Wow

I'm really not sure how else to describe watching the best team in minor league basketball blow a late in the 3rd quarter lead of 23 points to a team they had beat 10 ways til Sunday.

On Thursday, I wrote the following about the Maine Red Claws:

The Vipers watched that game today on NBA Futurecast to scout Maine. So I would imagine the lesson they learned was as long as you don't ease up, they can put away Maine and keep them away. Play 48 minutes of basketball and the Red Claws are cooked.

When the Vipers went on a 20-2 run in the second quarter, it seemed as if they were going to run away and hide. But instead they let the Red Claws hang around just long enough for them to strike. A 16-0 run from the end of the third to the beginning of the fourth (starting at the point the Vipers took a 23 point lead) was the beginning of the end for the Vipers, who are probably guilty of easing up.

Telling stats:
The Vipers were 14-0 when shooting over 50% from the field in a game. Now they're 14-1. In fact, Maine shot slightly better from the field.

The Vipers went 2-for-22 from behind the arc. Worst output of the season. Maine was 8-for-16. The Vipers live and die by the three. Today they died by it. It shouldn't have mattered. Had the Vipers played good defense no one would remember those wild deuces. Heck, I didn't even realize how poorly the Vipers were shooting from behind the arc until late in the fourth when it started to matter.

All I can say is the Vipers lost this game. They had it in hand and blew it. Happens. They get a chance to right the ship in about 13 and a half hours.

See you there!