What's good NCBL family I just wanted to send my prayers and condolences to all families and friends affected by the earthquake in Haiti. If we don't see we are living on borrowed time then I don't know what God has to do to get our attention. These are trying times for mankind and it's only by the Grace of God that we are able to survive. Players let's remember our brothers and sisters who lost their lives and those who are struggling to get the proper medical attention. I too have many friends whose families are shattered by this tragedy and can't find loved ones or friends. But remember one thing that through it all we have an Advocate with the Father and even though we can't comprehend why this tragedy happened we have to know he gives us only what we could bear. In the game of life we all must stand firm and let God's plan for us unfold, not by our will but by His.
 
Well it’s Week 4 and there are many match-ups that are intriguing. We have some undefeated teams battling, some divisional rivals battling, and some winless teams trying to make some noise. Who will win their game would depend on how teams come out the box. Here is what Milo thinks of the match-ups for Week 4.
 
Bethel vs. Linden:

Linden came out the box strong and defeated South Brooklyn in blow out fashion. Now they turn their attention to a Bethel opponent that is playing their first game. One thing we all know is that Bethel always comes prepared to play and from their history always start off the year strong.

Linden looked good their first game and would need to play their style in order to control Bethel attack. I expect to see a high scoring game because both teams have good shooters and big men that can score. Bethel will have to be on their A game if they are to defeat the mighty Linden. The keys to this match up are simple. Which team attacks the paint and causes havoc, shoots the ball better from the perimeter, and make stops most likely would win. I haven't seen Bethel yet so I don't have a good feel but from past history they always show up.

Linden played well their first game but would have to be more consistent especially when playing a well coached team. Look for a close game the first half as both teams feel each other out but come second half I expect to see crisper play. I like Bethel chances but from what I saw in Linden I feel they should have the upper hand and defeat Bethel in a close match-up by 6 points.
 
GNYC Ebenezer vs. Central Islip:

GNYC already lost 2 games and will be looking to right their ship. To their defense they started off the year with a tough schedule facing the defending champs White Plains and then division leader Lighthouse with agent zero. They played well in both games but for stretches and would need a complete game if they are to beat elite teams.

Central Islip is 500 but lost to the Bronx Express in blow out fashion. They also need to be more consistent if they are to be taken seriously. Both teams have potential to be special but their execution must be precise. I like what I saw from Central Islip even though they lost their last game but they would have to continue with the good ball movement and spacing if they are to win this game. GNYC just needs to get their swagger back and their scoring guards must get their big men more touches to be a balanced team. This game would be close and low scoring but in the end I expect GNYC who is more desperate to pull this game out and defeat Central Islip by 3 points.
 
Lighthouse vs. Mt. Sinai:

This is my game of the week because both teams are undefeated and both teams have exciting players. Lighthouse led by agent zero have their team playing on a high level, but it's their bench players that are contributing that is allowing this team to excel.

Mt. Sinai, man what can I say I see a difference in this team from last year. They play team ball and looks like they finally figured out how to finish games. You can only play who is on your schedule but their first two games they defeated both teams by 30 points. This game will be exciting and fast pace. Both teams like to run and both teams can shoot. Who makes the most stops and attack the interior would be victorious. Defense will be key in this game because of the high percentage shoots both teams take.

This is a pick'em game for me only because both teams are evenly matched but my gut tells me that Mt. Sinai will find a way to slow down agent zero and cause Lighthouse to play catch up ball. Mt. Sinai wins this match-up in overtime by 4 points.
 
Bronx vs. Fellowship:

Bronx Express is flying high and man I'm sorry for most teams this year. This team looks good and they are a byproduct of their coach who by the way was a great shooter in his days. They face a Fellowship team that is in a rebuilding mode and without Clutch this year they are losing big. This game folks will be over before half time and I expect to see all the bench players for Bronx getting lots of minutes this game.

Fellowship has some nice young players but would need to understand their roles and minimize their turnovers if they are to win. Bronx defeats Fellowship in blow out fashion going undefeated.
 
Shiloh vs. South Brooklyn:

Shiloh last year sensation is playing good ball thus far. They go into this game undefeated and will have to continue performing on a high level if they are to be taken seriously. South Brooklyn lost their first three games but to tough teams in Linden, Central Islip, and Mt. Sinai. They play with heart and would be a tougher out for Shiloh than their two previous opponents.

I expect a low scoring game with lots of fouls but the twist is I expect South Brooklyn if they are on their game to defeat Shiloh by 4 points thus moving closer to 500.
 
Ebenezer vs. White Plains:

Ebenezer is playing their first game of the year and will have to face the defending champs. Oh and by the way the champs are even better than last year and that alone should make other teams think twice.

White Plains to their credit do their talking on the court and when they play with a purpose they are tough to beat. Ebenezer have some players who can score but their problem is on defense. They give up too many easy baskets especially on the interior. I haven't seen them this year but if they don't make stops especially when facing a team like the defending champs they will lose most nights.

Look for a close game first half but come second half I expect White Plains to do what they do and "take Ebenezer's lunch". White Plains wins this match up by at least 8 points.
 
Flatbush vs. Advent Hope:

Flatbush won their first game last week in forfeit but is eager to show the league they are for real. This team will be making noise when it counts especially with the additions they made on their roster. They are facing Advent Hope who lost last week to Shiloh and is playing better in their second year.

Flatbush should take control of this game from the jump ball and should win this matchup in blow out fashion. Flatbush needs to play more consistent and find ways to close out teams. I expect to see a fight from Advent Hope but in the end Flatbush have too much fire power. Flatbush wins this game thus moving over 500.
 
Well that Milo's picks for Week 4 games, players remember to play hard, fans cheer loud, and remember we all have our part to play not only on the court but in the game of life. Until next time God speed.

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