EIS Lovers Season IX Matchday 3

Highest Rookies Attendance

As Season 9 started, this was the season with probably the most rookies registered. Rookies mostly come from Jolly factor and we EIS Lovers welcome you all.

Rookies for this season.

Team 2 Callum - Deadly rising star who dwells greatly beneath the basket.

Team 4 Cal - Veteran drafted straight from California. Pal of Jackrin. Currently short of match fitness but should prove a great asset as he get used to the humidity.

Team 4 John - Strong agile player. Friend of Wu with similar physical abilities.

Team 4 Saar - Brotherhood with Jolly & Dev. Agile SF who likes to score on open 3s.

Team 4 Michael - Friend of Jolly Factor. Demanding PG who continuously motivates his teammates through the match.

Matchday Report

Match 1 : Team 2 (15) 34 : 51 (25) Team 3

Team 2: Dennis 19 pts., Jay 6 pts.

Team 3: Dev 17 pts., Benz 7 pts.

It was a big match to watch as the winner of this game might be crowned the half-season champion. Team 2 started brightly as Pete hit the opening shot. Both team traded baskets as mid-way through the first half, Team 2 were leading 11-10. But as Team 3 use full roster rotation, Team 2 were starting to hit fatigue and were outscored 15-4 in the closing minutes with Dev recording 11 points in the first half.

As the 10 point deficit might weigh too heavy for team 2, Dennis’ teammate struggled to hit form and was lost for the second time of the season. Although Wolfgang was somehow out of gas for the whole match, excluding Dev who hit a season-high 17 points, his teammates each hit a couple of baskets to pull the game beyond hand.

Match 2 : Team 1 (20) 38 : 41 (29) Team 4

Team 1: Michael 12 pts., Eddie 8 pts.

Team 4: Wu 17 pts., Saar 13 pts.

Another interesting match as Team 1 hopes their victory today coupled with a great result in the other match might bring them to top spot pits against the improving Team 4 who doesn’t want to end the half-season with no victories.

Kato, snapped by Team 1 from Japan, made a surprise start and made Team 1 look stronger at the back. However as Team 4 finally gelling, Wu led his team both defensively and offensively as if the heights of Michael and Kato didn’t matter at all. Though the twin towers of Team 1 started brightly with both combining for 11 first half points, but the big general surprise was the form of Wu and Saar who combined well for 22 of 29 points.

With Team 1 shell-shocked by their 9-point deficit, Team 4 wasn’t able to capitalize on the event. With Michael hitting jumpers in his favorite 15 meter spot, midway through the second half Team 1 slashed the lead to 4 trailing 32-36. Both teams traded baskets as Team 1 led 38-34 with 4 minutes remaining. With Michael hitting another jumper for Team 1, Saar stepped up big and scored what was probably the most important 3 pointer of the game to pull his team to a 5 point lead.

With the lead slimmed, Team 4 tried to run down the shot clock and hang on to their lead. The strategy had back-fired as the referee hit Team 4 with 2 short clock violations. But with IN_FORM Eddie probably scoring more points than he missed, Team 1 was never going to catch up.

With 3 seconds ticking down the clock, Jai was fouled going for lay-up. Missing his first and most important free throw, Team 4 finally breathe a sigh of relief and finally recorded their first season win.

EIS Lovers Season IX Matchday 2

EIS Season High Player Attendance Record

Last week we recorded a season-high 28 players present at court. ESBN staffs were trying to organize each team with equal players and it was made possible just before the whistle of the second match.

If memory serves me right, the record was set on Season 8 when 30 players hit the court. Since the beginning of the league a couple of years ago, many records were broken. But most important of all, each season is always as entertaining as ever.

Matchday Report

Match 1 : Team 2 (31) 46 : 34 (7) Team 4
Team 2: Dennis 15 pts., Jay & Tor+ 12 pts.
Team 4: Wu 12 pts., Robin 7 pts.

After being beaten on matchday 1, Team 4 went on a shopping spree as Cal, John, and Hardeep were recruited to the line-up. Though with the changes, Team 4 couldn't gel not just that their offence didn't click, Dennis' penetration in the first half led the his team to a 24 point lead.

Second half was a different story as Team 2 rested their key players as Team 4 started to find their rhythm. Wu was completely exceptional as he both led defensively and caught fire hitting jumpers around and even behind the arc. The lead was finally slashed into single digits as Team 2 finally reinstalled their strongest line-up and was able to pull their first victory of the season.



Match 2 : Team 1 (17) 37 : 43 (20) Team 3
Team 1: Eddie 29 pts., Karun 6 pts.
Team 3: Joke, Tae+, Trin, & Wolfgang 8 pts.

With Benz missing, Team 3 had drafted Trin in his presence. The game was run in a slow tempo as Team 3 was unable to establish themselves in offense. Team 1 was the same story as the PGs fed Eddie hitting open jumpers around the court. Tight defense was what kept Team 3 in the game as they trailed 17-12 with 4 minutes remaining. But behind a tight defense, Team 3 finished the half with a 8-0 run with Joke grabbing three easy baskets.

