By Robert Alfonso Jr.
ORLANDO, FL – Playoff basketball is really simple: Survive and Advance.
While there are teams considered the favorite based on their position in pool play upsets are almost bound to happen.
This is exactly what took place in the boys play of the Jr. NBA Global Championship. The Central team found balance scoring to upset a once undefeated Mid-Atlantic team in the US pool.
On the International half of the bracket, Europe and Middle East beat beat China at the buzzer. EME was winless coming into the matchup.
Coming into the Jr. NBA Global Championship, Central coach Allen Skeens just wanted his team to play a solid defensive game. His game plan was always centered around the defensive end of the floor.
Things did not necessarily work out as planned as the Central squad failed to win a single game during pool play. This put them up against an undefeated Mid-Atlantic team, which was being dubbed as one of the favorites to win it all. Central had other plans.
The team prized of players primarily from Kansas put on a defensive clinic the last four minutes of the fourth quarter securing a 72-58 win. Central (1-3) advances to play the West on Saturday.
As the score was tied 52-52 apiece late, Central outscored MA 20-6 during the run. It’s goal was to keep MA at or below 60 points.
Jason Rodriguez led all scorers with 20 points. Lance Bassett scored 15 points. Aidan Wing added 12.
Mid-Atlantic (3-1) was led by Amani Hansberry who recorded a double-double of 14 points and 13 points.
Elias Sauramo knocked down his only three pointer at the buzzer Friday.
Europe and the Middle East trailed by two points with only seconds to play. The ball was swung back to him on the elbow where he pulled the trigger, his jumper swished through the net for a 58-t7 win over China.
Nemanja Sarenac finished with 25 points. Sauramo chipped in with eight. The most critical being the buzzer beater.
China was led by Jinghui Li and Kaichen Han, both who finished with 12 points apiece.