VBL Qtr Finals
VBL Playoffs Rd 1 – Westside War Stay Perfect, Survive United Nations Challenge with Big 3 Star Isaiah Austin
Westside War Stay Perfect, Survive United Nations Challenge with Big 3 Star Isaiah AustinWestside War Stay Perfect, Survive United Nations Challenge with Big 3 Star Isaiah Austin
In a thrilling first-round VBL playoff matchup, the undefeated #1 seed Westside War (7-0) held off the #8 seed United Nations 57-51 in a battle that had the Venice crowd buzzing. United Nations brought in a special guest for the postseason — Big 3 star and former Baylor standout Isaiah Austin — but even with his presence, Westside’s balanced attack and clutch execution in the Elam Ending sealed the win.
Jordan Robinson, aka “Big Euro,” put on a flawless performance, dropping a game-high 21 points on a perfect 10-for-10 from the field, along with 9 rebounds, 2 steals, and several key buckets in crunch time. His highlight of the night came in the Elam Ending, capping off Westside’s final push. But perhaps the most talked-about moment was when Kaison Randolph threaded a perfect bounce dime to Big Euro, who rose up and threw down a poster dunk on Isaiah Austin — earning Austin the full VBL “initiation” treatment and a seat in the infamous VBL Chair.
Westside War’s supporting cast came up huge, with Corey Hall posting 11 points on 5-of-6 shooting, Rick Maganga chipping in 7 points and 2 steals on a perfect 3-for-3 night, and Jayson Moore sparking a 39-27 lead in the third quarter with four quick points. Eric Watson added flair with clutch no-look assists and timely scoring, helping Westside maintain control despite United Nations’ second-half push.
For United Nations, Jamani (#03) led the way with 20 points on 9-of-17 shooting, 2 steals, and 3 assists, keeping his squad within striking distance. Isaiah Austin showcased his skill with 16 points on an impressive 86% shooting, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks, while AL the Accountant (#30) was perfect from the floor (4-for-4) for 9 points. Chris Allen (#15) added 6 key points as the team rallied late, cutting the deficit to just 46-44 in the fourth. But in the end, Westside’s perfect shooting from multiple players and Big Euro’s dominance proved too much.
Westside War advances to the next playoff round with their undefeated season intact, while United Nations exits with pride after giving the top seed one of their toughest battles of the year.
VBL Round 1 Game 2- Major Upset Alert: Gabe Hostetler's Game-Winner Knocks Out #2 Seed Truheight
In one of the biggest shockers of the VBL Playoffs, #7 seed Hidden Empire pulled off a dramatic 63-60 win over #2 seed Truheight, capped off by a cold-blooded game-winning three-pointer from Gabe (#0) in the Elam Ending. The matchup was a battle from start to finish, featuring high-level shot-making, momentum swings, and standout individual performances.
Hidden Empire came in hungry and ready to make noise, leaning on the Player of the Game Jus aka “Baby Bron” (#45) who was unstoppable, dropping 25 points on an ultra-efficient 9-of-12 shooting, including five from deep, 7 rebounds and 2 assists. The first half was a tight chess match, with Truheight getting an early spark from Brandon Towns (7 points, 6 rebounds, 4 steals, 2 assists) and perfect shooting from Brandon Jamar, who went on to finish for a team-high 21 points 5 reboynds. Truheight held a narrow 26-25 lead at the break, but momentum started shifting in the third quarter as “Baby Bron” poured in 14 points in the frame to put Hidden Empire ahead 45-42.
The fourth quarter and Elam ending had all the drama you could ask for. Truheight stormed back with an 11-0 run to erase a nine-point deficit, taking a 58-56 lead behind more flawless buckets from Jamar and clutch threes from Bernard (11 points on 4-of-5 shooting). But Hidden Empire never flinched. Gabe, who had been quiet most of the night, delivered the dagger—scoring the team’s final six points with the walk-off triple to seal the upset. Raylon (#59) and Navar Elmore (#22) added 7 points apiece in the win.
