BIG3: Week 8 Recap

BIG3 was at the Staples Center in Los Angeles for the final week of its inaugural season, with multiple teams fighting for remaining playoff spots. The most interesting matchup of the day, however, had to be the four-point shootout between rapper and BIG3 co-founder Ice Cube and polarizing self-proclaimed "Big Baller" LaVar Ball. Here is your Week 8 recap, with special focus on former Los Angeles Clippers in the league.

Ice Cube 2, LaVar Ball 1

LaVar Ball, the father of Laker rookie Lonzo Ball, has made headlines for months with his self-aggrandizing and exaggerated claims regarding his basketball prowess. The elder Ball played one season at Washington State, where he averaged 2.2 points and 2.3 rebound per game. Remarkably, these unimpressive statistics have not stopped Ball from claiming that "back in his heyday" he could "kill Michael Jordan one-on-one," or from taking potshots at NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley.

Ice Cube initially challenged the big-mouthed Ball to make one of the BIG3 league’s patented four-point shots back in May, and committed to buying 10 pairs of son Lonzo’s signature Big Baller Brand sneakers if the shot hit.

Ball formally accepted the challenge on Friday.

Ultimately, but not surprisingly, Cube came out on top, sinking two four-pointers to Ball’s one. Big Baller? Indeed.

Game 1: Ghost Ballers 50, 3 Headed Monsters 33

In the first of two surprise victories in Week 8, Ghost Ballers beat 3 Headed Monsters to secure the number four-seed in the upcoming playoffs. Ricky Davis and Mike Bibby both had 13 points and 4 assists for Ghost Ballers. Bibby ends the regular season leading the league in assists (30), assists per game (3.8), and four-point field goals (4).

Rashard Lewis led all scorers with 18 points for 3 Headed Monsters, topping off a fantastic individual season. Lewis ends his BIG3 debut having earned top honors in total points (170) and points per game (21.3). The Monsters clinched the two-seed last week, and with the loss in Week 8 end the season 6-2.

Game 2: Tri-State 51, Power 42

Led by Mike James’ 17 points and Bonzi Wells’ 8 rebounds, Tri State earned its third win of the season, beating Power 51-42. DeShawn Stevenson scored 22 of Power’s 42 points in the losing effort. Cuttino Mobley also had a solid showing for Power, adding 12 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists. Rasual Butler contributed 2 points and 2 blocks.

Power secured the three-seed in the playoffs despite the loss, via Ball Hogs’ shocking upset over 3’s Company.

Game 3: Ball Hogs 50, 3’s Company 47

Rick Barry’s Ball Hogs entered Week 8 with the worst record in the league (1-6), yet pulled off a remarkable upset of 3’s Company, spoiling the latter’s playoff aspirations. Xavier Silas scored 20 points and pulled down 5 boards to lead the Ball Hogs to victory. Josh Childress added 16 points on 7-of-8 shooting, and Derrick Byars also hit double figures with 11 points.

Andre Owens had 19 points and 8 rebounds for 3’s Company. Al Thornton added 11 points on 4 for 7 shooting.

Game 4: Trilogy 50, Killer 3s 41

Trilogy beat Killer 3’s 50 to 41, finishing the season undefeated and as the number one seed going into the playoffs. Rashad McCants led Trilogy with 17 points and 5 rebounds. Al Harrington also impressed with 16 points and 6 rebounds. Kenyon Martin contributed 2 points and 4 rebounds in 7 minutes of play. Reggie Evans, who did not play in the contest, nonetheless ended the season leading the league in total rebounds (87) and rebounds per game (12.4).

Killer 3’s were led by Brian Cook and Stephen Jackson. Cook scored 17 points on 7 for 11 shooting, while Jackson added 16 points and 9 rebounds. Notably, Charles Oakley hit the hardwood for the first time this season in this game, and it was nothing short of spectacular. Oakley had 4 personal fouls in 8 minutes, including a flagrant.

Next Up: Playoffs!

BIG3 Playoffs begin next week at Key Arena in Seattle. The top four teams will compete for the championship title, the bottom four teams will battle for consolation ranking. The championship round is scheduled for August 26 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.