into the "Game of the Year", Lobos Too and Big Shwarma battled throughout and beyond regulation time.

By JERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
In a Final Four game that turned into the "Game of the Year", Lobos Too and Big Shwarma battled throughout and beyond regulation time, in an effort to advance to the title game in the Red and Dr. Murray's Israel Basketball League. Lobos Too finally emerged victorious - just barely - and will face the winner of the other Final Four game, between Gimmel Partners and Mauzone. Big Shwarma employed a strategy of slowing the pace, stymieing the vaunted Lobos Too fast-break. Lobos Too managed to edge ahead, extending their lead to 10 mid-way through the second half. Big Shwarma then staged a comeback, tying the game with time running out thanks to several huge baskets and clutch shooting from the line. Lobos Too had one last possession in regulation but Big Shwarma successfully defended, to send the game into a high-tension overtime, with a ticket to the Finals on the line. In the extra frame, Lobos Too again pulled ahead, this time by five points, but Big Shwarma climbed back to within a bucket and took possession with five seconds left. This time, however, it was Lobos Too who came up with the big stop, winning at the end of overtime 46-44. Aryeh Rudman's 12 points made him the top scorer in the defense-oriented game, while Noah and Peskin led a balanced effort for Big Shwarma. On the other side of the bracket, Mauzone and JV Elite stayed neck-and-neck throughout the first half, but the second half belonged to Mauzone's Eli "Mike" Shulman, who tore though the defense and brought Mauzone a 66-47 victory and a spot in the Final Four. For full playoff brackets and more news, visit www.afihoops.com.