Second half was the same story as Eddie leading the attack as usual. But with Team 3 forging a great team partnership as 4 players scored 8 points, and Dev hitting another 7 points, the scoring distribution was just too much for Team 1 to guard.

EIS Lovers Season IX Matchday 1

ESBN News Update

With teams being drafted by position this season, Team 4 are sweating due to Vikram's injury. At first team physio's are predicting his recovery to be around the playoffs. However, as the latest ESBN news coverage, Vikram has given an interview stating the injury was much worst than expecting and would probably miss season IX. In the meantime, he'll be hitting Yoga lessons if and possible he might make a surprise return late in the season.

Whilst Godfather PA+ Sumitr who has gone missing since season VIII and Boby who might return from the wilds are touted as possibilities to fill the void. However, other rumors are to send Benz of Team 3 to be a stand-in center.

Though what paths to be taken are yet unknown, ESBN believes Team 4 may need height and a possible trade or free transfer may be on the wings within the first leg of season IX.

Matchday Report

After a few delays to Season IX, it finally started and with some new faces incoming, it'll be another exciting season.

Here is the match reports:

Match 1 : Team 1 (36) 54 : 49 (25) Team 2

Team 1: Eddie 26 pts., Michael 16 pts.

Team 2: Dennis 21 pts., Jay 16 pts.

Upon hearing news of the upcoming season, veteran Plai came back to rejoin his comrade Jai in hopes of regaining the Tournament title as they once did in seasons 1-3. With James missing the starting line-up today, Team 1 made use of good passing skills to find an open man and hit easy jumpers as Eddie and Michael led the way.

In the other hand, Team 2 missing big Godfather Sumitr countered with another plan as Dennis led the chickens out of the house and Jay hitting shots around the arc.

After trailing by 25-36, Team 2 went on a scoring streak of 15-6 run pulling them within 2 points of Team 1. Team 1 were heading to the tunnel, just that when they changed to a 3 PG game plan with Jai, Plai, and Karun, the trio held the team together and with the hot hands of Eddie and Michael, Team 1 survived to a 54-49 victory.

Match 2 : Team 3 (33) 68 : 41 (16) Team 4

Team 3: Wolfgang 22 pts., Benz 12 pts.

Team 4: Wu 15 pts., Saar & Robin 10 pts.

As Team 4 entered the game with Vikram injured, Team 3 took advantage as the heights and aerial ability of Wolfgang and Benz stole the show below the basket.

Hopes of Team 3 rely mainly on Wu and he did not let his team down as he scored a season high 15 points though with such a positional disadvantage, it was hard to overcome the hurdle.

EIS Lovers Season VIII Finals

A retreat from basketball

Last night there was an amazing big party at the Sheraton Hotel Sukhumvit and it was our pal Jolly who threw a big, big party. As usual, I went there to enjoy the party. As I hit the ballroom, the reception area where all the most beautiful ladies will be sitting was occupied by Dev, Hardeep, and co. For once it was a change, and yeah, today was Jolly & Prida wedding ceremony.

From the chicken masala to beef to whole baked salmon, it was the tomota pasta to olive oil pasta to mushroom carbonara. Then I started to raid the cheese pizza stand to the baked potato nuggets and tofu barbecue. Then as I leaned my back on a big door...tadaa it was the sweets area where I the cakes where delicious and those gelato ice-creams were the cream of the crop. Then as I was roaming for new menus, our big Vikram and Candy appeared with her brothers Beaver & Robin on board. With two more non-vegetarian and vegetarian buffet booths to raid, the ceremony started.

After Jolly & Prida cut the cake, there was a great video shot by the couple and his friends. Maybe Jolly be posting it on Youtube so don't worry if you miss them out. After the video, it was the traditional Indian dancing to where I retreated enjoyed the rest of the buffet booths and wish Jolly & Prida a great, great happy marriage from afar.

Now let's get back to our Finals match report.

Matchday Report

It was two weeks ago where the finals began. As there was no deadline for the next match, the ever-usual journalist was as lazy as ever. Here are the match results:

3rd place match : Champs (13) 37 : 49 (20) Gigantos

Champs: Robin 20 pts., Joke 11 pts.

Gigantos: Jay & Pete 12 pts.

It was a match of not much importance as all the 3rd place matches that occured in all competitions all over the world. In the opening minutes, Champs came out strong as mischievous Ake was able to steal the ball 3 times but teammates inability to convert the possession paid as Champs started getting tired and faded to a 20-13 deficit.

Jay was stepping up as one of the league's strongest center as he made his presence known throughout as Vikram was out injured. And for once it was a match to show as a lady came to spy on Pete if he was actually playing basketball on a wednesday night or not. And for that particular reason, Pete has for once shown his primacy as he scored a season-high 12 points (more than he scored in his last 4 previous matches).

Match 1 : Clutchers (23) 38 : 49 (18) Bulldozers
Clutchers: Wolfgang 10 pts., Karun 9 pts.
Bulldozers: Dennis 17 pts., Benz 14 pts.

