Break and Run [3-7] vs For The Win [8-2]
Season series: 5-4 FTW (Jordy 4-1, Ant 2-0), 5-1 FTW (Ant 2-0, Tino 1-1)
Break and Run have had their worst season in PRO since season 9, yet some how managed to make the playoffs. Combine the incompetence of DS, and DP not winning until the very end, you see how a 3-7 team can actually finish top two in their division. The great thing for Ross & co. is that they're in, and nothing else matters now. In their first match Jordy was almost to run the table but came up short to Ant in game 9, while in their second match Break and Run could muster nothing and it was once again Ant who clinched the match with his second win. Those score lines show quite the pattern, that since For The Win came about and entered PRO, Break and Run hasn't been able to notch more than one win against them in a season, and what looks like only once in the past 3 seasons including playoffs. In PRO, Break and Run has only gone as far as Jordy will take them as evident by these two matches, and even his lackluster season (by his standards). Jordy will need some help if they look to have a shot at winning 2 out of 3 from FTW, and while Jim was able to put in a good season, the likes of Craig, Ross and Mina will need to turn it out when it counts as avenging their poor seasons is a big key this week. Again, none of that matters as everyone has a clean slate for the playoffs, but Ross & co. know they have an up-hill battle against a team that looks poised to complete the three-peat. Led by Ant and Brian who finished with a combined record of 29-9 in 18 matches, the success formula only continues. Last season the duo finished 32-10 in 24 matches and FTW won the title, and the season prior it was Ant and Stephen who led them at 14-4 and won their first title. Every season they have two stand outs, and a supporting cast that would star on other teams. These season Roy has the same record as Jordy, and with players like Stephen and Carlos not playing that much but eligible, the amount of talent seems unfair. Given the history between these two sides, Danielle & co. should be one step closer to their illusive three-peat.
Prediction
Match 1 - Jordy loses early and Craig can't muster more than one win, 5-2 FTW
Match 2 - Both Jordy and Craig are able to win their first, Brian falls but Ant & Carlos are able to finish it off. 5-3 FTW
Freedom [7-3] vs Beer Ball Masters [8-2]
Season series: 5-4 BBM (Brent 5-0), 5-3 BBM (Nish 3-1, Coma 2-0)
After
starting the season 0-2 and behind Straight Shots right up until the
end, Freedom comes in as the hottest team thanks to another outstanding
season by Pete. Despite him not playing the first few weeks, he was able
to average going 2-0 in the final 6 weeks including multiple clinches
as he did his best Jordy impression. But like Jordy, Pete will need his
team to rebound from a poor season if they look to topple a team they never have. Players like Andy, Ben, Cam, Scotty and Adam are historically play-off performers, but their lack of games (apart from Cameron) offer the question of if they have retired for good. We can however, count on Cameron to show along with Nish and Brandon, who put in good seasons to help lift Freedom into the playoffs. The addition of Sergio may have been the biggest move as Freedom secure something they have been struggling more and more with, which is depth in the playoffs, but with 9 eligible for the playoffs, the only issue resides with BBM. After starting the season 8-0, they gave way the final two weeks which means little even with their often no shows in other interleagues. Tyler has an arsenal of players who live for competition, and with their skills, they don't see much until the playoffs. Brent started the season carrying BBM until the rest of the team found their groove. Coma, Kevin and JT put in solid seasons and with MJ and Matt available for Tyler, you almost want to go ahead and want to see FTW and BBM clash for the title. However, the games actually need to be played. Tyler hasn't had much experience as captain as it's been a relative breeze for him, but with MJ and Kevin, rather Kevin having his beef with MJ, it'll be interesting to see what comes of it at the table if either decide not to show. I can't see MJ missing the match over this though and if Brent is able to play like he did in the first half of the season, Tyler & co. shouldn't have much issue with Freedom.
