buckhopper

COMMISSIONER'S NOTE: These scores bring us up to date, but sadly, I'm not going to have much time in the next couple of weeks to write capsules. I'll be attending Furry Fiesta '10 and hosting a pair of panels that I need to prepare for. For one thing, I have to write a script for The FBA Post Up Podcast that will hopefully be recorded during one of the panels, and edited at FF! Should be exciting, but it's going to take time for me to set it up.

I encourage everyone to write in their own capsules for these games. Hopefully the scores will help inspire you all, and I'll do my best to add what I can. I still have a lot of messages I need to catch up on, too, but I'll always be here reading!

Thanks again to all of you for all your help and inspiration!

**************

GAL @ ALK: L Sand Dollars (15-24) 87, W Arctics (16-23) 111
BDF @ RMR: L Bantams (9-31) 99, W Rabble (21-15) 118
MON @ DES: W Howlers (25-13) 103, L Blanks (19-20) 95
PLY @ KCC: W Taproots (32-7) 115, L Clefs (11-27) 100
LOR @ IDA: W Firestorm (27-13) 116, L Mounties (12-27) 101
BAL @ SAS: W Spirits (23-16) 102, L Spectrums (8-29) 94
ALB @ STA: L Alphas (17-21) 103, W Thrust (33-6) 124

TAL @ DAK: L Typhoons (17-20) 107, W Bikers (26-12) 112
SPO @ SFW: L Rapids (24-14) 105, W Whips (24-12) 110
NWK @ WIL: W Pride (27-11) 101, L Minutemen (4-34) 97
SPG @ TEN: W Fusion (9-28) 94, L Moonshiners (14-27) 89

MON @ ALK: W Howlers (24-13) 112, L Arctics (15-23) 108
ALB @ DES: W Alphas (17-20) 115, L Blanks (19-19) 107
BAL @ KCC: W Spirits (22-16) 105, L Clefs (11-26) 96
BDF @ IDA: W Bantams (9-30) 104, L Mounties (12-26) 103
PLY @ STA: W Taproots (31-7) 115, L Thrust (32-6) 104
HNT @ BLX: W Mayors (29-10) 114, L Mudpuppies (19-21) 101

WIL @ DAK: L Minutemen (4-33) 101, W Bikers (25-12) 115
TAL @ SFW: L Typhoons (17-19) 106, W Whips (23-12) 118
SAS @ NWK: L Spectrums (8-28) 103, W Pride (26-11) 104
GAL @ SPG: L Sand Dollars (15-23) 90, W Fusion (8-28) 92
SPO @ TEN: L Rapids (24-13) 105, W Moonshiners (14-26) 109

ALB @ KCC: L Alphas (16-20) 91, W Clefs (11-25) 97
MON @ STA: L Howlers (23-13) 94, W Thrust (32-5) 116
PLY @ LOR: L Taproots (30-7) 92, W Firestorm (26-13) 110
BDF @ BAL: L Bantams (8-30) 90, W Spirits (21-16) 104

COMMISSIONER'S NOTE: I'm going to be traveling this weekend and will be away from my computer. I won't be able to roll up scores again until Tuesday, February 9. Hopefully when I return, I'll be able to write some great stories for what happened over the weekend, as there's some very big games coming up!

Also, another huge thanks to everyone contributing stories!! Everything you are writing has been wonderful, and I'm proud to include them all into the FBA history! I feel so lucky to have so many incredibly creative people contributing to this project! Thank you everyone!