The game was the 3rd meeting between both sides. Only once has the league championship loss on the finals of the playoffs. That was since Season V when Proflex family (of Vikram) loss to Jek team (of Jai). Clutchers started brightly as the team were scoring as usual from all cylinders and Wolfgang pressing on all the rebounds and put-back. It was the same story as the previous 2 matches as Clutchers held on to a 23-18 half-time lead.

As Wolfgang rested in the 2nd half, Bulldozers started itching closer as Benz and Dennis started penetrating inside. Teams were even at 29-29 as Clutchers rotated to their strongest line-up. The teams were equivalently scoring until for once, Michael (recovering from another injury crisis) started scoring with his trademark jumpshot around the free throw area. After he made the first one, he scored in a similar position for another 3 consecutive baskets bringing the Bulldozers to a 38-31 lead with 5 minutes remaining. The lead was so huge, the Clutchers lost their concentration and finally succumb to their first and most important loss of the season.

Vote on Season IX Drafting Policy & Season start

Please vote on Season IX's drafting policy and season starting date. For the selection methods are as follow

Drafting Policy:

1. Draft according to skill.
Players will be divided into small groups of 4 according to skill (such as by either scoring, defending, rebounding, fouling, or etc.)

2. Draft according to position/height.
Players will be divided into small groups of 4 according to position (C, PF, SF, SG, PG)

3. Gather your group.
With 6-7 players agreeing to form 1 of the 4 available teams. Players who didn't register in time or have any personal preference will be assigned a team by our officials.

4. Lucky Draw.
All players name will be put into a big jar regardless of any condition.

For this season, I recommend we try to go by drafting by position. We never drafted by this policy and I personally feel we should try give it a go and see if all teams have players with all positions, will it make it all the teams more competitive? The choice is yours.

So please go vote at our community website @ http://eislovers.blogspot.com

Those who miss season VIII or has played for less than half the season, please reply to me or send your message to your friends so we can include you in season IX's drafting pool which will be starting up to the upcoming results of our recent polls.

EIS Lovers Season VIII Semi Finals

Matchday Report

Finally after a gruelling 6 match regular season, our season 8 tournament runs to the play-offs. Since the league history, there was only once that the regular season champions fail to land the season championship. While there was twice where the 3rd place made it to the finals.

Here are the match results:

Match 1 : Clutchers (33) 48 : 37 (13) Champs
Clutchers: Wolfgang 19 pts., Wu 14 pts.
Champs: Robin 19 pts., Joke 12 pts.

If the Champs are to be champions, this game was probably their biggest in history. It all went wrong as all their centers fail to hit courtside as Wolfgang dominated the boards leading Clutchers to a 20 point first half lead.

As Clutchers fielding a smaller roster in the second half, Champs were jubilant as a tight defense behind Pete & Pong and better offensive plays by Robin and Joke slimmed the lead to 4. However as usual, 1st draft pick Karun stepped up big with a crucial 3 pointer to extend the lead to 7 with Wu's brace condemning the Champs to their 3rd loss to Clutchers.


Match 2 : Bulldozers (38) 76 : 54 (24) Gigantos
Bulldozers: Dennis 25 pts., Dev 24 pts.
Gigantos: Vikram 33 pts., Eddie 8 pts.

As similar as the Bulldozers swept the Gigantos in regular season, the playoffs was still the same story. Dennis & Dev went aggressive as both combined for 49 pts. to brush Gigantos players aside.

Apart from Vikram who caught fire with numerous basket including many crucial back-to-back 3 pointers, his teammates weren't able to find their rhythm and succumb to their 3rd straight loss to Bulldozers.

EIS Lovers Season VIII Matchday 5

Matchday Report

I saw Vikram last Sunday at EIS as we folks were rallying to kick some balls on the grass field. It took us by surprised as Vikram was heading to play for a Filipino team. Filipino scouts have entered our region last wednesday and has drafted our player! Such is the quality of our league. So how did he fare? We're have to wait and hear it tomorrow.

Here are the match results:

Match 1 : Clutchers (31) 64 : 36 (12) Champs

Clutchers: Tor+ 22 pts., Wu 20 pts.

Champs: Sumitr 17 pts., Joke 16 pts.

Fresh from their first season victory, Champs were back to their normal best with their struggling first half form back as usual. The omni-running Clutchers broke through the whole Champs defense with 3 pointers, fast breaks, and many easy put backs. Tor+ was hot on the 3s while Wu was the running horseman.

With veterans Joke & Sumitr for once back in form, the absence of many key players was vital as Champs had not enough answers to pull another surprise victory like their last match.

Match 2 : Bulldozers 61 : 53 Gigantos

Bulldozers: Dev 21 pts., Benz 16 pts.

Gigantos: Eddie 26 pts., Vikram 19 pts.

A surprise return from the 30% recovered Michael was a big boost to Bulldozers. Combined with the trio Benz, Dennis, and Dev, Gigantos came short of answers. Though Eddie & Vikram combining for 45 points, little help came from their other team-mates.

