In an intense matchup at Freedom Hall on July 22, 2024, The Ville narrowly defeated Sideline Cancer 71-69 in The Basketball Tournament’s (TBT) Louisville Regional. The game showcased former Louisville stars and professional players in a closely contested battle.
David Johnson led The Ville with an impressive all-around performance, scoring 18 points, grabbing 4 rebounds, and dishing out 3 assists. Russ Smith contributed 16 points, including 3 three-pointers, while Chris Jones added 13 points off the bench.
For Sideline Cancer, Jermaine Marrow came off the bench to lead all scorers with 15 points, including 3 three-pointers. Keith Braxton and Chris Coffey each contributed 14 and 13 points respectively, with Coffey also securing 12 rebounds for a double-double.
The game was a tight affair, with both teams shooting similarly from the field. The Ville shot 40.3% overall, while Sideline Cancer managed a slightly better 45.0%. However, The Ville’s slight edge in three-point shooting (25.0% vs 17.4%) may have been the difference-maker.
Rebounding was fairly even, with The Ville holding a slight 38-37 advantage. The Ville’s defense was particularly active, forcing 15 turnovers and recording 10 steals.
Notable performances for The Ville included Montrezl Harrell’s 8 points and 7 rebounds, and Chane Behanan’s 6 rebounds in limited minutes. For Sideline Cancer, Alonzo Verge contributed 13 points and 7 assists, while Cullen Russo added 6 points and 7 rebounds.
This victory puts The Ville in a strong position as they advance in the TBT Louisville Regional, keeping their hopes alive for the $1 million winner-take-all prize.