WIL @ RMR: L Minutemen (4-32) 89, W Rabble (20-15) 108
NWK @ HNT: L Pride (25-11) 98, W Mayors (28-10) 117
ALK @ BLX: W Arctics (15-22) 95, L Mudpuppies (19-20) 90
SPO @ TAL: W Rapids (24-12) 96, L Typhoons (17-18) 93

DES @ MON: L Blanks (19-18) 107, W Howlers (23-12) 115
KCC @ DAK: L Clefs (10-25) 114, W Bikers (24-12) 118
SFW @ SAS: W Whips (22-12) 117, L Spectrums (8-27) 104
GAL @ STA: L Sand Dollars (15-22) 106, W Thrust (31-5) 119
IDA @ ALB: L Mounties (12-25) 90, W Alphas (16-19) 113
BDF @ SPG: W Bantams (8-29) 97, L Fusion (7-28) 91
PLY @ TEN: L Taproots (30-6) 88, W Moonshiners (13-26) 96

In Montana, Lewis Lachler (Hyena, SF) continues to show outstanding ability, as the 18-year veteran successfully defended All-Star Christopher Zwischenberger (Tabby Cat, SF). Laugh-In's defense was critical in securing the 8 point win.

The Clefs got their All-Star back when Peter Conner (Cougar, SF) hit the floor after missing out on Monday's game against the Howlers. P-Con played with incredible energy, having one of his best nights of the season, tearing through the Dakota defense, but the Bikers found the big scoring they needed from the bench as rookie Samuel Roberts (Clydesdale, C) threw down hard, aided by a surprisingly strong offensive and defensive performance from Tyron Stricker (Porcupine, SF).

The Whips faced up against the reformed Spectrums, who have been playing much better in the Prism Palace since their massive trade with the Bantams last month. Still, the team lacks strength at pivot, and Svenia von Thomassen (Chakat Lioness, C) led hir team easily in scoring against rookie Jefferson Adams (Lion, C).

A thrilling game in Alpo Arena delighted the fans as the Thrust and the Sand Dollars payed the first 3 quarters neck-and-neck. Buck Hopper (Rabbit, PG) and rookie JTigerclaw (Tiger, PG) threw down matching rim-rockers through the second, both athletes dazzling the crowd. Sarah Lancaster (Cheetah, SG) smartly kept ace defender Doral (Gecko, SG) in foul trouble, but backup Jakub Lyŝka (Red Fox, SG) answered back with spectacular range. The Sauce pulled away with a high-scoring 4th quarter, winning by 13.

The two FBA teams with recent new acquisitions played each other tonight. The Mounties only recently replaced the hole in their roster left behind by Icarus Cobra-Dragon by signing 9-year veteran Barú Greene (Rottweiler, C), and the Alphas just signed rookie William Badd (Black Panther, PG) to replace Pat Williamson (Dalmatian, F) who has been deactivated following hir pregnancy. Coming off a pair of losses on the road, the Alphas found a dominant win at home, beating Idaho by 23. Badd Will got his first FBA floor time in the second half, racking up stats in the P, R, and A columns.

The Bantams are doing better with their new lineup, as the Macon Brothers Donell (Siberian Tiger, C) and Desmond (Siberian Tiger, SF) have teamed up with veteran L.V. McDyess (Black Panther, SG) to form what many analysts feel could be the next Big 3. The system worked, but might need more grease as they beat the Fusion by only 6.

In the most jaw-dropping win of the night, the Moonshiners defended their home against the monstrous Taproots, ending their winning streak at 5 games. What's more, Tennessee held Plymouth to just 88 points. Despite a slew of injuries, rookie Karre Roark (Coyote, PG) and recently-acquired Chris Fontey (Jackal, PG) dominated the point position, pressuring All-Star Cheeto Wolfote (Wolfote, PG) throughout the game, breaking up major plays. Rookie Nickie Robespierre (Fox, SG) was looking like the Dog from Prague, hitting big shots from all around the arc. And an early collision under the basket made a limping Jasper Witham (Bear, C) sit down, opening up the game for Cletus Swinton (Pig, C), who finally reminded his fans how he made All-Star in previous years.

NEWS: Peter Conner (Cougar, SF) of the Clefs returned to the court today after his wife went into labor shortly before Monday's game against the Howlers. At the post-game press conference, he happily reported the birth of his daughter, Shannon.

