VICE CITY KINGS VS KENTUCKY RESERVE

Monday - 7:30 PM ET

Written by Ricky Spyder

GSB S3 | Week 2

Two teams square off tonight after having less than desirable week 1 results. Vice City last week fell to the NOLA Riders in a thrilling 10-point game. Vice City will need to do a better job in the rebounding department this time around. The bench will also have to hold down the fort a tad bit tighter than last week if they want to get back on track here in week 2.

Kentucky is also coming off of a loss in week 1 against the Virginia Merfolk. The Reserve played a tight game which came down to the wire. Kentucky will certainly be looking to protect the ball a little more as well as avoid some unnecessary fouls. Will be looking forward to see how Vice City’s typically explosive offense matches up against Kentucky’s big interior presence in this week 2 battle. 

Players To Watch

Shiloh Marino

The newest acquisition of the Vice City Kings did all he could to grab the win last week. Marino did it all, scoring, playmaking, defense… putting up some great numbers in his Vice City debut. Shiloh was very aggressive on the perimeter, which could spell trouble for the Reserve here tonight. 

Al Padraza

The 2-time GSB all star looked to be back in his usual form in week 1, posting a big time double double against NOLA. I think it will be interesting to see if he can duplicate his performance when matched up against Col. E.H. Taylor.

Col. E.H. Taylor.

Speaking of everyone’s second favorite colonel from Kentucky, E.H. Taylor had a great game in week 1 with a double double of his own. He showed that he can be a big time threat on the interior of left unchecked. Will be an interesting matchup at the 4 spot. 

Dime Hardaway

Dime had a very strong performance which has become pretty typical from him out of Kentucky. He led the team in scoring while doing a little playmaking along the way. He led the league in assists last season so if he can help his team move the ball around a little more this week, that will go a long way to grabbing that W here tonight. 

Prediction:Vice City: 102 - Kentucky: 90

OHIO SHAMAN VS VIRGINIA MERFOLK

MONDAY - 9:30 PM ET

Written by Hoe Jarris

GSB S3 | Week 2

The Ohio Shaman were optimistic of their chances to start their S3 campaign on a winning note. Despite jumping out to an early lead in their game vs the Killer Beez, the Shaman were not able to maintain the lead and ultimately lost by 13 to their divisional rivals. The Killer Beez' bench dominated Ohio to the tune of 64 points. Ohio will be looking to get into the win column this week against the Merfolk.

On the other side of this matchup is the Virginia Merfolk, who started off their season with a win after only winning 1 game in S2. Ricky Spyder and Aaron Hughes stepped up to lead Virginia to victory, and the team will be looking to them again in a tough test against the Shaman, who will be eager to grab a win.

Players To Watch

Scout Mitchell

S1 All-Star Scout Mitchell was quiet in their loss to the Beez, only managing 7 points on 4 shots from the field as well as 2 assists. Typically one of the team's top scorers, Mitchell will need to step his game up as a scorer and take on more of the responsibility for the offense. If not, what should be a winnable game on paper might be much more dangerous.

Bryant Buckets

Spyder and Hughes were singled out as the best performing Merfolk in their victory over the Reserve in week 1, however, Bryant also deserved his flowers. The season 1 veteran put together a solid stat line with 12 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals on 4/7 shooting from the field. Merfolk will need more of the same from Buckets this game and this season, as they are a little thin on depth with several rookies on the roster.

EJ Bailey

With subpar games from teammates Scout Mitchell and Muddy Blunts, EJ Bailey answered the call and was the primary playmaker and scorer for the Shaman. Despite the loss, Bailey put up a 17 points, 4 rebound, 6 assist performance and did all he could to keep Shaman in the game. If others fail to step up, Bailey might be called upon to lead the offense.

Tyrese White

Rookie Tyrese White was dominant on the boards against the Reserve, pulling in 12 rebounds including 2 offensive boards as well. He only managed 2 points on 1-3 shooting, but this was a very encouraging start for the big man. Merfolk will need him to continue to grab rebounds if they want a chance of winning this game. Look for Tyrese White to also continue to improve his scoring as the season goes on.

Prediction: Ohio 99 - 87 Virginia