RotoWire – Jason Shebilske

Just one day after being swept by Warriors Gaming Squad, Bucks Gaming bounced back to win a series against Kings Guard Gaming on Thursday that came down to the wire.

The two teams were locked into a close matchup over the majority of Game 1. Regg was incredibly efficient for Bucks Gaming while Kings Guard Gaming spread their production across the board. Bucks Gaming carried a 22-21 lead at the end of the first quarter, but the teams continued to exchange blows over the first half, and the Bucks held a narrow 45-43 lead heading into halftime.

The Bucks continued to hold a slight advantage during the third quarter which allowed their lead to grow to 63-58 heading into the fourth. By the end of the third frame, the two teams were nearly identical in every column on the stat sheet, but the Bucks had seven blocks compared to zero from Kings Guard Gaming, which allowed the virtual deer to gain just enough momentum to maintain their slim lead. It was a similar narrative in the fourth quarter as the Bucks were able to hold off a late comeback attempt by the Kings to secure an 84-78 win in the first contest. Regg stayed dominant for Bucks Gaming on both sides of the ball throughout the game, and he finished with 50 points, eight assists, two steals and two blocks. He got help from Arooks (19 points) and Plondo (two points, eight assists, five blocks). Kings Guard Gaming had double-digit point totals from four of their starters with Bash (33 points, eight assists) and Dat Boy Shotz (14 points, seven rebounds) leading the way, but they were unable to do enough to overcome the Bucks.

Both teams struggled to convert on their field goals over the start of Game 2. During the first quarter, the Kings went 4-for-8 while the Bucks went 5-for-12 from the floor, and neither team was able to make a three-point attempt. As a result, the Bucks carried a narrow 10-9 lead into the second quarter. Kings Guard Gaming gained some ground by going on a 14-5 run over the first four minutes of the second quarter, but the Bucks had an offensive surge at the end of the half, which brought their deficit to 25-22 at halftime.

Kings Guard Gaming went on another run to begin the second half, but they were able to maintain their lead throughout the quarter this time around. As a team, they shot 7-for-12 while forcing the Bucks to commit three turnovers. Heading into the fourth, the Kings held a 43-31 lead. Bucks Gaming had several small sections throughout the fourth quarter where it looked like they could have gained momentum, but the Kings were able to maintain their margin en route to a 63-48 win to force a third game. Bash was slightly less effective for Kings Guard Gaming in the second game with 27 points and eight assists, but he got plenty of help from Dat Boy Shotz (14 points, 12 rebounds) and Crush (14 points). Bucks Gaming had double-doubles from Regg (12 points, 10 assists) and Plondo (14 points, 12 rebounds), but they weren’t very efficient from the floor as they went just 21-for-50 on their field goal attempts.

The first quarter of Game 3 unsurprisingly ended in a 20-20 tie, but the Bucks were able to make up some ground in the second quarter. They began the quarter on a 6-2 run behind two conversions from three-point range, and they were able to ride that momentum throughout the frame and led 39-31 at the half. Kings Guard Gaming committed four turnovers during the quarter while shooting less than 50 percent from the field.

Kings Guard Gaming shot much more efficiently over the third quarter, as they went 8-for-12 from the floor, including conversions on two of their three attempts from beyond the arc. They were able to close the gap but still trailed 55-51 heading into the fourth quarter. Bucks Gaming held a six-point lead with a minute and a half remaining, but the Kings were able to roar back to go up by one point with just over 15 seconds left. The Bucks quickly fouled Yusuf_Scarbz, who missed his first of two free throws to leave the door open just enough. Trailing by two points, Regg drilled a three-pointer with seven seconds left, and the Kings were unable to get another shot off as the deer secured a crucial 72-71 win to pick up the series victory. For Bucks Gaming, Regg went 6-for-8 from three-point range and recorded 27 points and 12 assists, while Plondo and Arooks each contributed 16 points of their own. Bash (25 points, 10 assists) and Dat Boy Shotz (18 points, 12 rebounds) each put forth solid stat lines for the Kings, but they fell just short of securing their 10th win of the season.

Both Bucks Gaming (7-6) and Kings Guard Gaming (9-4) will have off until at least Wednesday, when THE TURN, powered by AT&T is scheduled to begin.