This week was probably a pre-mature run of the match-up between teams in the play-offs. If pundits are correct, Champs and Gigantos should probably hit rock bottom for another week with the play-off match-up between Clutchers vs Champs and Bulldozers vs Gigantos. This might be the final chance for underdogs Gigantos and Champs to test their game plan for the play-offs. Though pundits write Clutchers vs Bulldozers final, surprises may always spring up. And that's the excitement at our EIS Lovers Tournament

EIS Lovers Season VIII Matchday 4

Matchday Report

Today was a mouthwatering clash between the top two teams and the bottom two teams. After a one point loss to Clutchers in game 1, the Bulldozers gained much-needed confidence by thrashing the other two rival teams. An injury to Michael might dent their hopes of a top-spot regular season finish, but the odds are still even on the following match.

In the other hand, the bottom two teams, after having traded their players, looks stronger on paper. Though last match, both teams lost by a large margin, a victory for either team will be a big boost to their future team form.

Here are the match results

Match 1 : Clutchers (21) 50 : 43 (18) Bulldozers

Clutchers: Wolfgang 15 pts., Karun 14 pts.

Bulldozers: Benz 18 pts., Dev 13 pts.

Bulldozers came to win as they tried a Box-One tactic with Dennis manning Wolfgang throughout the game. The tactic paid out as Wolfgang wasn't able to move around the basket at will. Locking up the defense and running as much as they can, Dennis, Dev, and Benz were keeping Bulldozers in sight of a half-time lead. But Clutchers No.1 player Karun shows why he is the number one pick with 2 enormous 3-pointers late in the half as Clutchers pulled off to a 21-18 lead at halftime.

In the second half, Bulldozers huslte play continued. However, as Wolfgang started to be able to shrug off his defenders to both crash the boards and hit easy put-backs, it opened up the perimeter shooters as Jai, Joey, and Karun hit numerous open shots to probably secure them the No.1 spot of the regular season.

Match 2 : Champs (28) 52 : 50 (23) Gigantos

Champs: Robin 20 pts., Job 14 pts.

Gigantos: Vikram & Job 18 pts.

Champs lended 2 players from Gigantos as they started the first half with only 3 of their original players. With no recognized center for Champs, Jay & Vikram continued to GIGANTOS the Champs hitting baskets close around the basket. With Robin under fire and Job, on loan form Gigantos, hitting many long range shots, Champs for once led at halftime by 28-23.

In the second half, Mamalek caught fire as he scored a career-high 10 points with both fast-breaks and lay-ups. As the giants continued to lead the front, Gigantos led 48-42 with 3 minutes remaining. The game changed momentum as veterans Jackrin and Joke finally showed their worth as they scored 10 of their combined 14 points to bring Champs to a 52-48 lead. A pair of Vikram free throws pulled Gigantos within 2 points but it was a little bit too late.

EIS Lovers Season VIII Matchday 3

New Injury Report

Every season has a casualty and after 3 matches, the curse comes back again. It was an irony as the victim and the injured person is in a similar fashion as that of season VII. Michael (Bulldozers) got injured as he fell after a lay-up on Sumitr (Champs) and dislocated his old knee injury. The extent of the injury is unknown, but as experts view, he might make be able to make it on the play-off time.

Matchday Report

For once in EIS Lovers history, 29 players appeared at court. It's a league history best and even though each team had to increase it's team members, it's such a joy to see almost everyone getting an equal chance to show-off their skills on court.

The trading between Mark (Gigantos) and Eddie (Champs) had materialized and though both team line-up looks better on paper, it seems the results shows they both need further time to gel.

Here are the match results:

Match 1 : Clutchers (22) 46 : 31 (9) Gigantos

Clutchers: Tor+ 15 pts., Wolfgang 12 pts.

Gigantos: Vikram 11 pts., Jolly 8 pts.

With Gigantos on a recruiting festival with new acquisitions of Eddie, Pete, Abishek, and Jolly, in was not enough to stop the rot. Gigantos failed to find their personal rhythm as too many players are still lacking match fitness. Clutchers continue to hit shots around the court as usual and for the first half of the season, swept all teams across.

Match 2 : Bulldozers (39) 59 : 27 (11) Champs

Bulldozers: Dev 22 pts., Dennis 14 pts.

Champs: Robin 8 pts., Uday 7 pts.

As the disappointment of the last shot lost on game 1, Bulldozers were a different story in game 2 and 3 as the partnership between Double-D (Dennis and Dev) continuous swept the opponent team into disarray. Champs have a history starting the 1st half badly, and this streak continued as Bulldozers completely bulldozed the champs down to ground.

The first half of the season ends and results don't lie. How will the second half of the season turn out? Will Clutchers still go strong, Bulldozers able to change the tie, Gigantos finally coming big, or the Champs finally fulfilling the team's name big promise? Stay tuned either on courtside or newsletter for the latest updates. Read on previous comments on http://eislovers.blogspot.com

EIS Lovers Season VIII Matchday 2

Personal Trading

Due to the wise words of Dennis, a vote has been out to see whether us folks feel trading a PG/SG from Champs with a PF/C from Gigantos would be beneficiery to both sides. The poll results came out that a big, BIG majority of the crowd feel the trade should be done with the highest vote for Eddie (Champs) to be traded with Mark (Gigantos)

The following deal with be sealed before Matchday 3 if no other surprises rings up.

