In the final game of group play, the final two undefeated teams met to determine the number one seed and a first round bye in the playoffs. Archers, led by the “Big 4” (Marcus Holman, Will Manny, Grant Ament and Tom Schreiber) had battled through their first three games of pool play, winning by a combined four goals. Whipsnakes, on the other hand, rolled through pool play even without outstanding play from reigning MVP Matt Rambo and came into Sunday’s game with a goal differential of +18.
Sunday’s game began as a defensive battle as both offenses played deep into the shot clock on each possession and each defense limited fast break opportunities. After nearly ten minutes of game time with only one goal, the teams combined for four goals in under a minute and a half. Archers were opportunistic in transition while Whipsnakes found success in their half field offense.
The second and third quarter were the exact opposite of the first as both offenses found their groove. Combining for 15 goals in a back and forth affair. While Archers spread the wealth and six different goal scorers found the back of the net, Whipsnakes put the ball in Matt Rambo’s stick as the reigning MVP showed why he should be considered the best player in the world.
In just two quarters, Rambo dished out six assists and added two goals. His combined eight points in just a half of play was almost more than double his point total in the rest of the Series. The third quarter finished with Whipsnakes leading by two and what seemed like yet another game that would come down to the wire.
Whipsnakes had other ideas. In the fourth and final frame, Whipsnakes outscored Archers 6-2 as John Haus put in three of his four goals on the way to securing the number one seed and a first round bye.
PLL Betting Breakdown
The Whipsnakes have covered the spread every game and done so by large margins. They sit atop the standings with a 24-point score differential. Expect Vegas to plan accordingly when setting the spread for their matchup against the Redwoods or Waterdogs. If you bet the over (21.5), you were finally rewarded thanks to an explosion of offense by the Whips that brought the total to 28 points.
Next Up
Whipsnakes proved today that they are the most complete team, dominating in all three phases. Now with the added benefit of extra rest, Whipsnakes are primed for a repeat while Archers fell to the #3 seed and will play Atlas in the first round of the playoffs at 10:30 pm ET on NBCSN.
