The NYAABL, powered by RISE HOOPS, crowned TLC the 2007 CHAMPIONS. TLC dethroned the defending Champions, the SAINTS, 66-51 for its first NYAABL title. Both teams came a long way and battled the best just to make it to the big dance. There was a lot more at stake for each team than just a championship. For the SAINTS this win would be their first repeat as champions in years, but for TLC, this title would further validate them as a team on the rise.
It was clear from the start that this was going to be a close match-up between the tri-state's finest ballers. The SAINTS jumped from the gates with a 4-0 start, but TLC regrouped and got into the game. The SAINTS were playing like the champions they are and did not go easy. The SAINTS were able to build a 26-20 lead at one point, but TLC fought back into it. Big man Jiang Yu of TLC obviously came to play because he made his presence known down low. Yu scored 10 points in the first half to help TLC with a 30-29 halftime lead. Although the score was close at intermission, the second stanza played out very differently. TLC came out blazing and started the second half with an 11-0 run. The SAINTS were trying hard to catch up, but the shots just weren't falling for them. TLC was hot from the field not only netting outside shots, but making those easy lay-ups. The SAINTS found themselves down by 8 with just 7 minutes to play. Rommel Santos of the SAINTS would not let up, he chipped in 13 of his game high 20 points in the second half. Curtis Clemente was on fire and scored 10 of his 16 points in the second half, including back to back treys to stack up their lead. With TLC's Yu playing tremendous down low, he controlled the boards by grabbing 12 rebounds and did not allow any easy baskets. But the SAINTS just didn't bring the same fire and tenacity they showed last week in their semi-final game. TLC was the last team standing in the end with a 66-51 win. They earned their first NYAABL CHAMPIONSHIP on their first year in the league.
TLC held a 32-25 rebounding advantage due to the play of big man Yu. Curtis Clemente and Jiang Yu led TLC with 16 apiece. Curtis finished with 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal while Yu had a game high 12 boards, 3 steals and 3 blocks to earn himself a double-double. Chris Clemente scored 13 points while the league's leading scorer Ian Clemente was held to just 4 points, he grabbed 4 rebounds and dished out 6 assists. Rommel Santos of the SAINTS went 7-7 from the foul line and netted 3 big shots from downtown to finish with 20 points while grabbing 2 boards, 3 assists, and 1 steal. Chris Traumer scored 6 points and corralled 6 rebounds while teammates Jerry and Ed Grospe added 4 points each and combined for 7 rebounds. The SAINTS gave a noble effort, but TLC was too much to handle and captured its first NYAABL crown. It was a great game between two very talented and classy teams. They demonstrated sportsmanship and comradery and that is what basketball should be about. For all the participants who didn't make it this far, "Step Your Game Up!"
Mythical Five
Best Center - Jiang Yu (TLC)
Best Forward - Chris Clemente (TLC)
Best Forward - Curtis Clemente (TLC)
Best Guard - Evan Brion (SAINTS)
Best Guard - Rommel Santos (SAINTS)