Lopsided scores raise eyebrows in intramural play

Amid rumors of a school-wide investigation into the corrupt world of intramural sports, the seasons of basketball and soccer continued after a two-week hiatus. Teams generally picked up where they left off, although some were attempting to impress school officials in hopes of nixing any gambling allegations against them.

The underground betting on Tufts intramural sports has long been a lucrative business, with millions of dollars being passed illegally each week. While it was always known by many of the undergraduates, only recently did school officials learn of these clandestine activities. Immediately they sent a task force to investigate the situation, most importantly the claim of "point-shaving."

The school was most concerned about basketball, in which a large amount of lopsided losses have occurred this past season, something extremely unusual considering the well spread NBA-like talent.

With the news of a school investigation that could lead to serious after-school detention or jail time, some teams stepped up their games making scores a bit closer this past weekend. However, two extremely lopsided scores were of great concern: a 98-35 thrashing of Troops by Tappa Kegga as well as a Big Guns 65-15 win over Funktronics.

One team that was on the hot seat was Noise Game, a team that many scouts consider to have three CBA prospects. Despite this talent base, the team had started 0-3, looking extremely lethargic and uninspired. After the game against ZBT this past weekend, which Noise Game decided to win, the media bombarded the team with questions about the allegations against it.

"I have no comment at this time," Senior Pete Jelliffe said, before driving off in his brand-new $80,000 BWM 750 iL.

While rumors continue to swirl, there are some teams that have maintained a high quality of basketball. Two close games were held on Saturday featuring Double Tree versus Demo Catchers and Manute Bols against Law. Double Tree eked out a narrow 37-33 victory, while the Manute Bol's pulled off the biggest upset of the year with a 37-33 win over Law.

Not only was it the first win for the Manute Bols in four tries this season, but it also represented the first loss for Law. In the craziest ending of the day, Ballers won on the classic 75-foot heave in the waning seconds to shock Diplomacy 27-26. Well, maybe it didn't end quite in that fashion, but I imagine it was thrilling.

As for you fans who are concerned about the playoff picture and obtaining post-season tickets, here is the scoop. The JAP All-Stars became the first team to secure a playoff spot by running their record to 4-0 with a crucial forfeit win over the E-men. Other undefeated teams include DU, Illest, Team Norton, and Tappa Kegga. With the playoff format consisting of the top 4 teams from each division, a win next week will solidify playoff positions.

Big Guns, Hill Hallstars, Nematoda, Ill Sauce, Law, and Hooded Warriors are also strong contenders for the final playoff positions with 3-1 records.

In the soccer world, two scores in particular raised eyebrows within the administration. A 19-0 thrashing of Miller Mafia by team Quicksilver was much larger than the Vegas line of eight goals. Additionally, the Mad Cows stomped all over the Lady Jumbos 11-1, in a game that had the air of being "thrown." Many other teams refused to play because of the "unjust scrutiny they have received," according to an anonymous player. Four teams in all, Simon From England, Dirties, Indy2, and Whiplash, all received losses due to forfeit.

On the brighter side of things, Team Hot Sauce, Team South, I-House, Looking to Score, the Beers, and Tappa Kegga all continued their undefeated seasons. They all seem to be heading towards epic showdown in the illustrious elite eight of Tufts Intramural Soccer. Additionally, Tappa Kegga is going for the unprecedented double undefeated season in both soccer and basketball.