NEWS: The Albany Alphas have signed a walk-on, rookie William Badd (Black Panther, PG), who has now been placed on the reserve bench of the team. He played his first game tonight, getting 4 minutes of floor time.

NEWS: The Idaho Mounties have signed Barú Greene (Rottweiler, C) to fill their roster back to 12 athletes.

NEWS: Deborah Walker (Alpaca, PG) previously of the Williamsburg Minutemen, has announced her immediate retirement to return to her medical practice. Her FBA career lasted 10 weeks.

INJURY: Jasper Witham (Bear, C) of the Plymouth Taproots with a twisted ankle. He is expected to be out at least a week.

ALK @ RMR: L Arctics (14-22) 93, W Rabble (19-15) 100
SPO @ NWK: L Rapids (23-12) 99, W Pride (25-10) 118
LOR @ SPG: W Firestorm (25-13) 117, L Fusion (7-27) 92
BAL @ WIL: W Spirits (20-16) 94, L Minutemen (4-31) 93
BLX @ HNT: L Mudpuppies (19-19) 95, W Mayors (27-10) 122

KCC @ MON: L Clefs (10-24) 85, W Howlers (22-12) 104
DAK @ DES: L Bikers (23-12) 92, W Blanks (19-17) 107
ALB @ GAL: L Alphas (15-19) 81, W Sand Dollars (15-21) 96
TAL @ IDA: L Typhoons (17-17) 90, W Mounties (12-24) 97
TEN @ STA: L Moonshiners (12-26) 89, W Thrust (30-5) 102

RMR @ SAS: L Rabble (18-15) 103, W Spectrums (8-26) 113
LOR @ SFW: L Firestorm (24-13) 110, W Whips (21-12) 115
BDF @ PLY: L Bantams (7-29) 98, W Taproots (30-5) 116
BLX @ WIL: L Mudpuppies (19-18) 75, W Minutemen (4-30) 104
BAL @ HNT: L Spirits (19-16) 114, W Mayors (26-10) 130

*******

COMMISSIONER'S NOTE: I just wanted to write a huge thank you to everyone who attended tonight's podcast recording! I hope you all had as much fun as I did, and I look forward to sharing with you all the final product! Thanks again for your help, your support and your contributions to the FBA!

SPO @ MON: L Rapids (23-11) 105, W Howlers (21-12) 110
TEN @ GAL: W Moonshiners (12-25) 89, L Sand Dollars (14-21) 83
ALK @ IDA: W Arctics (14-21) 91, L Mounties (11-24) 86
DAK @ STA: L Bikers (23-11) 82, W Thrust (29-5) 83
ALB @ NWK: L Alphas (15-18) 112, W Pride (24-10) 116
TAL @ SPG: W Typhoons (17-16) 107, L Fusion (7-26) 82

The Rapids have gone 1-3 for the season against their divisional rival the Howlers, who prove again to be a ferocious foe, defeating Spokane by 5. The Rapids remain on top of the Northwest Division, though, ahead of Montana by 2 games. The Howlers found success by using the same formula they used back in December: double-teaming John Stoat (Ermine, SG) early and applying ferocious pressure to the paint. Julio Onca (Black Panther, PF) continues his reputation for attacking the lapines of the league with another technical for clawing Brax Trenor (Grey Hare, PF). Alan Chesuk (Moose, C) was the top scorer for his team, dominating over Nohea Holokai (Orca, C), though again slowing down his scoring against exotic rookie Xau Xian-Xu (Octopus, C). Rookie Jeff Random (Pit Bull, PG) had a stellar night, leading his team in rebounds and tying Slasher in scoring.

