Rotowire

Just over one week after splitting their series in pool play of THE TIPOFF, powered by AT&T, 76ers GC secured their first win of the season Wednesday by beating Pistons GT in three games.

Pistons GT appeared to have some momentum built up after advancing to the quarterfinal round of THE TIPOFF, powered by AT&T on Thursday, but the two teams were fairly even over the first quarter of Game 1. However, Pistons GT shot 10-for-15 from the field over the second quarter to build a 41-35 lead. 76ers GC had an effective first half offensively as well, shooting 65.2 percent on their field goal attempts, but they were unable to force enough tough shots on defense to slow the Pistons down.

Ball control was hard to come by in the third quarter as each team committed four turnovers, nearly doubling the total from the first half. Pistons GT also struggled offensively in the third, going 4-for-10 on their field goals, and 76ers GC managed to make the most of their opportunities by draining all 10 of their field goal attempts in the quarter, including three conversions from beyond the arc, and the Sixers carried a 53-49 lead into the final frame. However, 76ers GC struggled to maintain possession during the fourth quarter, committing six turnovers that allowed Pistons GT to secure a 72-65 win despite a 73.7 percent field goal conversion rate by the Sixers. Ramo went 10-for-13 for Pistons GT while picking up a 21-point, 11-rebound double-double, and Demon JT led the team with 30 points. On the other side, Radiant had 28 points and nine rebounds, but he also contributed seven turnovers to the team’s total.

In Game 2, 76ers GC went on a 7-0 run to begin the game as Pistons GT committed four turnovers over the first two and a half minutes. The trend continued over the rest of the quarter, with Pistons GT giving up eight total turnovers in the frame as 76ers GC finished with a 17-7 lead. Pistons GT fared much better with ball control over the rest of the half, but the Sixers shot 4-for-6 from three-point range during the second quarter to extend their lead to 37-22.

Both teams were clicking offensively to start the second half, and the Pistons shot 10-for-12 from the field. However, the Pistons were unable to make up any ground during the quarter as 76ers GC continued to outperform the Pistons from beyond the arc. Pistons GT failed to create enough fourth quarter magic, and the Sixers forced a third game with a 72-61 win. 76ers GC produced double-doubles from Radiant (34 points, 11 assists) and Steez (18 points, 10 rebounds). Ramo had a 14-point, 12-rebound double-double for Pistons GT, and while Demon JT led the team with 21 points, he also committed eight turnovers.

76ers GC began Game 3 by shooting a perfect 3-for-3 from the field over the first two minutes, but Pistons GT found their rhythm during the rest of the quarter to take a 16-13 lead heading into the second quarter. However, the Sixers dominated the second quarter, forcing six turnovers while going on a 12-0 run in the closing minutes to secure a 33-22 lead at halftime.

Pistons GT shot 8-for-10 on their field goals during the third quarter which helped them outscore the 76ers 21-13 in the frame. However, 76ers GC played well over the fourth quarter and drilled their free throws late in the game to win the series with a 62-55 victory in the third game. Radiant had a 27-point, 10-assist double-double for the Sixers, while LYKaPro went 7-for-11 on his field goal attempts to lead Pistons GT with 16 points.

76ers GC (1-6) will look to carry their momentum into their matchup with Heat Check Gaming on Friday, while Pistons GT (2-8) will attempt to bounce back against Kings Guard Gaming on July 8.