March Madness in Moldova

This past weekend was set up the best thing since USA faced the USSR in the 1980 Olympics. With almost the same significance, just a mere 30 years separate these two monumental show downs between the two most powerful countries on Earth (substituting Russia for China, and then Moldova for Russia) and then you have it. The team from Raion Anenii Noi was slated to face the team of American Volunteers, but we felt we represented the best team possible from America so we went by Team USA or Team America. Is was the hottest ticket in town ill tell ya. The mayor was there and said a few words and a roaring crowd of 8-12 Moldovans and 2 Americans filled the Russian School of Alexandri Puskin and had to fight for seating. It was set before the game that out of bounds is if the ball hits the wall or a spectator or someone on the bench. With all the grey areas cleared up, the game was under way and what a game it was. Back and forth the whole game, the "refs" were questionable, but what can you do. Half time showed a slight advantage to Team America, but that was quickly dissolved when the third quarter got going. Dont get me wrong these kids were good, and at least two could dunk and they did, a few times each. Some had this overhead soccer throw in sort of shot, which you would think had no chance to go in, but they were. Back to the game, down a few going into the forth quarter was where the madness came into play. With seconds left and down by two, Pat from the Americans drives under the basket and hits Big Brady with a no look pass and a last second basket to tie the game and send into OT. Madness. OT begins, again the action is intense. A quick 4:15 goes by and the Americans find themselves ahead by two with 45 seconds left and a Moldovan on the foul line. Hits the first shot, misses the second. A rebound is pulled down by Brady and the game seems over if only the Americans can hold the ball and kill the final 40 seconds of the game, but wait. A miscue leads to a turn over and a easy lay up made by the Moldovans moving them ahead by 1 with seconds left. Inbound goes to the hottest shooter of the game, Pat, trys to shake the ever so tight Moldovan D for a buzzer beater, but alas all final efforts were proved fruitless and the Moldovans pull an upset of the ages (or at least I think). A great game and medals awarded to the "second place team" (not the losers) and a big masa ensued and all hostilities were soon forgotten after the first of many toasts and glasses of wine.

A few pictures are posted.