By: TBT Staff

Team 23 relied on team-first, unselfish basketball to emerge from the West Virginia Regional. They used that same formula in a semi-final win over Blue Collar U.

Marcus Hall led a balanced scoring attack with 16 points, and Team 23 ran away from Blue Collar U in the fourth quarter of a 78-62 semi-final victory.

“We had a goal coming in, and we’ve got one more step,” said Hall. 

Walt Lemon Jr. and Eric Griffin had 15 points apiece in the win for Team 23, which returns to the title game for the first time since a 2015 loss to Overseas Elite. 

Team 23 outscored Blue Collar U 27-14 in the fourth quarter to break open what had been a tight game. The Team 23 bench outscored Blue Collar U’s, 46-11.

“Having that next level of depth is helping us,” said Team 23 coach Marc Hughes.

Lamonte Bearden scored a game-high 22 points in the loss for the University of Buffalo alumni squad, which connected on just 17% from three-point land. 

Team 23 advances to the $1 million championship game on Tuesday night, August 3rd at 9:00 PM EST on ESPN. 

Hughes and his group are excited for the chance.

“Looking forward to the opportunity,” said Hughes. “If we don’t beat ourselves, we’ve got a great opportunity.”

Team 23 vs. Blue Collar U Box Score