CHOKE! Regulators drop 3rd in a row

The Regulators are starting to get a bad reputation...

It was the same sad story for the Regulators last night: slow start, gritty comeback, poor end-game execution, lose.

This time the Regs dug themselves a very deep hole early and only a few late buckets had them barely in the game at halftime - 14 to 23. Their opponent, VB's were a group of ageing, silvertopped veterans, some of who fought in World War 2. The Regulators usually eat these teams for breakfast, but it seems they had a belly full of complacency and were embarrassed at the half time buzzer.

Flipping the switch at halftime, the Regs clawed their way back with inspired defense leading to fast-break points and a phenomenal reject-then-coast-to-coast-layup from Sam (in career best form) to get the game back to a winnable position.

Mattyo found himself on the free throw line with a chance to tie it late, but perhaps with the recent memory of the Orlando Magic's free throw woes fresh in his mind, the usually rock-steady swingman clanged both and the game seemed out of reach. Another more likely reason for the missed freebies is he was in shock that the refs had not called a foul on him, (after getting some of the worst offensive foul and other calls you will ever see in a basketball game. Whatever Mattyo did to the refs, he might have to apologise).

VB's then headed to the line to ice the game with ten seconds left, and just to add another twist to this engrossing game, missed both and the Regs rebounded and headed down court.

Mattyo got into the paint and found Digs underneath in scoring position. The defense collapsed on him and with no time left he hoisted up a shot, drawing enough contact for a foul, basket missed, no whistle, buzzer sounds, game over.

Once again the Regs find themselves having to climb up to finals position down the stretch run of the season. Have no option but to regroup and get the win against Powerhouse 4 next week.