Man what a week of games we had in the Elite 8 last week. Every team came with confidence and all seemed prepared for battle. As the saying goes everyone can’t win so it’s important that teams and players focus on the little details that could be the difference in moving on. Last week I was 3-1 in my picks and to my surprise the games were a lot closer than expected. We had the ballers of Bethany defeat the sharp shooters of Ebenezer by 6; the kings of T&T and the defending champs derailed the last angry birds Bronx express in their rematch from last year championship game by 6 points; the professors of White Plains didn’t crush the crushers of Cornerstone but ended up winning by 4; and the destroyers of New Dime eliminated the eliminators of Ephesus by 9. This week the games are going to be sick because of the last four teams standing three of them have either won the chip or represented in the championship game the last three years. But before I get into this week picks let’s do our traditional send off to the losing teams. I booked two large boats to accommodate all 4 teams’ players, their families, and their fans. So to the sharp shooters of Ebenezer, the eliminators of Ephesus, the crushers of Cornerstone, and the angry birds of Bronx Hawks sorry fellas but it just wasn’t meant to be. You are going fishing for bass on the Jersey Shore. I know it must be disappointing to reach so far and to have your season end abruptly. But in order to win the war, sometimes you have to take a step back and even lose a battle or two. Try and enjoy the sunshine and cool breeze and reflect on what areas your team needs to improve because before you know it next season would be upon us. This week we have the final four games and every team remaining has as good a shot at the chip as any. What will determine each team success is how well they execute and how well they handle adversity. We have the ballers of Bethany battling the destroyers of New Dime, and the kings of Triumphant Tabernacle battling the professors of White Plains. Who would punch their ticket to the championship only time would tell but let’s see what Milo thinks about this week games which would be complete jubilation for two teams and total depression for the others. Let’s go.
Bethany Ballers vs. New Dimension Destroyers
East meets west as the ballers of Bethany try and get revenge against the destroyers of New Dime in a rematch from earlier in the season. Bethany balled last week and proved me right against the sharp shooters. They have a deep team with size and athletic players that can cause havoc for opposing teams trying to score inside. They know this week the stakes are higher and the team they are playing is better than last week opponent. New Dime on the other hand is the one team left from the west that can bring the noise. They eliminated the eliminators of Ephesus and had the game in control throughout. What is interesting is both teams can score in various ways and both teams have a closer that can finish the deal. Bethany is averaging 84 points per game and held their opponents to just under 69 points for a 15 point differential. New Dime on the other hand is averaging 82 points per game and held their opponents to 71 points for a 11 point differential. What that tells me is this game would be close come Saturday night. What are the keys to victory for both teams. Bethany must slow the game down and utilize their size, shoot well from the field, minimize the turnovers, and attack the paint area. New Dime on the other hand must push the rock, play solid defense especially on the guards of Bethany, out rebound their opponent, and get bench contributions. This game would be a lot closer than the match up earlier in the season when New Dime won by 6. However, I feel this time round Bethany will be ready for the challenge. Look for lots of score changes because this game would come down to the wire. But I feel this is the year of the ballers and their fans could sense it. Bethany will win this match up by 3 points in the closing seconds and defeat the destroyers by effectively limiting their second chances. Bethany moves on to the championship game for the first time in their team’s history.
Triumphant Tabernacle Kings vs. White Plains Professors
Southwest meets northeast as the defending champs T&T try and silence the professors of White Plains and punch their ticket back to the championship game. Well where do I start for this match up. Both teams won last week and proved why they are considered elite. T&T derailed the Bronx attack and held on to win by 6 points. White Plains didn’t crush the crushers of Cornerstone but a win is a win. Now the stage is set and to the victor goes the spoils. Both teams have hall of fame coaches in Felix and Colin, teams have experienced success in the biggest stage, both teams have players with multiple rings, and both teams represent the league well. What will determine the winner of this game is how well each team executes their game plan, and how well the key players perform for each team. Both teams didn’t face each other this season so I have to rely on the stats. T&T is averaging 86 points per game and hold their opponents to 74 points. That’s a 12 point differential. White Plains on the other hand is averaging 89 points per game while holding opponents to 66 points. That’s a 23 point differential. Not only that T&T has one of the highest bench scoring team in the league and is only behind WP and Bronx in that category. What are the keys to victory for both teams? T&T must push the rock, play solid defense, stop the wings of WP from attacking the paint, and minimize the turnovers. White Plains on the other hand must out rebound their opponent, shoot well from the field, minimize the turnovers, and get bench contributions. Look for a close game throughout because both teams are well oiled machines. The team that reaches their season average first most likely would win this game. I have seen some crazy endings when these two hall of fame coaches square off, but I feel this time T&T would explode and take down the giant sending White Plains fishing earlier than expected. T&T wins this match up by 1 point as they return to the championship game.
Well that’s all for Milo Final Four Picks. Players come out and give the fans a show, fans come out and support your teams, and lets fellowship together. Remember God gave us talents to glorify Him. Don’t think for one moment you are in control because God is our past, present, and future. What we do with our talents is what we would be judged on, so if you are struggling with life and find it difficult to cope at times get on your knees and ask God to give you the fortitude and strength to continue on because in the end our soul salvation is the ultimate goal. Stay safe everyone and look out for my championship picks next week. Until next time this is Milo signing out. God bless.
