Wow what an exciting week of games we had last week. Although I went 6 - 2 in my picks teams played hard and inspired ball. We had the crushers of Cornerstone beat the crusaders of Corona by 1 point; the juggernauts of NJ beat the winless GNYC by 6; River of Life defeated New Life by 9; Kingsboro stunned Fellowship by 1; Mt Sinai lost to QB blowout style; the vipers of Mt Vernon stung the volunteers of Spring Valley by 19; Bronx rode express and eliminated the eliminators of Ephesus by 6; and the clash of T&T against White Plains was exactly that a clash with the professors winning by 1 point. This week we have some more exciting games and teams better come prepared or face possible elimination from the playoffs. Time is running out for some teams and only a strong push to the finish would be welcomed. With that said let's see what Milo thinks about this week games which for some teams is do or die. Let's go.
New Jerusalem Juggernauts vs Corona Crusaders:
Battle in the east as the juggernauts of NJ try and keep pace and stay in the 3rd spot in the east as they battle the crusaders of Corona. NJ defeated GNYC last week by 6 points and would like to continue their winning ways. Corona on the other hand lost a tough game last week and is seeing their playoff chances evaporate. NJ knows what is at stake this game a loss could be devastating and a win could help solidify their chances to advance. What are the keys to victory for both teams? NJ must play solid defense, shoot well from the line, get bench contributions, and minimize the turnovers. Corona on the other hand must play smart and attack the paint, shoot well from the field, out rebound their opponent, and play with intensity. Look for a close game because both teams are evenly matched. But in the end I feel the juggernauts would find a way to corral the crusaders and win this game by 6 points as they hold on to the 3rd spot in the division.
Christian Fellowship vs Triumphant Tabernacle Kings:
Battle for 1st place in the south west as the hawks of Fellowship try and stop the bleeding against the kings of T&T in Milo's "Game of the Week ". Both teams played last week and both teams lost by 1 point. Fellowship lost an opportunity to claim a top spot in the division and possibly the playoffs. They started the season strong but have fallen on hard times recently losing their last two games. They face their division rival T&T who is a 1/2 game ahead in the division for the top spot. Fellowship had their chances to take control of their destiny but couldn’t deal with success and now has fallen back to the pack. T&T on the other hand was the last undefeated team standing last week and lost a tough game to the defending champs. Both teams were missing key players but like I always say it's the system that wins games and not necessarily the players. Execution is the key and players although they can make a difference with their talent need to be able to excel in a team oriented game. T&T had the game in hand up by 1 point with 8 seconds left and couldn't sustain it. This week they will be out to prove last week was just a bad night and take it to Fellowship. What are the keys to victory for both teams? Fellowship better come to play and be discipline in the defense; shoot well from the field, get points in the paint, and minimize the turnovers. T&T on the other hand must push the rock, attack the rim, minimize the turnovers, and utilize their skilled players. Look for a close game the first half but by second half I expect to see the kings pull away and win this game by at least 10 points as they claim the south west division.
Spring Valley Volunteers vs Mt Sinai Tigers:
East meets northeast as the tigers of Mt Sinai battles with the volunteers of SP and tries and keep them win less. Both teams played last week and both teams lost their respective games. Spring Valley lost blowout style to the vipers and now faces another tough out in the tigers who also lost last week to QB. Spring Valley is playing better but inconsistent play has done them in all season. What are the keys to victory for both teams? Spring Valley must play solid defense, shoot well from the field, get bench contributions and minimize the turnovers. Mt Sinai on the other hand must out rebound their opponent, shoot well from the line, make stops, and play above the rim. Look for a close game the first half but by second half I expect to see the tiger pounce on the volunteers and defeat them blow out style as they hold on to the 2nd spot in their division.
Queensboro Prophets vs Kingsboro Kingsmen:
Battle for the 2nd spot in the west as the prophets of QB try and fight off the kingsmen of Kingsboro. Both teams won last week and looked impressive I must say. QB defeated the tigers last week in convincing fashion and now have their sights set on divisional rival Kingsboro. The kingsmen won last week against Fellowship and played as well as I've seen them this year. What are the keys to victory for both teams? QB must shoot well from the line, out rebound their opponent, get hustle plays; and minimize the turnovers. Kingsboro on the other hand must play solid defense, shoot well from the field, get bench contributions, and minimize the turnovers. Look for a close game throughout with lots of score changes, however, I feel this game would come down to a last second shot and in the end the prophets of QB would reign supreme. QB wins by 2 points as they hold on to the 2nd spot.
Bethany Ballers vs Ebenezer Sharp Shooters:
Battle in the east as the ballers try and keep the sharp shooters from moving up in their division. How promising the season looked for the sharp shooters. They won their first couple of games but played inconsistent ball and now is in the 4th spot looking up. Bethany who is currently in first place is playing lights out with only one loss all year. What are the keys to victory for both teams? Bethany must push the rock, play solid defense, shoot well from the field, and get all the loose balls. Ebenezer on the other hand must live up to their nick names and shoot well from the field, get bench contributions, play solid defense, and attack the paint as much as possible. Look for a close game throughout despite Ebenezer's record. I expect to see lots of score changes but in the end I feel the ballers would ball more and for that reason I'm picking them to win this game by 8 points as they hold on to the top spot in the east.
Horeb Hustlers vs Cornerstone Crushers:
West meets south west as the hustlers of Horeb try and stop the crushers and drop them out of 1st place. Horeb was off last week and would be ready for action this week. They face the crushers who won a nail bitter last week against Corona. Both teams knows the importance this game and both teams would be ready to play. What are the keys to victory for both teams? Horeb must play solid defense, shoot well from the field, get bench contributions, and minimize the turnovers. Cornerstone on the other hand must play smart and attack the paint, shoot well from the field, minimize the turnovers, and make all the hustle plays. Look for a close game throughout but I feel in the end that Cornerstone would find a way to slow down the hustlers and for that reason I'm picking them to win this match up by 3 points as they hold on to the top spot in the division.
Well that's all for Milo's Week 9 Picks. Players come out and give the fans a show; fans come out and support your teams, and lets fellowship together. Remember God has given each of us the power of choice and he expects us to make good, sound decisions in our lives. If we allow the devil to persuade us we are only exposing ourselves to torment and torture. God wants us all to be saved but he would not force us to follow Him. We are the ones who need to be consistent with regards to our faith and keep Christ close to the heart. God don't like pretenders especially those that try and deceive others. Man can't tell the future or know the heart but God the Almighty knows everything about each of us. If for one second you think you are getting away with anything remember God says in the day of judgement everything that was hidden would be exposed. So don't kid yourself thinking no one know because if we really take a close look all of heaven is watching. Until next time this is Milo signing out. God Bless.