By Jason Kennedy

Beverly Hills, California - Like the mailmen of old, neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds. Except we at E News aren't delivering the mail. We are bringing the heat, in the form of juicy ridiculous gossip about famous people you'll never meet but you like to think you know them because People magazine did a four-page cover story on their struggle with depression.

Speaking of depression, I got a taste of it this Sunday night. We tried every trick in the book to boost interest. We gave away all the best swag we had. We even hired Jasper Carrott to sing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrQdeSPYJmY

I'm surprised that didn't go over - he was recommended by Ricky Gervais. Anyway, despite all of our hustle and determination, the Academy Awards were the lowest rated in television history. Based on the reports, in just 5 years, our viewership declined by 13 Million people. That's a lot. https://observer.com/2020/02/oscars-2020-tv-ratings-academy-awards-abc-viewership-parasite/

Speaking of viewership decline, once Game 1 was over, the WLC BBAL viewership plummeted as neither Game 2 nor Game 3 was competitive. Hopefully teams can make some adjustments and up their game in Week 4. For now, at least some social media marketing might raise awareness. On to the recaps:

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Better Luck Next Week @ 3'S Company
The 7:30 game featured a highly anticipated matchup between the only unbeaten teams. Not only were these teams separated by 1 point in the Coaches Poll, they were separated by a mere 7 total points scored. Each lineup features dynamic guards, deep range shooters, and a healthy helping of athleticism. BLNW had to start the game with their leading scorer Justin Sivells on the bench. Rumor is he was suspended the first five minutes of the game for his unwillingness to pass in Games 1 & 2. That rumor is unconfirmed. He is averaging an amazing 1 whole assist per game, so it's hard to say he doesn't pass. In addition to Sivells delayed entry, reigning MVP Earl McLaurin was questionable as he has been managing a hamstring injury. The NBA isn't the only league with load management issues.

On the opposite side of the court, 3's Company came in on a hot streak which was perhaps bound to cool down. They jumped out to an early lead behind the steady shooting of Elliott and Cooper, but it remained close throughout the first half. The previously hobbled McLaurin appeared to be at full strenght, pouring in 13 of BLNW's 29 first half points. Cooper battled back, scoring 14 of 3's Company's 30 first half points. At this point, the game was living up to expectations. Something happened about 3 minutes into the second half. Some say it was the PED's BLNW got at the half. Some say it was simple reversion to the mean (it's not like 3's Company can shoot 80% for a whole season).

Whichever, BLNW went on a 24-10 run as 3's Company's normally smooth outside shooting abandoned them and BLNW's tough D clogged up the offensive flow. 3's Company responded, like the champion mindset players they are, and pulled to within 6 points with 3 minutes remaining. But BLNW answered the bell, and McLaurin came within a whisker of the season's first triple double (22/9/8). In the end, Cooper's 20 points and Elliott's 19 points, 13 rebounds just weren't enough. Going into Week 4, BLNW appears to the be the league frontrunner. Let's see if Windy City Bulls can pull off the upset!

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DAT SMOKE @ Windy City Bulls
Within 10 minutes, DAT SMOKE had built a 18-7 lead, and they didn't look back. This game recap could be all about the DAT SMOKE players selfish attitudes and desire to boost individual stats. It could be about the inability of Windy City Bulls to find an offensive rhythm. (WC Bulls has lost all three games by an average of 21 points)

This recap could be all about Andre Allen coming just as close as Earl to a triple double (9/11/8). But none of those details hold a candle to the sheer domination on display by Justyce Swango. A newcomer to the WLC BBALL League, Swango had the pedigree of high level play and a history of being a winner. But the WLC BBALL League is a land of earned respect and hard-won confidence.

Through the first two games Swango was steady but not spectacular and many fans questioned Captain Templeman's management. All those questions were erased, all that respect was earned, and all that confidence was won on Sunday night with 8 minutes remaining in the first half. Swango entered the game and proceeded to drop bombs like a frat boy after a Taco Bell eating contest. Except the only gas Swango left was the fiery heat of her blistering 3-pointers as shot after shot sizzled the nets and left the WC Bulls defender gasping for air.

In a 5-minute streak, Justyce scored 9 points, dropped 2 dimes, and made sure everybody in the WLC BBALL League would remember her name. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDvr08sCPOc

DAT SMOKE shattered the previous team assist record (held for one week by 3's Company) with 22 (although Dorsey claimed to have nearly that many on his own, official stats credited him with 7), snatched 40 rebounds and won by 38 points. Windy City Bulls gets after it in Week 4 as they prepare to attack the #1 team, BLNW.

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JUIC3 CR3W @ Epstein Didn't Kill Himself
In the final game, the only sound was the squeak of sneakers and the chirp of crickets. By 9:30, GN Baptist Arena was a ghost town, which matched the composition of JUIC3 CR3W's bench. With no subs, JC gamely fought against EDKH, but the EDKH scoring trinity of Butler/Dworske/Jackson combined for 31 points (7 3's) in the first half to give EDKH a decisive lead, 33-23 at the half. Ferrone gave a gritty effort in the post, going time and again to the basket against smaller defenders. He finished with 21 points and 9 rebounds, and improved his FT shooting (2-4) from last week.

But the Butler did it in the second half. Damien couldn't be stopped, and cruised to a week-high 27 points. He shot 84% from the field and 100% from the stripe. Vonner, Baker and Traynum finally got involved in the second half, and Jerell Hassell overcame a knee-to-metal collision with the basket to pour in 9 second half points.

As in Game 2, the losing team simply lacked the firepower to overcome the depth and strength of the winner. The old-timers Riggins and Johnson held up for all 40 minutes, but it wasn't enough. Going into Week 4, EDKH joins DAT SMOKE and 3's COMPANY at 2-1.

JUIC3 CR3W falls to 0-3 but looks for its matchup with 3's COMPANY as the opportunity to right the ship.