Not enough for five

Our winning streak stopped at four. We lost last night at home by five points. We were up at halftime, but a slow third quarter didn't help us get out of the gates running. I think we were down at one point in the second half by 13 and cut the lead until we were about tied. Nonetheless, it wasn't enough. I wasn't very pleased with my defensive play, but I ended up with 30 point and 10 rebounds.

We have one more game next Wednesday at home. It is against a good team in our league who is on a hot streak so we have our work cut out for us. I will keep you updated on how it goes. I hope all is well back home.

Take care and God bless,
Mike

For four

We played an away game yesterday, which was only about 45 minutes away. It was great to have a close road game for once. The game was close the whole way, we were up by two, and they had the last shot. Their three-point shot rimmed out at the buzzer and we were victorious. It was a great ending for us to a hard-fought game. The coaching staff and team were excited and we showed it in the locker room with plenty of cheers. That win made it our fourth win in a row. We only have two regular season games, both at home, with one on Wednesday and the next the following Wednesday. I played pretty well and had 17 points and 7 rebounds. This game tested my composure for sure though. Our opponent had a couple post players that loved to play dirty and flopped continually. It tested me to not get involved and to stay focused on the game.

Other than that not much else is new around here. It has been warming up over here and has been in the high 60's to low 70's this past week. It really is great to have spring weather and I hope it sticks around. I hope all is well back home.

Take care and God bless,
Mike

Three-peat

We won our third game in a row this past Sunday. It was an away game against the last place team in the league. Before I had joined Debrecen we had lost to this team the last game before Christmas so coach really wanted to win this game. It also was crucial that we win this game to distance ourselves from the bottom two spots in the league. The last two places in the league will need to have a "play-out" at the end of the regular season to determine who will move down to the second league next season. We played well for the most part. We were up by about ten in the first half and let them back in the game before halftime. Then in the second half we gradually started to pull away with the lead and ended up winning by 17. It was a little more relaxing not having such a close game for once at the end. I played well and had 29 points and 7 rebounds.

It was the longest bus trip of the season - about 7 hours - so we left the day before. I don't mind leaving the day before so we don't need to leave so early in the morning, but it is nice to sleep in your own bed. I also find it interesting that for our meals we always get served pitchers of carbonated water. I really don't care for the stuff that much so I always have to get a pitcher of still water and some of the other Americans take advantage of that as well. I guess that's just part of being immersed in the culture.

Our next game is also away this Saturday. I guess it's only about an hour trip so that will be nice for a change. I will keep you updated on how it goes. I hope all is well back home.

Take care and God bless,
Mike

Streaking...

We went on a two-game winning streak - I don't know what else you thought I was talking about. Last Monday and yesterday we had home games and won both. Our game Monday was a must-win for us because it was a team right above us in the league at the time. It went into overtime and we won by two. Unfortunately, I was in foul trouble most of the game and fouled out in the fourth quarter. It was very difficult watching from the bench, but I tried to be the best cheerleader I could. I was proud of the way the guys fought and it was great to come out victorious in the end.

Our game yesterday was against the team ranked ninth in the league. We played well together and seemed to be firing on all cylinders. The game was close the whole way and we made a little distance at the end with free throws. I played better this game and had 23 points, eight rebounds, and four assists. One of my teammates last year from Oradea came to the game with a couple of guys that are new to that team this year. It was great to see him and have a brew with him after the game before they took the hour trip back to Romania. I try to take things in life one step at a time and I really wasn't sure if I would see him again so that was a great surprise. It just goes to show you never know what life will bring your way and I'm blessed to still be playing.

Our next game is away on Sunday. It is our last long road trip of the regular season so that will be nice to get out of the way. I hope all is well back home.

Take care and God bless,
Mike