Sanatura 87 Barva 96 (F-2OT)

We played the game everyone was expecting; the six time defending champion Barva versus the upstart challenger Sanatura. I'm sure Barva circled this game as soon as the schedule came out and details of our team became apparent; we were certainly looking forward to this game. On paper, it looks like an even matchup. Both teams are deep on the perimeter and the post. Games aren't played on paper, however, and Barva has a big advantage; they have played together for years while we put this team together in a few months. So the stage was set for an epic showdown on Tuesday night, the first of what should be several encounters.





The two teams didn't disappoint playing a double overtime thriller with Barva pulling away in the second overtime. Barva's best player, Isaac St. Rose and Michael Jackson traded incredible scoring plays, each scoring more than 30 points. Amir Alavarado and Gabriel Quesada went toe to toe with Dixon, Milliner and Carnegie. Sanchez and Chava had a ball handling duel at the point. While not exactly pretty basketball, it was a clash of titans, strength against strength.

 Twice we had opportunities to put the game away, once at the end of regulation and once late in the first overtime. Team captain Cristian Chavarria fumbled a long pass that would have led to an easy layup for the game-winner at the end of regulation (Cristian then had a similar mishap late in the first overtime that would have given us a six point lead). And Barva paraded to the free throw line in the first overtime to bridge a four point gap with a minute to go. By the time the second overtime rolled around we were down four starters; down two points, Barva had a key stop which led to a fast break basket and never looked back. Isaac gave a final exclamation point with a windmill jam at the buzzer.

Game Notes

• It was a sloppy game from both sides. I haven't seen the official stat sheet but we had more than 25 turnovers. Barva was just as sloppy. A combination of nerves, tight defenses and mental lapses on both ends.
• It's becoming quite clear that Michael is getting reffed differently this year. A couple times this year refs have told me that they will call a technical on him if he flails his arms to draw a foul. The refs are suspecting that Mike is trying to trick them, but what's really happening is that teams are hacking Michael continuously and not getting the calls. Last night Barva's ace defender Charles Plummer was all over Mike getting away with murder. And on the defensive side Mike gets called for very light fouls. Geez, haven't these refs seen the NBA?
• It was a weird feeling to see Gabriel Moya on the other team (as well as Jose West and Jorge Arguello). Moya's been one of "my players" for the past five years or so, we've had a great relationship and it's been a joy watching him grow as a player and a person. I know he wrestled with his decision to join Barva, but a player's career is limited and he had to take the opportunity. Still, it was weird...it would have been fun having him on our side. 
• Speaking of weird feelings, Escazu is our next opponent. A homecoming of sorts for myself and Mike.