Prediction
Match 1 - MJ and Coma are able to keep up with the slow play of Andy & Pete and Freedom are unable to gain any momentum, 5-1 BBM
Match 2 - A closer match as the tappers in Freedom are able to take advantage of non-tappers of BBM, but Brent takes care of them with the help of Coma in the later games, 5-3 BBM
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Monday, October 14, 2013
Week Ten
Deep Pockets [2-7] @ Dead Strokes [3-6]
Last week: DP lost to FTW 1-5, DS def. BNR 5-2
While the playoff implications are listed below, Dead Strokes had a massive win last week over Break ad Run as Ifran, George and Omar all notched wins in quite arguably their biggest this season as now they, surprisingly, have a shot at the playoffs while sitting at a 3-6 mark. Even when you consider the under-performing season that George & co. have had, it's much better to be facing the fourth place team rather than the defending champions to earn yourself a play-off spot, but considering the past few seasons Dead Strokes have had, who knows what to expect, but if they are able to duplicate last weeks line-up with the same type of effort, they put themselves in a great spot while putting the pressure on Break and Run to perform. Even more surprising than DS at 3-6 having a shot at the playoffs is DP having a shot at the playoffs if they are able to win this week and finish 3-7. True story. Deep Pockets were unable to continue their winning ways against a much stronger FTW, but they still sit one game back of the playoffs. Matt has no doubt been carrying the team on his back in the past month, and if DP has any hopes, more than just Matt will need to step up. While Matt could do it alone, I don't see George allowing it.
Playoff implications:
For DP to make the playoffs: DP needs to win 5-1 or 5-0 coupled with a BNR loss. If DP wins 5-2 and BNR loses, DP would tie DS for second but give way to the overall win/loss, thus finishing 3rd. DP has current tie break over BNR 9-8.
For DS to make playoffs: DS to win, BNR to lose.
Notable matches this season:
Week 1: BNR 5-4 DP, Week 2: BNR 5-1 DS, Week 3: DS 5-2 DP, Week 8: DP 5-3 BNR, Week 9: DS 5-2 BNR
Prediction - 5-3 DS
Beer Ball Masters [8-1] @ Straight Shots [5-4]
Last week: BBM lost to PHP 4-5, SS lost to FR 2-5
While both sides are coming off big losses, only one loss matters. BBM had the playoffs clinched a few weeks ago, and the number one seed almost as long, but the loss by Straight Shots puts them in a bit of a predicament, but it starts with this match. Sid & co. need to come out and pick up a win if they look to have any chance at moving on past this week. But it seems like Sid and Dante need to come out if they look to have any chance. Sid has been absent the past two weeks and SS have gone from a game up in the playoff race to a game down in just two weeks. While most teams hope someone picks it up unexpectedly during the season to give their team a much needed boost, waiting until the final week seems moronic, not heroic, so Dante and Sid will need to show and play at their best if they look to take down the #1 team in PRO right now who suffered a surprising loss last week. Sure the loss was meaningless outside of ruining a perfect season, but does a team consisting of Tyler, MJ, Coma, JT and Matt really enjoy losing? There's too much talent on their roster to lose once, let alone back to back matches. Look for BBM to come out hitting heavy as they gain momentum for the playoffs.
Playoff implication:
For SS to make the playoffs: SS needs to win, FR needs to lose.
Notable matches this season:
Week 2: SS 5-1 FR, Week 9: FR 5-2 SS
Prediction - 5-2 BBM
Freedom [6-3] @ Pool Hall Pros [2-7]
Last week: FR def. SS 5-2, PHP def. BBM 5-4
While Freedom is coming off their most important win this season, they may be playing into the hands of a much-stronger-than-their-record-indicates PHP squad who were able to pull off their second straight upset, and the third time could be the charm that blows Freedoms season to pieces. Candi was finally able to pull through for her first real carry of the season, and her 6-0 mark in the past two matches is exactly why PHP are +2. The first time around, Candi was only able to go 1-1 with Cameron, now with Freedom, being the only other winner for PHP. Candi has the talent to make it 3 in a row, but Freedom understands the win-and-you're-in situation and while Freedom only has one player with an outstanding record, there is too much talent on the roster to underestimate Freedom as a title contender. Both Niks and Serena just need one more match for the playoffs, pile on any combination of Pete, Adam, Cam, Ben, Andy, etc and Freedom shouldn't have much issue this week.
Playoff implication:
For FR to make the playoffs: A win for FR and they're in. A loss for FR and they need an SS loss.