The victory not only sends Hidden Empire into the next round but also sends a message—no seed is safe in the VBL playoffs. For Truheight, it’s a tough ending to a strong season, but their fight to the very last possession showed why they were among the league’s elite.
VBL round 1 game 3: BBJ Survives Cough Syrup’s Comeback to Advance in Playoffs
In a tense Round 1 playoff matchup, #3 seed BBJ (6-2) held off a determined Cough Syrup squad (2-6) for a 64-59 victory, booking their ticket to the semifinals. What started as a dominant opening quickly turned into a back-and-forth battle, with Cough Syrup nearly pulling off a stunning comeback before BBJ’s late-game composure sealed the win.
BBJ came out swinging, opening the game on a scorching 16-0 run behind Monstar (#30), who poured in 8 quick points, and Hezi God (#4), who scored 6 in the opening minutes. The offensive rhythm carried into the second quarter, with BBJ holding a 31-24 lead at halftime despite Cough Syrup chipping away at the gap. Player of the Game Hezi God put on a clinic, finishing 20 points 7 assists 4 rebounds — while Monstar dominated inside with 18 points 8 rebounds.
Cough Syrup’s resilience showed in the third quarter, as they roared back with a 9-0 run to take their first lead of the night at 42-41. Billy Preston anchored the charge, leading his team with 18 points on 8-11 FG, while Quan added 14 points on 7-9 FG. CALEB’s shooting from deep was clutch, knocking down two threes to go with 12 points and a team-high +8 plus/minus. However, foul trouble plagued both Quan and Aj Harris, forcing Cough Syrup to rotate more defensively. Despite that, Slim chipped in 8 points (4-5 FG) and Aj Harris contributed 7 points, including a timely three-pointer that kept the game within reach.
Down the stretch, BBJ’s playoff experience shined. Buddha (#11) hit a crucial three to halt Cough Syrup’s momentum, and Zach Hinton (#24) scored 8 points on 4-5 shooting, including the game-sealing basket in the Elam Ending. While Cough Syrup’s second-half surge showcased heart and efficiency, BBJ’s perfect shooting nights from their stars proved too much to overcome.
VBL round 1 Game 4: Timeless Survives Crep Protect’s Late Push in Playoff Thriller
In one of the most intense games of the VBL Playoffs Round 1, Timeless outlasted Crep Protect 56-53 in a nail-biting battle that came down to the final possessions. The win moves Timeless to 4-4 on the season, while Crep Protect, also 4-4, saw their playoff run cut short despite an impressive late-game surge.
Timeless wasted no time setting the tone, opening the game on a 12-0 run to take a 16-4 first-quarter lead. Baby Jordan led the charge, putting together a Player of the Game performance with 17 points on 7-of-11 shooting, while also swiping 5 steals. Mar Harris was flawless from the floor, finishing with 11 points on a perfect 5-for-5 shooting night, and Chris Mitchell added 9 points on 80% shooting, knocking down all of his looks from deep. By halftime, Timeless had built a comfortable 34-20 advantage.
But Crep Protect, who had just come off a championship game at the Real Run before suiting up for the VBL playoffs, found another gear despite possible fatigue. Omari Ferguson led the fightback with 12 points on 6-of-7 shooting, while Eric Howlin was perfect from the field (4-4 FG, 2-2 3PT, 1-1 FT) for 11 points. Marshawn added 10 points on 5-of-7 shooting, and Solo and Devon chipped in clutch baskets to fuel a furious rally. By the fourth quarter, Crep Protect erased the deficit and even took a brief 45-44 lead, igniting the crowd.
The final minutes were a back-and-forth battle. With the score tied 49-49, Juice delivered a momentum-shifting three-pointer for Timeless, then sealed the win with another late basket to finish with 7 points. Crep Protect continued to press until the final buzzer, but Baby Jordan’s steady scoring and Timeless’ composure under pressure proved to be the difference. Both teams shot the ball efficiently, but Timeless’ early cushion and clutch execution secured them a spot in the next round