Quarterfinal Preview

A Bracket Play-in Games (games start at 8:25 PM)

#6 Tallula (-9) vs. #11 Mallard Magic [Court 2]

Tallula made a playoff acquisition and picked up McGarry Dangles Inc. star Danny Malkin. The addition means one less bad player on the court for Tallula. Tallula is undefeated with James Knight and Jeremy Rosenfeld both playing, granted those wins come against teams with a combined record of 7-23. Mallard Magic has been much worse than Tallula; however, with their 4 wins against teams a whopping 3-27. Mallard Magic will not have an answer for James Knight, and Tallula should win this game. The only chance Mallard Magic has is to completely take Knight out of the game, even if it means double teaming him the whole game.

#7 Ortega (-3) vs. #10 Medieval Times [Court 1]

In what is sure to be a physical game, last year's "most hated" team, plays last year's "most overrated team". Medieval Times' lost last year's star Willy Moore, and hasn't shown signs they are weaker than last year. Although they lost just once last year, their 3 losses this year came to The Express (in OT), The Bomb Squad (by 3), and Judge Jim Wascher (by 7), showing they've been close in defeat. I don't know if Ortega will have an answer for the size of TJ Keene and his jumping ability. Ortega likes to run while Medieval Times is much slower with possessions. This should be a very interesting game, and neither team will go down without a fight.

#8 Boo Radley and Friends vs. #9 Re-Elect Judge Jim Wascher (-3) [Stage Gym]

In the regular season, Judge Jim Wascher missed 5 free throws in regulation that could've put the game away, and they ended up dropping it in overtime in 2 OT. Judge Jim Wascher has a distinct height advantage with starters John Cook (6'4"), Jack Wascher (6'2"), Scott Gantner (6'1") and Doug Lavey (6'2"), who was picked up off waivers last week. I give Re-Elect Judge Jim the edge here due to their height advantage, and the addition of Lavey, who is not only tall, but plays volleyball and can get up.

Quarterfinal Matchups (games start at 9:05)

#1 Barifinkle/Team Sit on My Face vs. #8 Boo Radley/#9 Judge Jim [Stage Gym]

Whichever team wins between Boo Radley and Judge Jim Wascher, it would be a shock if either even made this a game. I don't think Judge Jim would be able to keep up with Barifinkle's speed on the Stage Gym, as their game favors a slow, inside game while Barifinkle is going to run and knock down 3's. I think Boo Radley stands a much better shot against the defending champs, but it would be a real surprise if this game was close down the stretch.

#2 The Express vs. #7 Ortega/#10 Medieval Times [Court 1]

2 years ago, The Express (minus Tim Denenberg and Mike Hermanson) went undefeated in the regular season, and lost to Ortega in the second round after a bye. The exact same scenario presents itself for Wednesday night should Ortega advance. The two teams play a similar style and an Express/Ortega matchup would be a great game. Medieval Times gave The Express an overtime scare in the regular season, as The Express had no answer for TJ Keene. The Express would be a small favorite against both of these teams, but each situation should provide an exciting game.

#3 AD vs. #6 Tallula/#11 Mallard Magic [Court 2]

AD went to the finals last year in a very similar fashion to the way this year's been going: under the radar. Should Tallula win, it would be a great game, as the regular season battle ended with an AD victory by just 4. AD has gotten stronger since last year with the addition of Alex Wislow and Monte Spiers, but still scares nobody. Teams are looking forward to playing AD thinking they're going to beat them, but so far in the last two years, Barifinkle has been the only team to do so. Both Tallula and Mallard Magic should provide some good competition for AD in the quarterfinals.

#4 The Bomb Squad (-7) vs. #5 Theo [Court 3]

Theo has shown us what they are without Walt Lyon, and that is a team just barely better than 0-8 Off In The Woods. The Bomb Squad will be able to contain Walt with Jeff Dsida, Willy Moore, and Matt Traub all great defenders. I think the only way Theo can keep this close is to punch, shove, kick, and slow down the game as much as possible. The only way Theo can win this game is to keep it in the high teens to low twenty's.

B Bracket (games start at 9:05)

#1 McGarry Dangles Inc. (-4) vs. #8 Hank Mardukas

McGarry Dangles loses best player Danny Malkin.

#2 Coot's Coot (-5) vs. #7 NWA

NWA is 0-7.

#3 Phase 4 (-3) vs. #6 Supreme Court

Phase 4 is getting better.

#4 The Bullets (-6) vs. #5 Off In The Woods

The Bullets are awful, Off In The Woods is worse.