Today saw the debut of the Mathletes v. 2003! Elected captain by those too lazy to organize things, I took control and assembled an intramural basketball team full of guys who are...shall we say...basketball challenged? Last year, their record was a whopping 1-11, with their only victory coming by virtue of forfeit. Needless to say, intramural basketball is meant to be fun. Our current squad features 10 men anxious and eager to whoop some b-ball booty!

Today we played our first game, but came up short in a valiant 40-37 defeat. The fact that we had a chance to win at all supposedly is amazing.

Things started off slowly. Neither team really had much cohesion and the score remained low as players grew accustomed to their roles and the pace of the game. The first half was fairly uneventful, ending with our team down 19-17.

The second half saw our team play much more intelligent basketball. I took control on offense, assuming point guard responsibilities despite being the second tallest player on the team. Our team had grown a bit lackidaisical on offense, so I began emulating my idol Adrian Dantley, driving to the hoop for easy baskets or fouls.

No team assumed a lead of more than 4 points during the entire half. As the battle heated up, the score was tied 36-36, when I drove to the lane and was fouled with 51.7 seconds remaining. I sank the first free throw. The second also went in, but was called back due to a lane violation. Leading by a point and with both teams in the penalty, I urged my team to play heady defensive ball. One of the opposing players drove in and was fouled. He sank both free throws, putting their team up 38-37.

At this point I called our final time out. There were 45 seconds remaining, and with no shot clock, I urged my team to hang onto the ball for the last shot unless a wide-open opportunity occurred. On the next play, we looked for opportunities. I found Frank down low for an easy lay up with about 18 seconds left, but he missed and the other team corralled the board. I fouled out of necessity.

Their player made the first shot, putting his team up 2. The second shot fell short, but the player entrusted to box the shooter out failed to do so and that player got the rebound. I sprinted to foul him, and unfortunately, fouled out of the game with 8 seconds remaining. He missed the first ensuing free throw but made the second, putting his team up 40-37. On the next play, one of our players had a wide open 3-point shot, but badly missed and time expired.

Overall, it was a good game for my team. We formulated a flow and began to understand each other. I can't complain too much.

Statistically, I did fine. I had 15 points on 5-10 shooting from the floor and 5-5 from the line (6-6 if that second free throw hadn't been overturned by a lane violation). I also grabbed 10 rebounds and had a block. I felt good, although a little out of shape due to having been sick.

Stay tuned for Volume 2, due Thursday night!

Umm. This will take awhile to absorb. I'll be back.

Moonbeam said:

Ian, you so carazy ...and cool.Work it.

Man Ian, you're foul.

Great story.

Just watch out for those killer blisters and shiners.

If you want to win you better find a way to get me on your team. I have a deadly jumpshot.

You know that I have to like anyone who likes to play ball as much as you obviously do.

I miss intramural basketball from college, but now I just play in pick-up games at the gym and at the park in the summer.

Adrian Dantley

I have a suggestion that might help your team...

Wear basketball shoes instead of roller skates. I know, I know... skating is fun and entertaining, but trust me.