Here we are, with a trip to the D-League Finals within reach, with everything we’ve seen, everything we’ve cheered for, all the highs and lows having been experienced, it’s do or die time for the Austin Toros.
After losing on the road in Game 1 to the Canton Charge, 112-109 in overtime, the Toros bring home a team that’s been in the same hole as recently as last week, when after falling behind 0-1 in Erie, the good guys from Central Texas were able to dominate on their trusty old Cedar Park Center floor. As a result, the Toros beat the Bayhawks two games to one, with all the magic of pure, gutless basketball shining bright as a beacon of sports. The excitement levels in Austin were near an all-time high during that first round comeback, so I can only begin to imagine how insane and intense it’s going to be around here this weekend against Canton.
Game 1 gave us a good look at all-out effort, as both teams battled constantly, using everything within themselves to finish the game on top. Austin often ran a three-guard lineup, using Justin Dentmon (24 points on 6 of 17 shooting), Flip Murray (15 points, 2 of 6 free throws), and Cory Joseph (13 points, 4 assists). Recently named Impact Player of the Year, Toros forward Eric Dawson had only 10 points and 6 rebounds, but even with the numbers down across the board, Austin held a 75-69 lead after three quarters. The Charge caught up quickly, and the teams traded the lead eight times in the fourth. In overtime, it was Canton’s Kyle Gibson hitting a three in the final minute that put Canton on top to stay. Dentmon turned over Austin’s next possession, and Canton secured the win by going 6 of 6 from the line in the final seconds.
It’s a familiar scenario, and although we’d prefer winning the first game in the best-of-three series, Austin still owns the home-court advantage, just as they did against the Bayhawks. A trend is appearing for this Toros team in the playoffs. So far, through four games, the home team has won every game. It will be imperative that this trend continue as we file into the Cedar Park Center for tonight’s Game 2 and tomorrow evening’s Game 3 (which I’m told is being considered “if necessary.” Well, let me tell you, it’s pretty darn necessary if you ask me!).
It’s been one of those years, a season for the ages, a time in which our memories will forever be focused on. We’ve lost some special players, but added guys like Flip Murray, Cory Joseph, and Julian Wright. What happens next? Meet me at the arena, at the root beer barrel behind the usher stand. Tonight for Game 2, at 7:30pm at the Cedar Park Center But get there early! And wear black! We are going to do the T-shirt game, all wear the same color (black). It’s a proven method and scares weaker opponents slightly.
And join us tomorrow (Sunday, yo) for Game 3, which tips off at 6pm. It’s winning time in Austin, let’s just hope it’s the Toros, and not the Canton Charge, who move on to the championship series.
Vs. Canton: Sat., April 21, 7:30pm; Sun., April 22, 6pm (if necessary). Cedar Park Center, 2100 Avenue of the Stars, Cedar Park, 512/600-5000. $8-99 plus fees.
This article appears in April 20 • 2012.