Notable matches this season:
Week 2: SS 5-1 FR, Week 9: FR 5-2 SS
Prediction - 5-3 FR
Break and Run [3-6] @ For The Win [6-2]
Last week: BNR lost to DS 5-2, FTW def. DP 5-1
What looks to be the final match of the regular season will assure to end the season in dramatic fashion, even if the playoff picture has been painted. Despite an ill-timed loss to Dead Strokes last week, Ross & co. can thank Joe for notching enough wins against DS to deny them a playoff spot. With no possible change to the playoff picture, both sides can focus on the more important things, such as getting depth eligible for the playoffs. FTW have one player sitting at 2 matches while Break and Run have an entire 4 who need one last game. Last season I do believe these two met up in a similar type where only first place was on the line but FTW seemed more interested in attempting to get Ant to the top of the MVP ladder board, who is in a similar position this season. If Break and Run look to get those 4 eligible, Ant should have no issue piling up a few wins to move into the top spot, but regardless look for FTW to come out strong and look to make a statement for their first round match-up.
Why Break and Run make playoffs:
Despite Deep Pockets holding the tie break over Break and Run (9-8), Break and Run hold the tie break over Dead Strokes (7-6), who hold the tie break over Deep Pockets (8-7) meaning the overall win/loss ratio leans towards Break and Run, even with a 5-0 loss, unless I've misunderstood the tie break rules.
Prediction - 5-3 FTW
Last week: DP lost to FTW 1-5, DS def. BNR 5-2
While the playoff implications are listed below, Dead Strokes had a massive win last week over Break ad Run as Ifran, George and Omar all notched wins in quite arguably their biggest this season as now they, surprisingly, have a shot at the playoffs while sitting at a 3-6 mark. Even when you consider the under-performing season that George & co. have had, it's much better to be facing the fourth place team rather than the defending champions to earn yourself a play-off spot, but considering the past few seasons Dead Strokes have had, who knows what to expect, but if they are able to duplicate last weeks line-up with the same type of effort, they put themselves in a great spot while putting the pressure on Break and Run to perform. Even more surprising than DS at 3-6 having a shot at the playoffs is DP having a shot at the playoffs if they are able to win this week and finish 3-7. True story. Deep Pockets were unable to continue their winning ways against a much stronger FTW, but they still sit one game back of the playoffs. Matt has no doubt been carrying the team on his back in the past month, and if DP has any hopes, more than just Matt will need to step up. While Matt could do it alone, I don't see George allowing it.
Playoff implications:
For DP to make the playoffs: DP needs to win 5-1 or 5-0 coupled with a BNR loss. If DP wins 5-2 and BNR loses, DP would tie DS for second but give way to the overall win/loss, thus finishing 3rd. DP has current tie break over BNR 9-8.
For DS to make playoffs: DS to win, BNR to lose.
Notable matches this season:
Week 1: BNR 5-4 DP, Week 2: BNR 5-1 DS, Week 3: DS 5-2 DP, Week 8: DP 5-3 BNR, Week 9: DS 5-2 BNR
Prediction - 5-3 DS
Beer Ball Masters [8-1] @ Straight Shots [5-4]
Last week: BBM lost to PHP 4-5, SS lost to FR 2-5
While both sides are coming off big losses, only one loss matters. BBM had the playoffs clinched a few weeks ago, and the number one seed almost as long, but the loss by Straight Shots puts them in a bit of a predicament, but it starts with this match. Sid & co. need to come out and pick up a win if they look to have any chance at moving on past this week. But it seems like Sid and Dante need to come out if they look to have any chance. Sid has been absent the past two weeks and SS have gone from a game up in the playoff race to a game down in just two weeks. While most teams hope someone picks it up unexpectedly during the season to give their team a much needed boost, waiting until the final week seems moronic, not heroic, so Dante and Sid will need to show and play at their best if they look to take down the #1 team in PRO right now who suffered a surprising loss last week. Sure the loss was meaningless outside of ruining a perfect season, but does a team consisting of Tyler, MJ, Coma, JT and Matt really enjoy losing? There's too much talent on their roster to lose once, let alone back to back matches. Look for BBM to come out hitting heavy as they gain momentum for the playoffs.
Playoff implication:
For SS to make the playoffs: SS needs to win, FR needs to lose.
Notable matches this season:
Week 2: SS 5-1 FR, Week 9: FR 5-2 SS
Prediction - 5-2 BBM
Freedom [6-3] @ Pool Hall Pros [2-7]
Last week: FR def. SS 5-2, PHP def. BBM 5-4
While Freedom is coming off their most important win this season, they may be playing into the hands of a much-stronger-than-their-record-indicates PHP squad who were able to pull off their second straight upset, and the third time could be the charm that blows Freedoms season to pieces. Candi was finally able to pull through for her first real carry of the season, and her 6-0 mark in the past two matches is exactly why PHP are +2. The first time around, Candi was only able to go 1-1 with Cameron, now with Freedom, being the only other winner for PHP. Candi has the talent to make it 3 in a row, but Freedom understands the win-and-you're-in situation and while Freedom only has one player with an outstanding record, there is too much talent on the roster to underestimate Freedom as a title contender. Both Niks and Serena just need one more match for the playoffs, pile on any combination of Pete, Adam, Cam, Ben, Andy, etc and Freedom shouldn't have much issue this week.
