The first quarter set the standard as both teams struggled to find the bottom of the basket during the game. Oddities led narrowly, ending the quarter up by two points at 14-12, with Oddities’ Duggan stealing the show early on. Papaionannou has been a welcome addition to the Oddities this year, showing the league the efficiency of a stretch big, with lethal offensive rebounding skills paired with a dependable 3 point threat.

The second quarter was particularly quiet for both teams, with Hawks adding only three points to their total; a score that led Hawk’s coach, Huesken, to question if the scoreboard was correct. The scoring struggles were clear as both sides continued to battle for good looks whilst changing their line-ups regularly. Oddities kept their offence alive with offensive rebounds, but weren’t able to convert - scoring only 6 points in the second quarter. 

After halftime, the Hawks woke up and dominated the third quarter, outscoring Oddities 10-3. Miles led the Hawks to a 25-23 lead, contributing nine points on 50% shooting from the two-point range. For the duration of the game, neither team was able to take advantage of free throws, with Oddities converting only 26.7% of their chances. Hawks converted 22.2%.

However, the fourth quarter saw Oddities regroup and take control. They put together an 11-point burst, thanks to a standout performance from Duggan, who led all scorers with 15 points, shooting 50% from the field.

We had the chance to catch up with Duggan after the game to ask him about his performance:

LincolnBasketball: “You led the game in points and steals against the Hawks tonight. You exploded in the first quarter. Typically, we don’t see this kind of scoring for you, so what has changed for you?”

Duggan: “I couldn't say if anything has changed, I saw opportunities to take the shots either with the help of my team mates or rewards from good defense.”

LincolnBasketball: “We’ve noticed that you have stepped away from bringing the ball up the court as much. Do you think this has improved other aspects of your game?”

Duggan: “I have always loved playing off ball, I find it's where I'm most efficient, I will step up and be the main ball handler if necessary however having guys like Armstrong and Kris to take the lead and allow me to play my preferred game is amazing.”

LincolnBasketball: “Oddities are currently sitting at the top of the league. Are you guys going for the championship this year? 

Duggan: “We simply play to win one game at a time.”

Oddities Highlights:

• Duggan (#96) led the Oddities with 15 points, shooting 50.0% from the field (7-14), including 60.0% from two-point range (6-10).

• M. Papaionannou (#23) contributed 7 points, shooting 33.3% from two-point range (2-6) and grabbed 5 rebounds while also dishing out 2 assists.

• Walker (#13) added 6 points, shooting 33.3% from two-point range (3-9), and led the team with 10 rebounds and 2 steals.

• A. Nkume (#22) chipped in with 4 points, hitting 100% from the free-throw line and grabbing 2 rebounds.

Hawks Highlights:

• B. Miles (#10) led the Hawks with 9 points, shooting 50.0% from two-point range (4-8), and grabbed 4 rebounds.

• T. Kirk (#3) contributed 7 points, shooting 40.0% from the field (3-8), and added 2 assists and 2 steals.

• D. Kidd (#26) added 4 points, shooting 66.7% from two-point range (2-3), while also grabbing 3 rebounds.

• L. Taylor (#8) added 4 points, shooting 100% from two-point range (2-2), and contributed 3 rebounds.

Team Performance:

• The Oddities shot 28.0% from the field overall and struggled from the free-throw line, hitting just 26.7% of their attempts (4-15).

• The Hawks shot 32.4% from the field and 22.2% from the free-throw line, but couldn’t find their rhythm from three-point range, shooting just 14.3%.

• The Oddities recorded 11 steals, forcing 9 turnovers from the Hawks, while the Hawks led in blocks with 2.

• The Hawks won the rebounding battle with 18 total rebounds compared to the Oddities' 19.

Scoring by Quarter:

• Q1: Oddities 14, Hawks 12

• Q2: Oddities 6, Hawks 3

• Q3: Hawks outscored the Oddities 10-3

• Q4: Oddities bounced back, outscoring Hawks 11-2

Final score: Oddities 34 - Hawks 27