Wizards District Gaming top Heat Check Gaming, moves into THE TIPOFF semifinals

Juan Pablo Aravena | RotoWire

Wizards District Gaming had to come from behind in the series opener and had some tough moments in Game 2, but in the end, they secured a 2-0 victory over Heat Check Gaming to move into the semifinals of THE TIPOFF, powered by AT&T. They won the first game 67-63 and the second 76-61.

Wizards District Gaming endured a slow start in the first game of the series, and they were forced to mount a comeback to secure the victory in Game 1. Heat Check Gaming grabbed a 17-15 lead in the first quarter before Wizards District Gaming responded with a 15-10 score just before halftime, securing a three-point lead at the break. However, Heat Check Gaming looked en route to turning things around after a 21-12 score in the third quarter. Copying what happened in the first half, Wizards District Gaming tightened things up in the final six minutes and outscored Heat Check Gaming, 25-15, to steal the win with an impressive fourth-quarter comeback.

BRich was the best player for Wizards District Gaming in Game 1 of the series after notching 21 points and three assists, while Benzo (17 points, 12 assists) and Type (nine points, 15 rebounds) also deserve honorable mentions. Meanwhile, sawc led the way for Heat Check Gaming with 25 points, 10 rebounds and five assists, while HoodieKy chipped in with 19 points and five assists, and THEREALTAY614 had 13 points and six dimes.

Wizards District Gaming carried the momentum of the series opener into Game 2 and quickly established its terms, although Heat Check Gaming fought back as the first quarter ended 19-18. However, a 15-10 score in the second quarter gave Wizards District Gaming a solid six-point lead by the time the first half ended. Heat Check Gaming worked hard to even things up in the second half, but whenever they had an answer, Wizards District Gaming responded, and a 25-15 score in the third quarter put the game out of Heat Check Gaming’s reach. Ultimately, Wizards District Gaming closed the game in the fourth quarter and completed the series victory with a 2-0 sweep after winning Game 2 by a 76-61 score.

Benzo led the way for Wizards District Gaming with a 25-point, 15-assist double-double, while Type and Newdini also had double-doubles. Type finished with 19 points and 11 rebounds, and Newdini finished with 11 points and 10 boards. At the other end, THEREALTAY614 had 26 points and six assists for Heat Check Gaming, while HoodieKy (13 points, two assists) and Matty (12 points, three rebounds) had decent outings.