Playoff implication:
For FR to make the playoffs: A win for FR and they're in. A loss for FR and they need an SS loss.
Notable matches this season:
Week 2: SS 5-1 FR, Week 9: FR 5-2 SS
Prediction - 5-3 FR
Break and Run [3-6] @ For The Win [6-2]
Last week: BNR lost to DS 5-2, FTW def. DP 5-1
What looks to be the final match of the regular season will assure to end the season in dramatic fashion, even if the playoff picture has been painted. Despite an ill-timed loss to Dead Strokes last week, Ross & co. can thank Joe for notching enough wins against DS to deny them a playoff spot. With no possible change to the playoff picture, both sides can focus on the more important things, such as getting depth eligible for the playoffs. FTW have one player sitting at 2 matches while Break and Run have an entire 4 who need one last game. Last season I do believe these two met up in a similar type where only first place was on the line but FTW seemed more interested in attempting to get Ant to the top of the MVP ladder board, who is in a similar position this season. If Break and Run look to get those 4 eligible, Ant should have no issue piling up a few wins to move into the top spot, but regardless look for FTW to come out strong and look to make a statement for their first round match-up.
Why Break and Run make playoffs:
Despite Deep Pockets holding the tie break over Break and Run (9-8), Break and Run hold the tie break over Dead Strokes (7-6), who hold the tie break over Deep Pockets (8-7) meaning the overall win/loss ratio leans towards Break and Run, even with a 5-0 loss, unless I've misunderstood the tie break rules.
Prediction - 5-3 FTW
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Week Nine
With a pair of upsets last week, a lot can still happen for the playoffs. There are many different scenarios to play out as all but one team still have a shot at playoffs, so this season is far from over.
Straight Shots [5-3] @ Freedom [5-3]
Last week: SS lose to PHP 3-5, FR lose to BBM 3-5
Early in the week SS were able to watch Freedom lose to BBM which opened up the door for them to take a stranglehold on the playoff battle, but were unable to as they lost a surprising one. Now, in theory we have a winner take all situation. Straight Shots won the first match 5-1, so they have a good chance at winning a tie break should it come down to it, but life would be a lot easier with a victory this week. Sid, Dante and JJ will have to be ready to go as they face a Freedom squad who are no strangers to fighting for their playoff lives. Pete's first loss of the season came at a bad time as Nish was unable to carry the load despite going 3-1. If Andy, Serena, Nish and Pete are able to show up and play like they normally do, Freedom should walk away with a victory that would put them in the drivers seat.
Prediction - 5-3 FR
Pool Hall Pros [1-7] @ Beer Ball Masters [8-0]
Last week: PHP def. SS 5-3, BBM def. FR 5-3
While BBM were expected to win, the win by Candi & co. was a surprising one and certainly puts the rest of the conference on upset watch. While an upset in this match would have no effect on anything, it would give PHP some late season momentum to carry into other interleagues and seasons. PHP had a good line-up last week, but considering it always seems to change and BBM are rolling, I can't see an upset this week.
Prediction - 5-2 BBM
Dead Strokes [2-6] @ Break and Run [3-5]
Last week: DS lose to FTW 3-5, BNR lose to DP 3-5
If anyone saw this coming, you're lieing. Last weeks loss by BNR to DP makes this playoff race a lot more interesting as BNR only have a one game advantage over both of them and still play FTW next week. A win against DS would be huge and quite possibly necessary if they look to avoid their worst season in PRO. The last time Break and Run had more than 5 losses in a season is back in Season 12 when they finished 7-6. No one would have expected Break and Run to finish this season 5-5 with all the talent they possess, but if Break and Run are able to win out, they're in. For Dead Strokes, they'll need to win out if they look to have a shot at making the playoffs, something that seems so far fetched at 2-6 but that's the past, and they have a chance for the future and that's all they need to care about. With Neo boxed once again, it of course comes down to George and Omar to carry the load and hope they're able to get some quality support. Break and Run will need their studs to have bounce back weeks if they look to avoid such a strange disaster of a season. While neither team has been impressive, it's more likely that Dead Strokes will continue the trend and squander an opportunity.