The Sand Dollars have been cursed with injuries this season, and the trouble continued when they lost a home game against the equally injury-prone Moonshiners. With both starters Chip Nelson (Chipmunk, SG) and Jason Gilliam (Wolf, PF) sitting down, the boozers depended on an all-rookie backcourt with both Karre Roark (Coyote, PG) and Nickie Robespierre (Red Fox, SG) starting. Cletus Swinton (Pig, C) performed poorly on the night, not even reaching 10 points, leaving most of the scoring to veteran Thea De Csepel (White German Shepherd, SF). Barry Carpenter (Beaver, PF) provided good low post defense, holding back the usually electric rookie JTigerclaw (Tiger, PG), resulting in a very low scoring night.

The Arctics survived a close game in Idaho, with Kasa Yalenchka (Snow Leopard, PG) leading her team in scoring. Eva Georgietta (Lioness, SG) also had a strong night, with the Idaho backcourt which has seemed weak through their 5-game losing streak. Kurtis Avaneson (Aardvark, PF), who had a series of breakout games, returned to his average stats, putting up unremarkable numbers against rookie Wilter Strider (Grey Kangaroo, PF) and the struggling Ryota Akanishi (Siberian Tiger, PF).

It was practically a festival of D in Stanislaus tonight as the Thrust stole the win after a ridiculously low-scoring struggle. Don Von Wasser stunned the fans in Alpo Arena by starting Randy Catcher (Bullfrog, PG) instead of Buck Hopper (Rabbit, PG). Together with reigning Defensive Player of the Year Doral (Gecko, SG), the pair set up a rock solid backcourt defense that forced the Bikers to attack inside. Rookie Samuel Roberts (Clydesdale, C) returned after his injury earlier in the month, but found a hard struggle in the low post against Paul Teronura (Otter, C) who swatted down shots a season best 6 times. Thrust scoring lagged through the first 3 quarters, as Stanislaus kept Dakota from the cup, but only managed 36 points in the first half. B-Hop hit the floor in the third quarter and brought a sudden explosion of scoring, driving his team past the Bikers in the fourth, then fighting for the game-winning shot in the last 12 seconds of the game.

In a ferocious struggle between two of the FBA's biggest rivals, New Jersey and New York met in Newark where the Pride won by 4 in a vicious shootout. The simply outstanding starting lineup of the Alphas fought hard with Margaret Walters (Spotted Hyena, SG), Carl Esteban (Jaguar, SF) and Lenny Hicks (Coydog, PF) scoring from every part of the floor. Their unique styles have gelled impressively midway into the season. The Pride fought back with the amazing Lance Freewell (Clouded Leopard, C) and Valencia Zeraus (Lioness, PG) attacking from inside and deep. The unmatched lineups led to high scoring on both ends with Newark winning out from their stronger bench, with Lucinda Washington (Himalayan Wolf, SG) and Michael Porter (Mallard, SF) hitting big shots in the third quarter, giving their team a lead they never gave up.

The Typhoons entered their second game of their 3-game road trip coming off an ugly loss to the Taproots. Their luck turned in Springfield as they won by 25 in a lop-sided game. Rookie Klaus Korber (Doberman, PG) brilliantly directed his team, throwing outstanding assists and alley-oops to William Handon (Panther, C) and Adrian McCormick (Badger, PF). William Keen (Coyote, SG) led his team in scoring, sitting down early after a powerful lead in the third, giving floor time to the usually quiet Wakana Yuki (Eastern Dragon, SG), who looked good under 2K's leadership. Lance Rex (Komodo Dragon, PF) provided outstanding D in the paint, holding back frequent big-scorerer Alan Murphy (Kangaroo, SF).

