Str8 Rippin Takes Down Dynasty in WBR3
By blandestk | Published: November 8, 2009 2:26am EST
 The big question entering the Winners Bracket Semi-Finals match between Str8 Rippin and Dynasty was "is Dynasty for real or is Final Boss underachieving?" Fresh off an upset of the traditional powerhouse Final Boss, Dynasty guaranteed themselves a finish in the final six, but wanted more: an upset of Str8 Rippin. Few gave them a shot, however. Any doubt about Dynasty melted within minutes of Game 1. The teams met for Capture the Flag Onslaught. Str8 took a quick 1-0 lead, but Dynasty tied the score soon thereafter. The teams then battered each other into oblivion and did not manage to notch a score for nearly 10 minutes. Then, within a 30-second span, Str8 scored twice to put some space between the teams. The squads then split a pair of scores, which is where the game ended, 4-2. Short of that small spurt, Dynasty hung with the second seed impressively. Team Slayer Heretic followed and it was nowhere near close. Dynasty steamrolled Str8 Rippin in a manner few have ever accomplished. The game was over in a flash, with Dynasty winning 50-29. Enable tossed in a 13-6 game on the way to the big victory. The series was tied 1-1 just like that. The best game of the series occurred during Game 3's King of the Hill Construct. The teams traded multiple leads, with neither side managing to put breathing room between themselves and their competitors. When the statistics screen hit afterward, the numbers were extremely close. Neither team went positive. The final times reflected that closeness: 236-222. Without the final uncontested seconds, the last tally would have been even closer. Dynasty were definitely for real. Str8 needed one more win to move on and it looked as if they were on their way after a 1-0 start on Capture The Flag Narrows. Dynasty battled back, however, tying the game and engaging in an extended drought and standoff with Str8. Overtime seemed a possibility, but Legit started to take over the game. He ended 20-13, with his effort propelling Str8 to two quick captures. The series was over just when it looked as if it might extend significantly. Str8 move on to the Winners Bracket Finals, which is not unexpected. Dynasty move to the Losers Bracket, but they do so with the attention of every team in the tourney. That's a prospect that was most likely unexpected. We'll see if they can continue their success tomorrow in the Losers Bracket. |
