Playaz stifle B2X without Mbakwe

BY MIKE PEDEN

The Errol Carlstrom Playaz punched their ticket to play El-Amin Fish House for the Howard Pulley Pro City Summer League championship Wednesday night.

Their performance against B2X suggests they are ready for the challenge. The Playaz cruised to a 125-97 win at the St. Paul Salvation Army gym.

Minnesota's Devoe Joseph scored a game-high 36 points with teammate Isaac Rosefelt also having a strong night, scoring 29. All of this was done without the help of Minnesota transfer Trevor Mbakwe, who did not appear in Wednesday night's game.

B2X, who beat Troy Hudson Enterprises and A&A Millwork last week, actually led this game for a short time. B2X had a 16-12 lead early in the first quarter before the Playaz took control.

All the Playaz did was take advantage of a bad shooting night from B2X. The Playaz were hot from the floor, capitalizing on the lack of defensive effort from B2X. The Playaz outscored B2X 35-17 in the second quarter to take a 25-point lead.

Midway through the third, the outcome was no longer in doubt. Minnesota's Rodney Williams tried to bring his team back with a 15-point third quarter, but just about every basket B2X made in the second half was responded with a quick basket from the Playaz.

Not even Williams' usual assortment of acrobatic dunks could get the crowd behind him after falling too far behind.

B2X did start the fourth on a 7-0 run. The Playaz called a timeout and proceeded to continue what they were doing in the first three quarters, never giving B2X a chance.

Williams finished with 31 points for B2X. Wofford's Cameron Rundles and Jamar Diggs added 24.

In order for the Playaz to win the league championship, they will first have to beat El-Amin Fish House today to extend the playoffs to Friday with the double-elimination format, then beat the Fish House again Friday night. What makes this prospect difficult for the Playaz is having to play four games in four nights should they beat the Fish House today,

The Fish House are the heavy favorite to win the league title and got Wednesday off after their win over B2X on Tuesday. The Fish House and Playaz will meet tonight at 7:15 at the Salvation Army gym.