The last two playoff spots in Central Oregon Community College’s intramural basketball league were clinched in week eight, but seeding isn’t yet determined with only one regular season game left to play. Two forfeits, a blowout, and a second straight week with an FA2 nail-biter were featured among the games. 

The action opened with the fifth seeded Ankle Breakers Anonymous trying to keep their season alive against third seeded FA2. FA2 needed a victory to lock in their playoff spot. ABA’s ball movement and interior scoring was much improved from last week’s blowout loss to the Free Agents, taking an early 9-8 lead. 

FA2 started to rack up points though, taking a 21-16 lead with five minutes left in the first half after some flashy passing started to open up their offense. ABA wouldn’t go away, fighting back to trail 28-26 at half. 

ABA hit a huge three to take the lead, and followed with a fastbreak layup to take a 42-39 advantage with 11 minutes left. ABA carried that three point lead all the way to the five minute mark, where they capitalized on two straight offensive rebounds to lead 46-43. FA2 responded, going on a 7-0 scoring run ending in a Gabe Reed three to take a 50-46 lead with three minutes remaining. 

ABA did not waver under pressure. They matched every blow FA2 threw their way, and a mid range shot with 20 seconds to go narrowed the FA2 lead to 55-52. ABA sent FA2 to the free throw line for a one-and-one, needing a miss for a chance to stay in the game. 

The free throw rimmed out, and ABA called timeout with seven seconds left to draw up the final play. ABA forward Zack Elliot got a good look in the corner, fired up the shot, and with everyone looking up at the ball, the shot hit the backside of the rim and fell to the court–and with it fell ABA’s hopes of muscling their way into the playoffs. 

“We ran a play for Lucas, it got blown up and he was covered. I tried to get outside … I tried to draw a foul with the fake, I just didn’t get it.” Zack Elliot said about the final shot. While it was a tough loss that officially ended ABA’s season, Elliot said most of his team will be back for the winter term. 

The next two games were forfeits, with the Blockers getting blown out 53-16 in the first half by team Couch and the game being called at halftime. That game eliminated the Blockers from the playoffs officially, and clinched the first seed for team Couch. The Cross Roads forfeit their game for the fourth time this season, falling to 1-7. The Bucket Getters advanced to 7-1, claiming their second consecutive win by forfeit.

The fourth seeded Free Agents played the seventh seeded Hoop Mixtape to close the day’s games. The Free Agents needed a win to lock in the final playoff spot, Hoop Mixtape needed a win to keep their season alive. The game was never close, with the Free Agents dominating from start to finish. 

The game was physical, but once the Free Agents went up double digits with ten minutes to go in the first half, they never looked back, steamrolling their way to a 75-47 victory that advanced them to 4-4. Hoop Mixtape fell to 2-6, officially eliminating them from playoff contention. 

There is one way for the playoff picture to change in the final week. Undefeated team Couch plays FA2 (5-3), while the Free Agents (4-4) play Hoop Mixtape (2-6) again. If FA2 loses and the Free Agents win, the Free Agents could steal the third seed depending on who has scored more points on the season. If FA2 can end team Couch’s undefeated season, they would clinch the third seed, and they also clinch the third seed if the Free Agents lose their last game. 

Chase Brostek

Editor

Chase Brostek is an editor who has been writing for The Broadside since 2022. He’s transferring to the University of Oregon in the Fall to continue pursuing his major in journalism. He enjoys spending his spare time writing, playing basketball, and listening to music.