Prediction - 5-3 BNR
For The Win [6-2] @ Deep Pockets [2-6]
Last week: FTW def. DS 5-3, DP def. BNR 5-3
Two weeks ago DP were predicted to continue their losing ways onto what looked like an 0-10 season, yet they find themselves in the playoff hunt. Yes, this Joe led team who started 0-6 actually have a chance at the playoffs. Of course I also have a chance at winning the local lotto so we'll see how that goes. FTW rebounded nicely last week with Roy and Ant accounting for 4 wins and will look to keep it going against DP. Matt has been big this season, and big lately as he went 3-0 last week against BNR to upset them, coupled with Odile who has been coming on strong lately. DP have put together two nice wins in a row, and if they keep their streak going, it will certainly be the most impressive of the three, but I just can't see FTW losing this at all.
Prediction - 5-2 FTW
Straight Shots [5-3] @ Freedom [5-3]
Last week: SS lose to PHP 3-5, FR lose to BBM 3-5
Early in the week SS were able to watch Freedom lose to BBM which opened up the door for them to take a stranglehold on the playoff battle, but were unable to as they lost a surprising one. Now, in theory we have a winner take all situation. Straight Shots won the first match 5-1, so they have a good chance at winning a tie break should it come down to it, but life would be a lot easier with a victory this week. Sid, Dante and JJ will have to be ready to go as they face a Freedom squad who are no strangers to fighting for their playoff lives. Pete's first loss of the season came at a bad time as Nish was unable to carry the load despite going 3-1. If Andy, Serena, Nish and Pete are able to show up and play like they normally do, Freedom should walk away with a victory that would put them in the drivers seat.
Prediction - 5-3 FR
Pool Hall Pros [1-7] @ Beer Ball Masters [8-0]
Last week: PHP def. SS 5-3, BBM def. FR 5-3
While BBM were expected to win, the win by Candi & co. was a surprising one and certainly puts the rest of the conference on upset watch. While an upset in this match would have no effect on anything, it would give PHP some late season momentum to carry into other interleagues and seasons. PHP had a good line-up last week, but considering it always seems to change and BBM are rolling, I can't see an upset this week.
Prediction - 5-2 BBM
Dead Strokes [2-6] @ Break and Run [3-5]
Last week: DS lose to FTW 3-5, BNR lose to DP 3-5
If anyone saw this coming, you're lieing. Last weeks loss by BNR to DP makes this playoff race a lot more interesting as BNR only have a one game advantage over both of them and still play FTW next week. A win against DS would be huge and quite possibly necessary if they look to avoid their worst season in PRO. The last time Break and Run had more than 5 losses in a season is back in Season 12 when they finished 7-6. No one would have expected Break and Run to finish this season 5-5 with all the talent they possess, but if Break and Run are able to win out, they're in. For Dead Strokes, they'll need to win out if they look to have a shot at making the playoffs, something that seems so far fetched at 2-6 but that's the past, and they have a chance for the future and that's all they need to care about. With Neo boxed once again, it of course comes down to George and Omar to carry the load and hope they're able to get some quality support. Break and Run will need their studs to have bounce back weeks if they look to avoid such a strange disaster of a season. While neither team has been impressive, it's more likely that Dead Strokes will continue the trend and squander an opportunity.
Prediction - 5-3 BNR
For The Win [6-2] @ Deep Pockets [2-6]
Last week: FTW def. DS 5-3, DP def. BNR 5-3
Two weeks ago DP were predicted to continue their losing ways onto what looked like an 0-10 season, yet they find themselves in the playoff hunt. Yes, this Joe led team who started 0-6 actually have a chance at the playoffs. Of course I also have a chance at winning the local lotto so we'll see how that goes. FTW rebounded nicely last week with Roy and Ant accounting for 4 wins and will look to keep it going against DP. Matt has been big this season, and big lately as he went 3-0 last week against BNR to upset them, coupled with Odile who has been coming on strong lately. DP have put together two nice wins in a row, and if they keep their streak going, it will certainly be the most impressive of the three, but I just can't see FTW losing this at all.
Prediction - 5-2 FTW
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)