We Move: Raptors Uprising wins five-game thriller against Lakers Gaming, falls to NBL Oz Gaming

For the third straight gameday, Raptors Uprising GC has split a double-header in the Slam group play, this time securing a memorable 3-2 victory over Lakers Gaming (15-21, 23-20, 19-22, 22-19, 22-17), but also falling 3-0 to NBL Oz Gaming (15-22, 18-23, 14-21).

Toronto now holds a 3-4 record with one series left to play.

The day before, Raptors Uprising lost a heartbreaking five-game thriller to NetsGC before sweeping Pacers Gaming to end things on a high note.

With momentum on Toronto’s side ahead of a first meeting with the Lakers this season, Haam, Putback and Mooch were once again deployed as head coach Roy Krishnan’s starting three.

Yet, it was the Lakers who would get off to a winning start in Game 1, taking it 21-15. As they’ve so often done already this season, Toronto bit back to take Game 2, but narrowly lost the next one, leaving LA on the brink of victory.

Raptors Uprising’s character and heart was then on full display in Games 4 and 5, as the squad won 22-19 and 22-17 respectively to seal a momentous 3-2 win. How about that three-point series clincher though?!

Riding the high of handing the Lakers their first loss of the season, Toronto had all eyes on avenging their season-opening loss to Oz just moments after they defeated LA.

However, Oz would play spoiler to Toronto’s aspirations of winning two straight series on the night, recording a 3-0 win to triumph against Raptors Uprising for the second time in group play.

Over the two series, Mooch led the way in the scoring with 73 combined points while also tallying 27 assists.

Haam also had an impressive night in the scorers column, putting up 52 total points. Putback finished as the squad’s leader in rebounds with 13.

Gazulli reflected post-game on the night his teammates had.

“We need to come out and play better and we’re going to make the improvements to do so,” expressed Gazulli.

“At the end of the day, it’s the losses that help a team find their identity and this is just another learning experience to help us move forward.”

Following the conclusion of another double-header, Gazulli spoke on being able to come out with a morale-boosting victory over the previously undefeated Lakers.

“When you have a double-header, it’s always great to catch a dub, especially in your first series of the night. It was nice to be the first team to take them [Lakers] down.”

As bracket play gets ever closer, Gazulli also addressed how the team is feeling with regards to seeding.

“I feel like we’ve put ourselves in a really good position, not just last week, but this week too.”

“Friday’s going to be big for us too, and we’re going to come out, fix our mistakes, and hope for the best.”

Raptors Uprising will conclude group play with a rematch against the Lakers on Friday, March 17th, with Game 1 scheduled for 9:45 pm ET.

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