The first game on Sunday morning featured the #2 Frisch Cougars taking on the #8 RASG Warriors for 5th place in Tier I. In the first quarter, RASG got off to a fast start, forcing turnovers and taking an early 11-2 lead. Frisch, led by Mike Finkel’s five points, wouldn’t go away and stayed within striking distance. Morris Esformes, with a couple of triples, gave RASG a comfortable double-digit lead at the end of the quarter, 22-11.

In the second quarter, Frisch bounced back. The team was very aggressive, getting stops and then getting to the line. With a three-pointer from marksman Tyler Hod, Frisch took its first lead of the game. Frisch built on its momentum, and with contributions from across the board, took a seven-point lead at the end of the half, 32-25. Esformes finished with eight points in the half for RASG, while Tyler Hod led Frisch with nine.

In the third quarter, led by Benni Tuchman’s 15 points, Frisch continued its dominance. Frisch couldn’t pull away from RASG, though, with both teams committing a lot of turnovers. Frisch was able to finally pull away and take a double-digit lead at the end of the quarter, 48-36.

In the fourth quarter, RASG continued to miss shots, while Frisch continued to build on its lead. Frisch won the contest, 55-40. Benni Tuchman led the Cougars with 19 points, while Morris Esformes led the Warriors with 13.

By Tani Finkelstein