And That's the Series

Antonio Anderson seemed to be the only player on the floor at the end. A turnover to give Austin the ball in a one-point game. A foul to give Austin a chance to take the lead with free throws. And then, after only one free throw hit and it became a tie game, a drive down the left side, a cross to the right, and then an attempt to get inside. Austin played good defense and forced Anderson into a tough shot. The raucous Dodge Arena crowd held its collective breath as the ball rolled around the rim and then sat on the weak side. Someone exhaled, providing just enough wind to push that ball through the hoops with 1.8 seconds left to give the Vipers a 114-112 lead. Still, Austin had a chance to win it. After a timeout to advance the ball, Curtis Jerrells found a home on the left wing for a three-pointer to win the game. The ball never made it to the basket. The box score may not have a blocked shot next to Anderson's name, but there he was, leaping to the catwalk to change the trajectory of the shot to seal the win.

The aptly-named Mr. Anderson had 27 points, five rebounds and four steals while leading the Vipers in the second half. It used to be the good guys had no chance against Austin. It was like the Matrix. The Toros were the agents. Then some guy named Mr. Anderson showed up. Now the Vipers are 4-1 against Austin with two games remaining. The Vipers were 4-11 all-time against Austin entering this season before losing the exhibition game and the season opener to the Toros as well. Since then, it's been all Vipers.

It is incredible to think that we sit on the eve of the New Year, and yet the Vipers have already clinched a season-series. You can argue it's a product of the schedule, yes, but it's also a product of the Vipers being a really good team.

No, I take that back. Austin is a really good team. The Vipers are just better.