After last season's humbling Cup Finals loss to Visionaries, the Orchestra were hungry for another chance. Despite starting the season without Konstantyn Klimenko (22.4 ppg in Season 64), another chance is exactly what they got. To make the finals they surpassed expectations. Thanks in part to a mid-season shot in the arm in the form of American Guard, Sterling Koenig, they bested a long list of great teams, including:
• Wasco Tigers (a replay of the Season 61 III.6 championship)
• Vanaheim Norse (II.1 powerhouse and former mentor)
• and 3 NBBA teams: Jim Almeida Janitor Crew, southpaw army, and Flashover (a rematch of last season's Cup semifinal)
In the finals vs Splash Gang, The Orchestra came out to an early lead, shocking their opponents by stacking up a 12-pt lead in the first 9 minutes on the strength of Koenig's 7-8 shooting from the field. But Splash Gang adjusted and pulled to within 6 by the end of the period. A 4-minute drought started the 2nd period for both teams until it was broken by an Aboki three-pointer. A pair of Splash Gang free throws narrowed the split to 1-pt. The Orchestra responded and was up 7 at the half.
The Orchestra's defense remained solid after halftime, but the offense started the third period with a spate of turnovers and missed chances. Things finally got rolling when Stevens took matters into his own hands, making a pair of layups and dishing out two assists. And by the end of three periods, The Orchestra had a commanding 16-pt lead. But Allen, Aboki, and McAllister led a strong comeback attempt, narrowing their deficit to 7 with 1:20 left on the clock. Foul-and-three was the only tactic left to Splash Gang at that point, and although they made two 3PTs, The Orchestra went 7-8 on FTs in the last minute to come out on top 71-79.
Next season will see The Orchestra in international competition at the highest level. In preparation, the team welcomes 5-time Allstar Ralph Mullins back to USA soil after stints in Utopia, Germany, Turkey, and Spain. It also will say goodbye to young French phenom Romain Sabine, and 6-season veteran Portuguese big man Rúben Perdigão. Exciting times ahead at Symphony Center!!!
Last edited by Rhyminsimon at 9/7/2024 12:43:55 AM
Last edited by Rhyminsimon at 9/30/2024 9:42:30 AM