Team Expansion

Due to the high popularity of our EIS Lovers tournament, some of our veterans who missed the draft due to particular reasons were back in the previous two games. As 5 players re-entered the frame, we'll be expanding our 6-person team to a 7-team format with the following players to report to the following teams:

Clutchers: Tor+ & Tae+

Bulldozers: James

Champs: Uday

Gigantos: Pete

Matchday Report

I met Vikram before hitting court and he was boasting about how many consecutive titles he has won. If memory serves me right, his team got the championship since season IV and he's been sweet dreaming about how many more he would probably add to his tally.

The dream hadn't last long as the next 40 minutes, the BULLDOZERS started ripping the Gigantos apart. Here are the match results:


Match 1 : Clutchers (27) 57 : 40 (12) Champs
Clutchers: Wolfgang 23 pts., Karun 10 pts.
Champs: Eddie 18 pts., Joke & Robin 8 pts.

Clutchers ran the game early as the appearance of Wolfgang had endangered the CHAMPS backline. It was yet another time the CHAMPS couldn't get into rhythm in the opening half succumbing to a 15 point deficit.

With the Clutchers feeling safe and free, the Champs slowly crawled back with Eddie catching fire behind the arc and Robin getting bit mischievous with numerous steals and fast breaks. The lead was slashed to 1. With a technical time-out called by Clutchers, they finally re-grouped and dragged themselves back to a worthy victory.

Match 2 : Bulldozers (44) 71 : 42 (18) Gigantos
Bulldozers: Dev 32 pts., Dennis 23 pts.
Gigantos: Vikram 19 pts., Mark 10 pts.

After Bulldozers 1-pt lose last week, the team re-group and dealed one of the worst defeats to Gigantos' title dream. Bulldozers were led by career high efforst for Dev (32 pts.) and Dennis (23 pts.) whose both scoring efforts alone has already surpassed that of Gigantos. A mighty victory for the BULLDOZERS!!

EIS Lovers Season VIII Matchday 1

Team Names

Since except Pa+ Sumitr who named his own team, I random the names up to make it feel more like a competition atmosphere. The team name are of the following:

Team 1 : Clutchers

Comprised of many good mid-range to 3-point shooters, the likes of Jai, Karun, Wu, and Tor+ seems to be hitting big shots on the correct time. Therefore naming the team CLUTCHERS.

Team 2 : Bulldozers
The core of this team likes to drive in and hit shots in the paint. Over 90% points scored by key guys Michael, Benz, and Dennis were scored with drives, lay-ups, and put backs all in the paint earning them the name BULLDOZERS.

Team 3 : Champs

PA+ Sumitr says so. And that's the reason behind the team. He won't let anybody off the hook if we don't come up with the championship title at the end of the season. Big climb but never impossible.

Team 4 : Gigantos

As the name says. Accumulating all the 3 tallest guys in the team with Vikram, Jay, and Mark height way above average, GIGANTOS suits their team.

Matchday Report

We're finally back from almost a 3-month break from season 7. Players are long geared up to the season opener with new faces such as Pong coming back after being gone for 5 straight seasons.

Here are the match results

Match 1 : Clutchers (29) 45 : 44 (22) Bulldozers

Clutchers: Jai & Tor+ 11 pts.

Bulldozers: Dennis 20 pts., Benz 13 pts.

The pundit's favourites will probably favour Bulldozers but as they game started the Clutchers stepped up with brother's Tor+ & Tae+ hitting 3 consecutive back-to-back 3 pointers which was so crucial the Bulldozers morale dipped and Clutchers ended the half with a 7-point lead. In the second half, Bulldozers finally got into their stream with Benz, Dennis, and Michael hitting steam by aggressively scoring basket inside the paint. Bulldozers finally led 36-35 with 5 minutes remaining. As Karun split his free-throw attempt, the game was tied at 36-36. As the game was starting to get out of hand, James continuously and cleverly hacked Benz down low as Benz was able to only convert 2 of his 6 attempts.

With 2 minutes remaining, Bulldozers lead 41-38. As Dennis hit another of his traditional bank-shots down low, Wu responded with another big basket. With the score at 43-40, Clutchers' Tor+ missed the game tying 3-pointer but somehow the ball bounced towards Jai who unbelievably hit the game's most potential shot.

With 5 seconds remaining, Dennis leaped behind the defense and was fould with 1.3 seconds remaining. Under pressure, Dennis missed the first shot, but recovered to hit the second free throw which as most thought would probably win the game. But as amuzing as the game was played in the last 3 minutes, the last play was worth a thousand as Wu fed Tor+ who hit an unbalanced fade-away shot to send the Clutchers to their season opener victory.

And this is the real entertainment at EIS Lovers Tournament.

Match 2 : Champs (18) 48 : 54 (26) Gigantos

Champs: Robin 20 pts., Eddie 13 pts.

Gigantos: Vikram 24 pts., Jay & Job 10 pts.