RMR @ DES: W Rabble (18-14) 103, L Blanks (18-17) 90
BDF @ WIL: W Bantams (7-28) 107, L Minutemen (3-30) 80
BLX @ BAL: L Mudpuppies (19-17) 84, W Spirits (19-15) 104

Two streaks were broken in Des Moines tonight. The Rabble finally got out of their 4-game losing funk by snapping the Blanks' winning streak at 6 games. Michael Morgan (Pygmy Shrew, PG) led his team impressively once more, demonstrating a leadership previously unseen in the clowns of the league. Noah Cooper (Antelope, PF) dominated his post, using his unusually tall height for a power to overcome Nathan Spinner (Iguana, PF). The Rabble have struggled all season with short players at power, though Snapjaw has often been able to overcome height differences with pure ferocity. Still, Angus McColl (Brown Bear, C) was strong against Godric Jafet (Hippopotamus, C) and Bruce Bounder (Hare, SG) gave another amazing performance off the bench. Bucky O has shown impressive drive and ability since his ear was cut in an earlier game against the Howlers.

The Bantams win in Williamsburg, showing remarkably improved performance since their blockbuster trade with the Spectrums. The Macon Brothers Donell (Siberian Tiger, C) and Desmond (Siberian Tiger, SF) have both shown improved performance now that they share the starting line, and L.V. McDyess (Black Panther, SG) seemed much more confident with his team, hitting big shots through the second half to lead his team in a 27 point win. Bradford has only a few more road games left before they take their mid-season break and return to the U.K. to finish the season with their home schedule.

The Mudpuppies showed a glimmer of hope with their new lineup, but lost tonight by 20 against a much stronger performance from the Spirits. Silvia Windcreek (Silver Hare, SG) led her team in scoring, shooting often over the head of Mitch Ruffcorn (Muskrat, SG), who has struggled with defense since becoming a starter. Fae Flicker, on the other hand, used her height and her jumping skills to smother Ruff 1, who barely hit the rim all game. There was much excitement coming into the game for the matchup between All-Star Bobby Heron (Snowy Egret, PF) and the impressive Billy Joe James (Mule, PF) who has dazzled Baltimore audiences since moving to the power position. The Backhoe easily dominated the floor, using his extra weight and strength to punch through some stunning slam dunks.

NEWS: Rolf Korber, head coach of the Huntsville Mayors, has announced a brief hiatus from coaching in light of the club's recent 7-game slide. Assistant coach Howard Schnitthund (German Shepherd) will temporarily take over head coaching duties.

NEWS: Samuel Roberts (Clydesdale, C, DAK) was in practice today and will reportedly be playing in tomorrow's game in Stanislaus.

******

FBA/CBAF UPDATE

Thank you to everyone who has come up with players for the CBAF! We only need 4 more, but already the players listed are wonderful and imaginative! Do feel free to create players from places outside of China-- just like how the FBA welcomes gifted furry athletes from all over the world, the CBAF would welcome quality ballers from China's neighbors!

ALL-ROOKIE UPDATE

I'm still in need of votes for the All-Rookie game! Please, if you haven't voted, let me know who your favorite rookies are in the FBA. Even if you don't put together a full roster, just send me who you love, and I'll include your votes when I announce the rosters for the All-Rookie game!

PODCAST UPDATE

I will be recording a new podcast this Sunday, January 31st at 3:00pm Pacific (UTC-8)! And I don't want to ruin any surprises, but anyone who's able to be there at the beginning of the podcast recording will be in for a special treat!

NEXT PODCAST RECORDING: WEEK 10 COVERAGE

Sunday, January 31 at 3:00pm Pacific (UTC-8)

http://www.livestream.com/fbapostuppodcast

NO PASSWORD

MON @ ALK: W Howlers (20-12) 109, L Arctics (13-21) 103
DAK @ GAL: L Bikers (23-10) 96, W Sand Dollars (14-20) 102
KCC @ SAS: L Clefs (10-23) 84, W Spectrums (7-26) 100
SFW @ NWK: L Whips (20-12) 99, W Pride (23-10) 110
TAL @ PLY: L Typhoons (16-16) 90, W Taproots (29-5) 117
SPG @ LOR: L Fusion (7-25) 83, W Firestorm (24-12) 102

The Arctics have dropped a painful 4 games in a row after taking another divisional loss to the Howlers, further dropping them from playoff contention.

