Jersey City- Hoop There It Is is one of the top teams this season, but Bucket Szn seems to have their number. This is the second and final match-up between the two, and the first game neck-and-neck with one point separating the two. Both teams began the game with a lot of energy on offense, physicality on defense, and great pace and competitiveness. The score remained close with a few lead changes. The Hoop There It Is defense was tough and forced some early turnovers, complimented by a smooth flow on offense. However, Bucket Szn would wake up and begin to expose some of Hoop’s weaknesses. Hoop was forced to start taking unnecessary 3’s because of the overpowering defense, which slowed down their offense. Bucket Szn turned back into that gritty team we know, and they turned their strong defense into confidence on offense, building a lead up to as many as 13 points. The biggest mistakes for Hoop There It Is were missed free throws, missed layups, and a few careless turnovers. They would, however, try to flip their fortune in the last 2 minutes with a 6-0 run, but Bucket Szn’ Connor Kimbrough would hit a floater at the buzzer to put his team up 32-25 and cap off an exciting half. Vic Rosario led all players with 13 points.

            The second half was even more intense, with guys talking and moving without the ball. Hoop There It Is cut the deficit to as little as 3 points with the help of second chance opportunities, but it would build right back up to 10 points quickly. Bucket Szn led by as many as 12 and seemed to be in total control, the only question being foul trouble for 2 players with 7 minutes to go and no substitutes. They were also put their opponent in the bonus, requiring them to play smart basketball down the stretch. It was heated, but Hoop once again was not able to make their free throws and missing layups cost them. Bucket Szn held on for the season sweep by a score of 62-52. Hoop There It Is saw Gary Hettinger finish with a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds, tacking on 6 assists, 3 steals, and 3 blocks.  Teammate Mike Minion added a double-double of his own with 18 points and 11 rebounds, adding 2 steals, 1 assist, and 1 block. Bucket Szn’s Vic Rosario did not have his normal double-double but still put up 22 points, 6 rebounds, 5 steals, 1 assist, and 1 block while Aaron Gadsden contributed 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists.