Bighorns vs Lakers Semifinals!

   Tonight is one of the biggest games for the Reno Bighorns, marking their fifth appearance in the playoffs and the second time they have held possession of the division title and first-round bye; the first time in which they held the title being during the 2015-2016 season. It has been an amazing season for the Bighorns who lost nine of their first fifteen games only to turn the season around by going on two different winning streaks of six games each.

   Their opponents are the South Bay Lakers, with a record of 28-22. A team we have seen them face off against multiple times. This is the fifth matchup between the two teams this season and the second time they faced off against the Bighorns in the semifinals. The last time having been in their 2015-2016 season, when the Lakers won 2-1. Tonight is the Lakers' season 2018 postseason game, currently at 1-0.

                                       Tonight's Roster for the Bighorns includes:
(2) Cody Demps, (3) Marcus Williams, (4) Brandon Austin, (5) Josh Hagins, (9) Matt Jones, (10) Tyree Murray, (15) Daniel Ochefu, (23) Mike Bethea, (29) JaKarr Sampson, (44) Luis Montero, and (45) Jack Cooley.

                                      Tonight's Roster for South Bay Lakers includes: 
(0) James Southerland, (4) Alex Caruso, (6) Gary Payton II, (7) Demarcus Holland, (8) Scott Machado, (10) Andre Ingram, (13) Stephaun Branch,  (14) V. J Beachem, (20) Stephen Zimmerman, (21) Travis Wear, (25) Robert Heyer, (31) Thomas Bryant, and (55) Michael Holyfield.

    The first quarter takes off with a two-shot point scored by the South Bay Lakers' Scott, shortly followed by another two-pointers. The Bighorns shoot their first two-pointers but by the first two minutes, they are following behind, at 5-16. Thomas Bryant shoots for the Lakers and scores one. They are at 14-5 in favor of the visitors by the time the clock has hit nine minutes.

   The Bighorns have the ball; JaKarr Sampson scores three. The Lakers manage an additional four points. Travis Wear shoots for two at the line and misses one. Matt Jones successfully makes a long-shot, much to the enthusiasm of the crowd. Jack Cooley approached the line and scores one. Travis Wear makes a two pointer, only for Jack Cooley to retaliate.

   We see Jack Cooley at the line again, shooting for one. The time is presently 3:49, the Lakers are ahead, and the scores are 18-24.  Matt Jones scores two from the line. Scott Machado brings the Lakers up an additional four. With only two minutes remaining on the countdown, we are seeing some enthusiasm from the crowd. James Southerland scores from clear across the court, with less than one second on the clock. This wraps up the end of the first quarter at 24-33, with the Lakers maintaining their initial lead.

First Quarter : 24 - 33 : Lakers in the Lead

  The second quarter, similarity, begins with a shot by the Lakers. The Bighorns' manage a three-pointer. Josh Higgins shoots three-points. Lakers approach the line, score one. Austin approaches the line, successfully shoots for two. 9:19, the score is 33-37. Gary Payton II scores two at the line. Daniel Ochefu shoots for two and misses one. JaKarr Sampson scores two for the Bighorns. With 7:41 remaining, the Bighorns are at 38, the Lakers at 41.

   JaKarr Sampson for two. Mike Bethea, puts the Bighorns in the lead at 43-41, with 6:18 left on the clock. Jack Cooley scores two. 5:15, the teams are tied at 45-45, only to be broken a mere few seconds by the Bighorns again taking a two-point lead. Travis Wear brings the Lakers and the Bighorns back into a tie. For the last minute, we have seen the teams neck-to-neck, repeatedly tying.

   With only 3:00 of the second quarter left, it looks as if the Bighorns may have keep a short lead; currently at 53-49. Scott Machado of the Lakers approaches the line, shooting successfully for two. Jack Cooley also manages two at the line. 56-51 at 1:52. With only one second on the clock, the Lakers take back the lead. Just as the clock hits zero, the Lakers score an impressive second shot from all the way across the court, ending the ending the second quarter with the scoreboard at 58-62.
 
Second Quarter : 58 - 62 : Lakers in the Lead 

   The beginning of the third quarter doesn't receive its first score until well in the tenth minute, when Marcus Williams manages a two-pointer for the Bighorns. Matt Jones approached the line, missing both shots. The Lakers are maintaining their lead at 62-67 as of 8:28. 6:39, Lakers score a three-pointer which is quickly retaliated by the Bighorns, leaving the scoreboard at 68-71. With 4:38 on the clock, the Lakers have leapt a whole ten points ahead, with the scoreboard at 71-81.

   Andre Ingram scores twice at the line. There is little more than two minutes remaining on the clock; the Lakers are 86 and the Bighorns at 78. Josh Hagins shoots for two at the line. Scores both times. WIth less than a minute left, we are seeing a lot of long-shots. The third quarter is summed up with a score of 83-94 with the Lakers yet again in the lead.

Third Quarter : 83 - 94 : Lakers in the Lead

 Thanks to Alyssa Tomsik for writing the first 3 quarters of the game. The last quarter of the game and the Lakers lead by 11 points. The game was broadcasted live on National TV tonight. The music hits and the crowd cheers. However the Lakers extend the lead to 15 points. At 8:58 in the game a call from the referee brings the Lakers up from the bench. The Lakers get heated after bad calls from the referee.

Jack Cooley brings some life into the crowd with a 2 point shot. The crowd boos again after another questionable call from the referee. The Bighorns challenge the call and it goes to review. Lakers turn the ball over however the Bighorns miss several attempts at a 2 point basket and a foul is called against the Bighorns. Both teams go up and down the court but no one scores and another foul is called. Lakers hit a basket after the foul. Jakar Simpson hits a 2 point basket but more fouls on the Bighorns.

I sometimes do not understand why players do not take shots instead start passing the ball around. Bighorns foul again and these fouls are starting to hurt as the Lakers take a 15 point lead. Lakers foul. Cooley at the line and misses the shot. A full time was taken and the dance team tosses t-shirts to the crowd. Bighorns foul again giving the Lakers a free shot at the basket. The clock is winding down and the DJ is attempting to get the crowd into the game by yelling DEFENSE.

Bruno the Mascot gets the crowd going but the Lakers maintain the 15 point lead. Bighorns take a 30 second time out with 2 minutes and 6 seconds left in the game. The score Bighorns 100 vs Lakers 117. With the Lakers having the lead the Bighorns are fouling but this plan seems to be failing as the Lakers take a 16 point lead. The Lakers seem to celebrate a little early and the Bighorns take 30 second timeout. With less than 1 1/2 minutes left in the game the BIGHORNS season is going to be over.

FINAL SCORE Bighorns 109 to Lakers 126