The Sand Dollars delight their fans with a breath-taking win against the visiting Bikers, despite their starting power forward Brandon Dreyvus (Opossum, PF) remaining in injured reserve. Backup power Forest Stanley (Wolf, PF) performed impressively on the court, the 15-year-veteran managing to contest every shot made by All-Star Jack Wayans (Black Labrador, PF). The Bikers are starting to show the difficulties from their own injuries with Ryan Malone (Kangaroo, SG) still not expected to return for at least 2 weeks, and rookie Samuel Roberts (Clydesdale, C) recovering slower than hoped.

Kansas City can't seem to buy a win as the Clefs collapse again, losing by 16 to Santa Ana. The Spectrums are re-surging after a blockbuster trade with the Bantams brought All-Star Karl Gruber (Cougar, PF) to the starting lineup. The change has inspired the rest of the team to play as Omar PInk (Saluki, SF) pulls out of his slump, and Barton Bados (Ram, PG) is reshowing the talent that made him a starter in Tennessee. Reports have surfaced that the Clefs are suffering from deep internal problems, with veteran All-Star Peter Conner (Cougar, SF) refusing to practice with rookie Andre Cutsforth (Ferret, PG), and Sid Croyer (Siamese Cat, SG) and Quovaedis Broyles (Siamese Cat, SF) also having personality issues.

In a cross-conference battle of the two #4 teams, the Pride found victory at home against the visiting Whips. Santa Fe has now lost all 3 games in this week's road trip. They return to Pueblo Coliseum on Sunday, when they face the Firestorm.

The Taproots are proving themselves to be the most complete team in the FBA as they easily win again, this time against the hot-and-cold Typhoons. The 'Roots have gone 13-2 this month, wrapping up dominance of their division, their conference and the league, sitting at #1 of all 3 charts. Commentators have noticed the unselfish play of the team as well as the quality of their rookies, with both Wiley Twaddle (Woodchuk, SG) and Hasan Kamal (Camel, PF) making significant contributions despite coming out of reserve.

The Firestorm continue to dominate the Central Division with another strong win against a local rival, the Fusion. Ian Histon (Leopard, PG) got more floor time than starter Bill Bent (Armadillo, PG) in this game, undoubtedly from his markedly improved performance since his injury last month. His change of attitude has been noted by reporters, who have commented on his more serious nature and better conditioning.

NEWS: The Furry Basketball Association (FBA) and the Chinese Basketball Association of Furries (CBAF) have agreed to a 5-game exhibition series to be held in Beijing during the All-Star Break. The FBA is asking fans to vote for their 12 favorite players in the FBA to compete in this historic series.

T. MATT'S TOP 10 MVP CANDIDATES

1. John Stoat (Ermine, SG, SPO)
2. Buck Hopper (Rabbit, PG, STA)
3. Charles Yotechuk (Coyote, PF, HNT)
4. Xavier Knutten (Squirrel, SG, HNT)
5. Alan Chesuk (Moose, C, SPO)
6. Billy Joe James (Mule, PF, BAL)
7. Michael Morgan (Pygmy Shrew, PG, RMR)
8. Shane Rufus (Red Wolf, PG, MON)
9. Cheeto Wolfote (Wolfote, PG, PLY)
10. William Handon (Panther, C, TAL)

******

Zearfox has come up with a wonderful idea: the FBA/CBAF series! I need both votes for your favorite players in the FBA, and 12 new players to play on the CBAF's team. So please, send in your votes for your favorite FBA players-- this time, no limitations, any teams, any positions, just tell me who you love either here, or e-mail them to furrybasketball@me.com

And, I've added 12 new lines for 12 new players for the CBAF team to the master document located here:

http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AjI6P8nSRuEudExqdmV3b1FFdEdmamxlb1YzWXFCQkE&hl=en

First come, first served! Get in there, use your creative juices, and lets come up with a great 12-fur roster for the best of the best in the FBA to play against!

