Blazer5 Gaming (9-1) defeated Pacers Gaming (5-3) by a score of 66-52 Thursday night in Week 7 of 2K League regular-season action in what some considered to be the game of the evening.

Both teams battled throughout the first stanza, with Blazer5 Gaming leading 14-12 heading into the second period. The Blazers managed to drive to the hoop for early buckets early on, which in turn started to open up shots around the perimeter. Tempers began to flare as the Blazers managed to build their biggest lead of the contest with just under two minutes to play in the half (eight points) following a big three from Mama Im Dat Man and a pair of dunks. Pacers Gaming responded with a three-point play and a deep trey to cut the deficit to two points. At the end of the first half, the Blazers held a 31-28 lead on the back of OneWildWalnut’s 11 points and Mama Im Dat Man’s eight. For the Pacers, Ramo registered eight points along with three rebounds, two assists and two steals.

Mama kicked off the third quarter with a deep three, and the Blazer5 defense forced a shot-clock violation on the other end on the Pacers’ first possession of the second half. The Blazers continued to outplay the Pacers throughout the third period, and they extended their lead to 13 with one minute to play in the quarter. Pacers Gaming didn’t pose much of a threat the rest of the way, as the Blazers kept their opponent at bay in the final period. Blazer5 Gaming extended their regular-season winning streak to nine games following Thursday night’s matchup.

The Pacers finished the night with 18 turnovers compared to 10 for the Blazers, so each team’s ability to take care of the basketball proved vital. Mama Im Dat Man erupted for 30 points on the night for the Blazers (a season high), while OneWildWalnut finished with 21 points to go along with 10 boards, five steals and three assists. Pacers Gaming was led by Lord Beezus, who put up 17 points, and he had help from Ramo and Swizurk, who scored 10 apiece. With Swizurk being the primary goal scorer for this team, though, this game might be cause for alarm for the Pacers going forward, as they’ll need stars on offense to carry them to wins over tough opponents.