Rec Division Quarter-Final Matchup: (4) United Nationz vs. (5) Bulldogs

The 4th seeded United Nationz and 5th seeded Bulldogs should be a good match up as both team have played some quality games through out the season. The Bulldogs have a solid five players on their team but that is their problem. They only have five players. Teams out man them coming with a full squad and subbing in and out players keeping a nice rotation while the Bulldogs are fatigue. The United Nationz have been using their high energy, helter-skelter defense, and ability to knock down the trey ball to win games.

The Bulldogs have played their last two games without their floor general (PG) Joshua Tuazon and their offense seemed stagnant and needed a pick me up.  For the Bulldogs to win this game they will need to take advantage of the mismatch they have with (C) Mergim Oshlani. In his first game of the season (Bulldogs only win), he had 18 points and 12 boards but has been non-existent in the rest of the games the Bulldogs had. Look for him to bounce back in the playoff and be the X-Factor of this game. Captain (G) Jeff Akwei has shown the ability to post up smaller defender and hit the open three. This may help against the smaller guards on United Nationz. (G) Brian Niwlet is the shooter for the Bulldogs and he is getting hot at the right time going 6-8 from the 3PT line in the last week of the regular season. (F) Ian had a great closing game for the Bulldogs with 20 points and 7 rebounds.

Like I said earlier the United Nationz rely heavily on their pressure defense to win games for them. Look for them to press the whole game man to man. On offense (G) Sogen Higuchi will be their go to guy on offense with his strong finishes at the hoop, pull up jumpers, and his ability to penetrate and dish to their knock down shooters. Captain (G) Joji Iwasa keeps the team together for United Nationz and is good for double digit scoring and plenty of hustle plays. (G) Devin Y. is their hustle player and he plays up 94 feet, dives all over the floor, and creates havoc for the opposing team. The X-Factor for UN will be (G) Si, if he gets hot from beyond the arc then the Bulldogs will be in trouble.

Predictions: United Nationz will win this game 60-52 because of their full court pressure defense, high energy, and depth.

RAIN DATE SCHEDULED FOR: Friday 9/7/2012 6:00AM @ Columbus Park 30 Mulberry Street, NYC, NY 10002