********

Finally, another reminder for the upcoming podcast recording. Hope you all can make it there!

NEXT PODCAST RECORDING: WEEK 10 COVERAGE

Sunday, January 31 at 3:00pm Pacific (UTC-8)

http://www.livestream.com/fbapostuppodcast

NO PASSWORD

RMR @ SPO: L Rabble (17-14) 95, W Rapids (23-10) 117
DES @ IDA: W Blanks (18-16) 109, L Mounties (11-23) 98
WIL @ ALB: L Minutemen (3-29) 88, W Alphas (15-17) 107
BDF @ NWK: L Bantams (6-28) 105, W Pride (22-10) 124
TEN @ PLY: L Moonshiners (11-25) 93, W Taproots (28-5) 119
HNT @ LOR: L Mayors (25-10) 108, W Firestorm (23-12) 114
STA @ BAL: W Thrust (28-5) 111, L Spirits (18-15) 103

John Stoat (Ermine, SG) was again electric on the floor, hitting a series of difficult and contested shots, leading his team to a 22 point victory against the Rabble. As the season approached the mid-way point, many commentators are saying Bad Juju is the front-runner for season MVP.

The Blanks are on a 6 game winning streak after winning all 3 of their games on the road. They'll return to Des Moines on Friday to face the Rabble.

The Alphas defeat the Minutemen for a second time this month. As January approaches its close, Albany's team has racked up a stunning set of wins under their belt, having defeated the Taproots (Jan. 4), the Firestorm (Jan. 20) and the Mayors (Jan. 25). The month has shown enormous improvement as Margaret Walters (Spotted Hyena, SG), All-Star Carl Esteban (Jaguar, SF), and Lenny Hicks (Coydog, PF) have shown outstanding, if inconsistent, ability.

The Pride have gone an outstanding 8-2 since January 8, climbing back up the standings. While they are being eclipsed in their division by the simply fantastic Taproots, their record is scratching just behind that of the Firestorm, with the possibility of putting another team in the Northeast in the Top 3 spots of the Eastern Conference.

The Taproots are having their best start since 1990, when they last won the FBA Championship. With the coming approach of the midpoint of the season, many Plymouth sports commentators are talking about the possibility of the club's first Finals appearance in 17 years.

The Mayors have simply collapsed, losing their 7th game in a row to the Firestorm. Huntsville used to be comfortably at the top of all the standings, but have since dropped to #3 in the FBA, falling behind the Stanislaus Thrust (28-5) and the Plymouth Taproots (28-5). Commentators have been arguing over why this club has suddenly lost so many games to so many teams-- including teams with losing records like the Arctics (13-20) and the Alphas (15-17) ever since their stunning loss to the Rabble back on January 15th.

The Thrust finally come to the end of a long 7-game road trip that started in Montana and ended in Baltimore. They went 6-1, losing only to the Bikers on Jan. 22, which was their only loss for the whole month of January. The amazing 13-1 performance began with their painful loss to the Howlers after Buck Hopper (Rabbit, PG) was suspended by the league, and the team has been rewarded with the #1 spot in the Western Conference. Their record matches that of the Taproots, who have the #1 spot in the league from their stronger Conference record.

NEWS: Rebel Coyote (Coyote, SF) of the Baltimore Spirits has been given a $50,000 fine and a 2-game suspension for his action during the Jan. 21 game in the Still. He had been ejected from play after committing 2 technicals and was struck by beer cups on his way out the tunnels. R.N.C. climbed the barricades toward the fans and had to be pulled down by Still security.

NEWS: The FBA has ordered the Still to increase beer prices and not sell beer before tip-off. The new rules stem from several beer-hurling instances that have affected the outcome of the games, including the Jan. 11th injury of Brandon Dreyvus (Opposum, PF) of the Galveston Sand Dollars who remains in injured reserve.

