VBL Week 2 Recap
If you missed the buzz at the Venice Beach courts this weekend, don't worry—we've got you covered! The courts were packed with a star-studded lineup of streamers, guest players, and fans, creating an excitement that even the bees couldn't resist! No, seriously—a bee hive took over and nearly cleared the courts faster than a buzzer-beater. Stick around for all the highlights in this week's recap, from slam dunks to bee stings!
Game #1: Sole Creators vs. New Jersey Sets
Week 2 started with a thrilling game between Sole Creators and New Jersey Sets, matching each other stride for stride throughout the game. From the start, Cullen from Sole Creators sparked the game with two impressive lobs to Spida, setting a high-energy. The game evolved into an explosive showcase of athleticism and skill, with crazy dunks and plays coming from both teams. Eric (14 pts, 3 ast, 4 steals) from NJS, pulled off a smooth windmill dunk, and AG orchestrated a stylish between-the-legs alley-oop to Cullen, bringing the fans to their feet. Meanwhile, Spida (12 pts, 6 reb, 2 ast, 2 steals) from sole creators put on a dunking clinic, thrilling the crowd with thunderous slams. In game #1 of the week, Sole Creators and New Jersey Sets gave their all, delivering a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats going into a gamebreaker. In the end, Sole emerged victorious with a close 61-60 win.
Game #2: CaFirm vs. Underdog Fantasy
In Game #2, the Underdogs dominated from start to finish against CaFirm, securing a 63-65 Victory. The Underdogs managed to take control early and never looked back, leading 29-20 by halftime. Underdog Fantasy were locked in for this matchup. Their chemistry was on point with precise lobs and tight defense that had CaFirm scrambling. Unfortunately, CaFirm had a rough day with sloppy plays throughout the game - missing easy lobs, blowing layups, and turnovers. Although Sydney Dean ( 7 pts, 3 reb, 3 ast) impressed the crowd with his ball-handling skills, it was not enough to keep up with Underdog Fantasy. With the win practically in the bag, Tone went wild with a poster dunk to seal the deal and keep the crowd pumped! By the last quarter, it was all smiles and high-fives as they cruised to a blowout win. Player of the Game honors went to Moe (23 pts, 2 rebounds, 1 ast), who was everywhere on the court, making big plays on offense and defense making his presence clear on the court.
Game #3: Nosha vs. BBall Junkies
A PUMA celebrity guest appearance from 2x NBA Slam Dunk Contest Champion and reigning NBA G-League MVP Mac McClung created a buzz in the crowd – contributing to a star studded atmosphere to begin Sunday’s slate of games. Despite McClung coaching from the sidelines, Team Nosha got off to a slow start – as a flurry of buckets from BBJ put them ahead 24-13 after the first quarter , capitalized with a flashy no-look lob from AJ to Zach (22 pts, 5 ast). But McClung and Team Nosha surged back throughout the second and third quarters – thanks to an impressive display of three-level scoring from Omari (27 pts, 5 steals) that cut the lead to within two. The back-and-forth scoring continued throughout the fourth quarter, but BBJ finally created some separation during the new GameBreaker period – taking over when it mattered most to pull away with a thrilling 69-58 win.
Game #4: Bred Winners vs. Timeless
After a thrilling Week 1 buzzer-beating win, Timeless continued its momentum into Week 2 – jumping out to a lightning fast 19-11 lead after the first quarter. Fueled by strong play from Jelani and DeBo, Bred Winners held on early through constant interior attacks, but similar to Week 1 – the “Juice Show” was in full effect. Juice put on an offensive clinic for Timeless throughout the remainder of the half, scoring at will with five triples and 25 points – outscoring the entire Bred Winners team through the first half. Finding themselves down 42-23 to begin the third quarter, Bred Winners had ground to make up in the second half – but Timeless’ star-studded rotation proved too much, as expert defense and more buckets from Juice (POTG, 36 pts, 5 steals, 7 rebounds) and Elvin (14 pts, 6 ast, 8 reb) extended the lead and gave the reigning champs a second straight win.
Game #5: The Mecca vs. Hoopbus
Mecca jumped out the gate strong, ending the first quarter with an 18-11 lead. Both teams had their stars shining early—Hoopbus's Biko (17 pts, 4 reb, 2 steals) and Mecca’s HeziGod were trading buckets and putting on a show. From his spectacular performance, HeziGod (32 pts, 1 ast, 1 steal) earned Player of the Game, as he led his team to maintain a consistent lead. By halftime, Mecca was still in control, but with an appearance by the Philippines' own Thirdy Ravena, Team Hoopbus wasn't backing down. In the paint, it was a showdown as Amir and Monstar went head-to-head, each trying to prove themselves on the court. They had everyone on the edge of their seats. In the fourth quarter, Grizz (24 pts, 1 reb, 1 steal) and Biko unleashed a 3-point barrage that had the crowd going wild as every shot seemed to find the net. Despite the rally, Mecca held their ground and pulled away during gamebreaker mode, sealing the deal with a 76-67 victory.
Game #6: Agent vs Sketch’s $1,000 All-Star Game
The VBL went LIVE for Week 2 – as celebrity entertainers/streamers Agent and Sketch arrived (cameras in hand) on site in Venice Beach, creating a buzz in the crowd and forming an electric atmosphere. Following the conclusion of the day’s VBL/VWL games, Agent and Sketch stepped onto the court as team captains – and each drafted their team of VBL all-stars to compete against one another, with a $1,000 prize on the line. Both teams got off to a fast start, and after an impressive Sketch triple – it seemed as if Sketch’s team was in control. But the high-flying duo of Amir and Juice propelled Agent’s team ahead – with a 23-18 lead heading into the final moments (playing to a target score of 24). In a 1v1 battle to end, Agent called game with a crafty layup over Sketch – giving his team the win in the one-of-a-kind livestream battle, ending the weekend off strong!
VBL Week 2 Standings:
Team
W/L
+/-
1
Timeless
2-0
40
2
Underdogs
2-0
36
3
The Mecca
1-1
6
4
BBall Junkies
1-1
3
5
Nosha
1-1
0
5
Sole Creators
1-1
-3
6
Hoopbus
1-1
-5
7
Bred Winners
1-1
-29
8
New Jersey Sets
0-2
-12
9
CA Firm
0-2
-36
VBL Player Leaders by Category:
*All stats are accumulated and averaged between Weeks 1 and 2
Player
Total Points
Points Per Game
Juice (Timeless)
62
31 ppg
HeziGod (The Mecca)
52
26 ppg
Omari (Nosha)
47
23.5 ppg
Player
Total Assists
Assists Per Game
Juice (Timeless)
11
5.5 apg
Sydney Dean (CA Firm)
10
5 apg
DeShaun (Bred Winners)
8
4 apg
Player
Total Rebounds
Rebounds Per Game
Zach Hinton (BBJ)
18
9 rpg
Juice (Timeless)
16
8 rpg
Malik (Timeless)
15
7.5 rpg