With Gigantos occupying a tight back 3, Champs were in big disarray as Gigantos slowly chipped in points around the arch with PA+ Mamalek going big with 3 consecutive mid-range baskets. Champs pulled back to 26-18 with Joke's wonder 3-pointer buzzer beater beyond the arch.

Second half was another story as Champs finally found their feet with better defensive plays with Eddie and Robin sneaking many back-to-back baskets. Champs slimmed the deficit to 39-40 and that was the closest they got as Gigantos finally got tall and bombarded Champs backcourt. A deserved victory!!

Vote for Season VII MVP

After our latest Season VII has ended, I would like to invite you all to join in the voting for the season's MVP. Many people will doubt why we need to vote for MVP since we just finish voting for the season's best player. For many, MVP stands for the most valuable player, but for our community, EIS LOVERS, MVP stands for "Most VULNERABLE Person".

For amateurs, MVP (vulnerable) might be given to those with the least points per game. However, vulnerable in meaning, might be that the player is a liability to the team in any aspects such as he might never score, always get scored against, lazy to defend, being a ball hog, never play teamwork, or etc.

MVP award is not used to condemn any player as this award is given only to players who loves the game, comes regularly, but in some aspects, might need a little improvement to become a great player.

The criteria are as follow: The player has played at least 50% (4 games) in the regular season.

So therefore if your name didn't appear, it means you haven't join enough of the games. So try again next season if you want a chance to get the MVP award.

Please cast your vote @ http://eislovers.blogspot.com with poll results ending next week.

Last season, Robin of Proflex Family (Season VI championship team) has reaped the Season VI MVP award. Though accumulating 9.0 points/game and another 0.6 fouls/game, the numbers and the MVP award don't really add up. However, the majority has voted for Robin due to probably his lacking in one of the other aspects of the game. After receiving the honorous MVP award, Robin has improved himself dramatically in Season VII with a +5.86 points/game and -0.03 fouls/game stats performance.

Season VIII Drafting Policy

Pals, I'll probably be closing my life-draining project this wednesday at Ayudhya and should be able to hit court at least before the lights go off.

Heard some of the players are waiting for the new entertaining SEASON VIII to begin, so let's draft the team up for next season this wednesday, April 22, 2009

As usual after the drafting the teams up by one of the policies listed below, some players will be asking why we drafted this way or that way. Though team members do change in the course of the season, most core players are allocated to teams due to the drafting policies.

It is now your chance to have a say on the teams to be drafted for Season VIII. Players will be divided into 4 teams as usual with 4 possible drafting policies for your selection.

1. Lucky Draw.
All players name will be put into a big jar regardless of any condition.

2. Draft according to skill.
Players will be divided into small groups of 4 according to skill (such as by either scoring, defending, rebounding, fouling, or etc.)

3. Draft according to position/height.
Players will be divided into small groups of 4 according to position (C, PF, SF, SG, PG)

4. Gather your group.
With 6-7 players agreeing to form 1 of the 4 available teams. Players who didn't register in time or have any personal preference will be assigned a team by our officials.

Last season, we have chosen draft pick choice No.1 with PA+ Mamalek as our honory draft pick representative, which he'll resume again next season if we chose draft pick choices No. 1 - 3.

So please vote for your personal preference at http://eislovers.blogspot.com before April 22, 18:00 as which draft choices we will use.

Vote for Season VII Best Player

After our latest Season VII has ended, I would like to invite you all to join in the voting for the season's best player. Our stats collection currently include only points/game and fouls/game which might not necessarily reflect on each players' performance since all the assists, rebounds, block shots, defensive/offensive presence are not collected. So it now depends upon you, the EIS Lovers community to decide who deserves the Season VII Best Player award.

The criteria are as follow: The player has played at least 50% (4 games) in the regular season.

So therefore if your name didn't appear, it means you haven't join enough of the games. So try again next season if you want a chance to get the Best Player award.



Last season, Jai of Wednesday has reaped the reward of Season VI Best Player. Averaging 9.5 points/game and accumulating 1.5 fouls/game, Jai has been outvoted for his performance throughout the season and especially with most of his teammates gone missing throughout the season, he managed to beat all odds to bring his team to the runner-up position.

Season VII Overview

The EIS Lovers Season VII is finally over after a gruelling 8-match two month period. From my point of view, this season was probably the most competitive as each team has their own chance of winning the title. Though the Veterans swept both the season and knockout stages, but in general, each team also had their fair chance of beating them. But as luck, experience, and skill combined, I have to say they are worthy champions.

This season the teams were divided by lucky draw and players not drafted were added to respective teams to even up the skills. As most people might feel the teams might not be divided fairly, each team got its strengths and weakness. For Season VIII, it is you who can have a final say to how the teams will be divided. The poll will be up at http://eislovers.blogspot.com sometime later and it is up to you to vote online.

Probably the biggest concern this season is about OFFICIATING.

Players go:

• I don't know the rules.
• I can't officiate.
• I'm afraid to make mistakes.