NEWS: Head coach of the Idaho Mounties, Nekka Yaca, held a short press conference to announce the replacement of the late Icarus Cobra-Dragon. Here is what he had to say.
"I know it is fairly late in the season and it has been a while since the passing of one of our Rookie players. And that our roster has had a position open for most of the season.
As you all know, we called in three talents and had them practice with the team for a week. After much debate with Assistant Coach, Wyrlock, we have decided to call Forward-Center Baru Greene to the team. I'm sure the Mounties are more than willing to welcome him among their ranks and that Greene will turn our luck around.
That is all."

NEWS: Baru Greene has chosen #33 for his Idaho jersey.

ALL-STAR WEEKEND: Votes are still needed for the All Rookie Game! Please send in your favorite starting rookie lineups for the Western and Eastern Conferences. You can post them here, or e-mail them to furrybasketball@me.com Please write if you have any questions!

*********

NEXT PODCAST RECORDING: WEEK 10 COVERAGE

Sunday, January 31 at 3:00pm Pacific (UTC-8)

http://www.livestream.com/fbapostuppodcast

NO PASSWORD

SAS @ ALK: W Spectrums (6-26) 102, L Arctics (13-20) 89
MON @ DAK: L Howlers (19-12) 100, W Bikers (23-9) 114
GAL @ KCC: W Sand Dollars (13-20) 104, L Clefs (10-22) 101 OT
SPG @ BLX: L Fusion (7-24) 80, W Mudpuppies (19-16) 88
SFW @ TAL: L Whips (20-11) 112, W Typhoons (16-15) 115

WIL @ SPO: L Minutemen (3-28) 74, W Rapids (22-10) 102
HNT @ ALB: L Mayors (25-9) 105, W Alphas (14-17) 110
IDA @ PLY: L Mounties (11-22) 88, W Taproots (27-5) 103
DES @ TEN: W Blanks (17-16) 109, L Moonshiners (11-24) 90

STA @ RMR: W Thrust (27-5) 108, L Rabble (17-13) 107
SFW @ DAK: L Whips (20-10) 129, W Bikers (22-9) 135
BDF @ LOR: W Bantams (6-27) 109, L Firestorm (22-12) 103
SPG @ BAL: L Fusion (7-23) 77, W Spirits (18-14) 100
GAL @ BLX: W Sand Dollars (12-20) 91, L Mudpuppies (18-16) 84
NWK @ TAL: L Pride (21-10) 97, W Typhoons (15-15) 99

DES @ ALK: W Blanks (16-16) 100, L Arctics (13-19) 98
MON @ KCC: W Howlers (19-11) 104, L Clefs (10-21) 95
PLY @ ALB: W Taproots (26-5) 115, L Alphas (13-17) 94
SAS @ WIL: W Spectrums (5-26) 107, L Minutemen (3-27) 104
IDA @ TEN: L Mounties (11-21) 78, W Moonshiners (11-23) 90

LOR @ RMR: W Firestorm (22-11) 114, L Rabble (17-12) 107 OT
HNT @ SPO: L Mayors (25-8) 103, W Rapids (21-10) 119
STA @ DAK: L Thrust (26-5) 86, W Bikers (21-9) 104
NWK @ GAL: W Pride (21-9) 103, L Sand Dollars (11-20) 102
BDF @ SPG: L Bantams (5-27) 93, W Fusion (7-22) 94
BAL @ BLX: W Spirits (17-14) 108, L Mudpuppies (18-15) 93

SAS @ DES: L Spectrums (4-26) 84, W Blanks (15-16) 101
IDA @ SFW: L Mounties (11-20) 80, W Whips (20-9) 112
BAL @ TEN: L Spirits (16-14) 88, W Moonshiners (10-23) 95
ALK @ TAL: L Arctics (13-18) 91, W Typhoons (14-15) 99