RotoWire – Jason Shebilske

Lakers Gaming pulled off an upset Wednesday as the No. 22 seed in THE TURN, powered by AT&T, but the team’s run ended Thursday after being swept by Mavs Gaming.

The teams kept the game close to start Game 1. Mavs Gaming carried a narrow 18-17 lead at the end of the first quarter. The second quarter started in a similar fashion as each team began the quarter with eight points, but Mavs Gaming went 3-for-4 from beyond the arc in the closing minutes of the half to increase their lead to 39-32 at halftime.

However, the game shifted to begin the second half. The Lakers struggled with ball control and committed six turnovers in the third quarter while going just 2-for-5 over the first 4:30 of the frame. Mavs Gaming took advantage of the Lakers’ struggles by going on a 25-4 run over that span as they shot 5-for-5 from three-point range and 10-for-12 on their field goal attempts. While Lakers Gaming got some production over the closing minutes of the quarter, the rout was on as the Mavs led 69-43 heading into the final quarter. The Lakers held their own during the fourth quarter but were unable to make the game competitive as Mavs Gaming won the first game comfortably, 90-63. Over the game, Mavs Gaming shot 72.2 percent from the floor as a team, and each of their starters finished with double-digit point totals. Sherm finished with 23 points and 13 assists, while PeteBeBallin had 20 points and 14 rebounds, and Dimez contributed 20 points. For Lakers Gaming, SAV committed 11 turnovers and shot 9-for-20 from the field but still finished with a 23-point, 12-assist double-double, while Dweq had 14 points and 13 rebounds.

Game 2 started in a similar manner to the first game. Lakers Gaming shot 8-for-16 over the first quarter but forced three turnovers to keep the game close. However, Mavs Gaming played efficiently, shooting 8-for-10 in the first frame to take a 23-21 lead into the second quarter. Neither team was able to get much offensive production over the second quarter. The Lakers were sloppy with the ball to end the half as they committed five turnovers of their own in the second quarter. As a result, Mavs Gaming pulled away slightly and took a 42-33 advantage into halftime.

Lakers Gaming committed four more turnovers to begin the second half, and the Mavs were able to keep improving their lead. Entering the final quarter, Mavs Gaming carried a 61-48 lead. In the fourth quarter, the Mavs left no doubt about who would emerge victorious by shooting 14-for-17 over the frame while forcing nine more turnovers, and the team secured the sweep with a 93-62 win. It was a team effort for Mavs Gaming once again, led by Sherm (28 points, 14 assists), ByAnyMeansMo (26 points, six steals) and PeteBeBallin (12 points, 14 rebounds). Dweq was incredibly efficient for Lakers Gaming as he shot 13-for-15 from the floor and finished with 28 points and eight rebounds. SAV was able to pick up another double-double with 11 points and 13 assists, but he also committed 13 turnovers, which allowed the Mavs to get an abundance of possession time.

Mavs Gaming will advance to play Wizards District Gaming in the quarterfinals of THE TURN, powered by AT&T, while Lakers Gaming will play Heat Check Gaming on Wednesday in their next regular season contest.