If next season comes, please do try officiating or at least do the scoreboard or point jotting. Big thanks to those who officiate every match especially our rookie Dennis and our old buddies such as Vikram and Karun who continue doing their jobs. Though the refereeing in the final match wasn't of the best standard, we have to applaud Jack who says he doesn't know the rule but he's willing to give it a try and Tomi who seems to start loving to referee for their part in the final.

I must say the referees Joke, Jack, and Tomi might have got some calls wrong throughout the game, and maybe especially the last one, they did it without biasing and probably made enough wrong calls for both sides to probably say it's a fair game.

Feel free to pitch in your views either by emailing the community or reply to each column in our blogspot, http://eislovers.blogspot.com where each of your comments are crucial to the improvement of our game as a whole.

EIS Lovers Season VII Finals

The final began greatly with PA+ Mamalek preparing the "Best of the best burgers" to which even Burger Kings' Veggie Burgers have to step aside. With the greatest and most delicious food ready at courtside, the atmosphere in the court was of a similar taste. Though the 3rd place match was a normal run-out, the finals probably was one of the most entertaining matches in history. Here are the match results:

3rd Place : Snipers (45) 58 : 38 (21) Fast & Furious
Snipers: Wolfgang 22 pts., Robin 21 pts.
Fast&Furious: Joke 14 pts., Tomi 7 pts.
Snipers never won in regular season and if it matters, a victory in the last match will finish them in 3rd position for the season. Robin and Wolfgang started strong with Snipers pulling to a 14-2 lead in the early 5 minutes. Fast & Furious, dejected by their overtime loss to Walking Tall in the semi-finals, were out-of-shape and out-of-focus as Snipers ran to a big 24 point half time lead. Though Fast & Furious finally hit their rhythm in the second half, it was just too late to overcome the deficit.

Finals : Walking Tall (18) 46 : 47 (26) Veterans

Walking Tall: Karun 18 pts., Dennis 13 pts.
Veterans: Eddie 12 pts., Vikram 11 pts.
After a gruelling semi-final match, Walking Tall finally got a chance to avenge their double-loss to the Veterans in regular season. Things weren't going that way as Veterans ran a great defense and counter-attacking play as Veterans took a 14-2 lead midway through the first half. Vikram thought things were probably over as he went to sleep at courtside. With no real center in defense, Walking Tall started to use their height advantage to bombard the Veteran defense. Walking Tall started to fine their scoring rhythm and finished the half at 26-18.

Second half was another story, as Veterans who rotated their line-up between 7 players, Walking Tall continued their first half rhythm. The lead gradually declined as with 3 minutes remaining, Walking Tall were only 3 points behind at 43-40. Veterans finally sent Jai, last season's best player, to run the point. His introduction might seem a bit too late as Walking Tall had the momentum on their side. With Veterans hitting a late jumper by Vikram, Dennis hit 3 free throws to lessen the lead to 45-43 with 2 minutes remaining. With Eddie of Walking Tall converting the one of the two free throws with a minute remaining, Karun hit an extraordinay shot to pull the game within 1, Veterans 46-45 Walking Tall.

A basket missed by Veterans on the next possession was crucial as Dennis of Walking Tall was fouled as he drive through the lane with 5 seconds remaining. Under pressure, Dennis was able to hit the 2nd of his two free throws to draw the game even. The last possession was a big question as Jai drived through the lane and was fouled by Sumitr. Amidst protest, the referees stood their opinion as Jai converted the final free throw that crowned Veterans as the champions!!!!!

EIS Lovers Season VII Semifinals

As it was the first knockout match, each team has try to get a hand into the finals. With Veterans favourites for the title, the other 3 teams went to strengthen their team with WALKING TALL enlisting Dennis on Matchday 2, Fast & Furious drafting Tomi & Jay on Matchday 4, and the Snipers bringing Dan & Top fresh for the Semi-Finals. It was for once a semi-final match which resulting in a clearly competitive outing with the following results.

Match 1 : Walking Tall (22) (43) 50 : 46 (43) (22) Fast & Furious

Walking Tall: Karun 19 pts., Mark & Dennis 11 pts.
Fast & Furious: Jay 14 pts., Wu 10 pts.
Fast & Furious never won against Walking Tall but if it really matters, it's probably today. The first half was evenly balanced as both teams shared baskets and drew to a 22-22 halftime score. The second half was another story as Walking Tall went on high gear and led 39-31 with 6 minutes remaining. However, Fast & Furious never faltered and with 5 fast break baskets, ran to a 43-42 lead with a minute remaining. With Fast & Furious missing a jumper at the free throw line, Dennis was fouled by Joke and split the free throw to draw the game even. With 5 seconds remaining, the final attempt went to Jay, who missed the buzzer beater.

With OT played for the first time in the knock-out stage, Walking Tall led with a jumper by Mark. A turnover on the next possession led to a Karun fast-break bring Walking Tall to a huge 4 point lead. And that lead seems so far, Fast & Furious just faded away.


Match 2 : Snipers (21) 50 : 61 (23) Veterans
Snipers: Robin 15 pts., Dan & Wolfgang 12 pts.
Veterans: Dev 15 pts., Vikram 14 pts.
As Snipers try to beat the odds against the Veterans, Robin drafted his pals Dan & Top to try to beat his brother-in-law Vikram. The plan worked as Vikram whose mind seems lost somewhere was outrebounded and out hustled in the paint. With Vikram hitting 3 easy fouls and hitting only one basket, Snipers trail only 2 by halftime, a big improvement from their latest loss to Veterans.

