By Danielle Daniels
SEMIFINALS PREVIEW
Daskalakis Athletic Center, Philadelphia – Aug. 2, 2024
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Forever Coogs vs (6) Eberlein Drive – 7 p.m. EST – FS1
Forever Coogs (Houston Alumni) began their TBT journey with a 71-60 victory over Austin’s Own, thanks to Rob Gray’s 21 points. In Round Two, they faced a tough challenge from Once A Bronco (Boise State Alumni), narrowly winning 79-76 with Devin Davis scoring the decisive free throw. Moving to Round Three, Forever Coogs overcame Team Challenge ALS 75-70, finishing the game with a 14-3 run and securing the win with Melvin Frazier’s free throws. In the Quarterfinals, the Coogs dominated Team Colorado (Colorado Alumni) 74-49, led by Rob Gray’s 23 points and a strong performance from Fabian White Jr. off the bench, securing their spot in the semifinals. Rob Gray enters the semifinals leading the tournament in scoring with 82 points.
One of TBT’s two remaining teams from its inaugural tournament in 2014, Eberlein Drive defeated Team Arkansas (Arkansas Alumni) 79-76 in Round One. Tyler Stone hit the game-winning jump shot, as he led the team with 22 points and 5 rebounds. In Round Two, Eberlein Drive showcased their strength with an 88-72 win over All Good Dawgs (Butler Alumni), driven by Anthony Clemmons’ 20 points. They faced a tough challenge in Round Three against Assembly Ball (Indiana Alumni), where Jake Stephens’ crucial tip-in secured an 82-79 win after nearly blowing a 17-point lead. In the quarterfinals, Eberlein Drive overcame a hot shooting first half from Happy Valley Hoopers to win 85-71, ending the game with a 13-2 run.
PHOTOS | HIGHLIGHTS | LIVE STATS |
(2) La Familia vs (3) Carmen’s Crew – 9 p.m. EST – FS1
La Familia, a first-year alumni team, dominated the Lexington Regional with an average margin of victory of 27 points. In the first round, Eric Bledsoe and Aaron Harrison each chipped in 13 points in an 82-56 win over the 305 Ballers. Willie Cauley-Stein’s seven blocks against The Nawf in round two helped La Familia cruise to an 84-61 win. In the regional championship, La Familia defeated Marshall alumni team Herd That 95-66, paced by Eric Bledsoe’s 24 points. In the TBT Quarterfinals, La Familia took down rivals The Ville (Louisville Alumni) in front of a crowd of over 13,500. Nate Sestina (22 pts, 8 rebs) and Willie Cauley-Stein (20 pts, 9 rebs) led La Familia on the stat sheet, and Andrew Harrison hit the game-winning 3-pointer to hold off a late The Ville run to win the game 70-61.
Carmen’s Crew advanced to the TBT Semifinals for the first time since 2019. They began their journey with a 93-58 win over Purple Hearts in the first round, highlighted by a dominant 27-4 second-quarter run and scoring contributions from all twelve players. In the second round, they defeated Red Scare 71-60, taking down the former Flyers in UD Arena. The third round saw Carmen’s Crew edge past reigning champions Heartfire 74-70, thanks to a double-double by Jared Sullinger and a clutch 3-pointer by Jamel Morris to reach the Target Score. Finally, in the quarterfinals, Carmen’s Crew never trailed, showcasing impressive 42% 3-point shooting and a 16-point performance from Andre Wesson Jr. to secure a 90-74 victory over Takeover BC.
PHOTOS | HIGHLIGHTS | LIVE STATS |
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