Pindar's Threes Carry Greeks Past Scholastics

Athens--The 5th Century BC might be playing practically at home in the Athens bracket, but many felt the 13th Century AD had a chance at the upset due to their methodical style, which could prove disruptive against the Greeks' high-powered offense. In the end, the ability of the 5th century to drain a series of threes and make their free-throws proved too much for the Scholastics even with a slowed tempo and the 5th century BC won 68-61

In the first half, it seemed like the 5th century would run away with it thanks to the efforts of Aeschylus and Herodotus off the bench. The speed of the game seemed just too much for the 13th century, whose less athletic players prefer time to set up in the half court. The 5th Century led 37-29 at the half.

“We simply could not allow them to bring the fight to us. We had to bring the fight to them instead, on our own terms,” said Pericles after the game.

13th Century coach Boniface the VIII was seething during halftime. His game plan had called for Thomas Gallus to receive the most touches, but the mystic was 0-8 in the first half. Although Gallus still could not seem to buy a shot in the second half, Boniface continued to insist that he receive the ball.

The Pope's strategy befuddled his opponents.

"Whom the gods destroy, they first make mad," said Euripides.

As the game wore on, however, Thomas Aquinas seemed to take things into his own hands. The 13th Century fed the ball to their star, and began to close the gap.

“I wanted my teammates to harmonize their styles of play, thus producing a more effective whole. If we had been able to take advantage of our opponents undisciplined style, and been patient enough to allow our half court offense to run its course, we might have seen a different outcome,” he said afterwards.

Despite this temporary turn around, the slow pace of the 13th century left them running out of time to regain the lead. In the final minute and a half, two three-pointers from Pindar forced the 13th century to begin fouling.

"Water is best," said the epinician poet. "But I'll take catching fire for a couple of clutch threes tonight."

The game ended with the 5th century BC going 4 for 6 from the line, resulting in a 68 to 61 victory.

A controversial blocking call on Duns Scotus with 2 minutes remaining and the 13th Century down 58-56 may cast a shadow over the game for some. The 13th Century bench was beside itself after the call, and Sts. Francis and Dominic could be seen begging the ref to overturn it.


Players of the Game
5th Century BC: Aeschylus – 17 points, 5 rebounds, 4 steals.
13th Century AD: Thomas Aquinas – 16 points, 15 rebounds.