If their was no half-time, Snipers might gone through, but a re-focused Vikram started to keep his cool and hitting many big jumpers down low. With Jai supplying the amunition, fellow players such as Dev, Tum, & Eddy starting to also hit jumpers around the perimeter. The run did stop once Wolfgang came down later in the second half, but his introduction might have been a bit too late sending the firm favourites Veterans to the finals.


Finals : Walking Tall vs Veterans
If their is any significance in this match, it's about the brothers PA+ Sumitr and Vikram clashing for the first time in EIS Lovers history. With PA+ Sumitr sideline since the end of Season 1 due to a fatal wrist injury sustained from a clash with Boby, Vikram went on to be EIS Lovers' top scorer for almost 6 straight seasons. With a 2 year rehabilitation period, PA+ Sumitr is back to rock the world of basketball and it shows through his teams performance.

Walking Tall or Veterans, who'll be victorious? It might not depend on these two people but the victor should probably have a good laugh for a long, long time.

EIS Lovers Season VII Matchday 6

It's the last match of the regular season as all teams stroll through the last match as no matter what the results are, positions 1-4 seems already decided.

Match 1 : Walking Tall (18) 44 : 62 (28) Veterans

Walking Tall: Dennis 21 pts., Karun & Sumitr 10 pts.

Veterans: Vikram 27 pts., Dev 12 pts.

Last match, it was the fight for the pole position, and as now Veterans were crowned regular league champions, Walking Tall duo Mark and Victor were absent. With Dennis leading most of the offensive play, it was just another stroll in the park for the Veterans.

Match 2 : Snipers (24) 45 : 50 (27) Fast & Furious

Snipers: Robin 20 pts., Mamalek 6 pts.

Fast&Furious: Wu 14 pts., Trin 12 pts.

After facing a morale depleting loss, the Snipers members have all gone missing with only Mamalek and Robin present. As Snipers point difference were way behind, it was just another pre-season type match which PA+ Mamalek scored a season high 6 points off 3 fast break attempts.

EIS Lovers Season VII Matchday 5

For once in probably a year, our Gorilla Boby came back to court to help officiate half of a match. With his additional presence, the court seems to be filled with tall players, where short ones like me might feel an inch or two shorter. Tonight came two matches of two moods: a game that ended by three minutes and the other gone done the whole wire.

Here are the match results


Match 1 : Walking Tall (17) 41 : 40 (20) Fast & Furious
Walking Tall: Mark 18 pts., Dennis 9 pts.
Fast & Furious: Joke 14 pts., Trin 10 pts.

For once Jackrin was back to his original drafted team after he had been sent on loan to all the teams in the league. In the other hand, Fast & Furious had once again loaned James accompanied by 3 of Wu's friend.

The game started in slow fashion as both teams try to find the net. Defense was full-fletched as the scoreline 10-10 came up at mid of first half. But in all tight games, just one miss shot by a team can be a run by the other as Walking Tall had a 7-2 run to lead 17-12 with 3 minutes remaining. However, Fast & Furious never gave up and turned the tide with an 8-0 run to finish half-time at 20-17 with Trin's buzzer beater.

The second half was another replica of the first half as the scoreline was yet 30-30 at mid of second half. A couple of turnovers by Joke led Walking Tall to a big 39-32 lead with Mark getting huge in the second half with Dennis the supplier. But as usual, holding on to a lead against a team that never gives up was not easy as Fast & Furious rallied to a 41-38 scoreline. With a missed shot by Walking Tall, Trin fed Joke with 10 seconds remaining who opt for a 2 pointer to pull the game closer rather than going for a 3-point draw. With a 1-point advatage, Dennis missed both free throws. But as 2 seconds remaining, James unlucky missed the winner making Walking Tall worthy winners of the day.

Match 2 : Snipers (18) 46 : 90 (48) Veterans
Snipers: Wu 12 pts., Job 11 pts.
Veterans: Vikram 27 pts., Tum&Dev 24 pts.

Finally Vikram returned, and it was a contest between the Veteran star, Rising Star Dev, and Rookie Tum. Snipers probably have been missing Pete & Michael as their presence should have kept Veterans better at bay.

The game ended at three minutes as Veterans ran a big 12-2 lead. The gap never closen as Vikram, Dev, and Tum were hitting numerous shots to aim for the days highest scorer. With no body presence, Snipers were both outscored, outrebounded, and outfought. Spectators were just wondering if Veterans can hit the half-century mark by halftime which they missed only by a shot.

Second half was a big delight as Wolfgang appeared after a 2 game absence. His contribution was enormous as Snipers started a run of their own with Wolfgang, Job, & Wu starting to get hot in the second half. Anyhow, Veterans was still scoring as usual. Though the scoreline might be EIS record of the highest win by any team, it was a great scene that Snipers had really gone competitive in the second half.