What A Start: Raptors Uprising GC records statement victory to open 5v5 campaign

Talk about making a statement.

Raptors Uprising GC opened up their 5v5 campaign with an emphatic 75-58 victory over Hornets Venom GT to get off to a 1-0 start in The Tipoff.

In the first of six games in group play, Toronto ensured victory was the only thing on their mind following a disappointing end to the 3v3 season just two weeks ago.

A hot start in the first quarter saw Raptors Uprising take an 18-9 lead to establish themselves early, and that momentum was then carried into the second, where Toronto finished the half with a 17-point lead.

In the second half, the squad held their ground to fend off any pressure from the Hornets to seal a tournament-opening victory and give themselves a morale-boosting start to the 5v5 season.

BallLikeSeem was the star of the show on the night, putting up a double-double with 20 points and 17 rebounds. Mooch and Haam were also in double figures for points with 24 and 19 respectively.

Post-game, Mooch explained just what it meant to put an opponent “in the dirt.”

“In the dirt means beating them [your opponent] badly, a bad beatdown.”

Mooch then spoke on how he and his teammates came into their 5v5 opener hungry for nothing but a win.

“We came in as the better team, and we knew if we executed the game plan correctly, we should be in a good spot to win the game, and we came out and did that.”

Following Seem’s first game at center, Mooch also had some high praise for his teammate.

“I’m super proud of Seem.”

“He came out in a new position against a good center, but he came out and dominated him. He looked really good and really comfortable.”

Ahead of Toronto’s next game against the Celtics, Mooch discussed how he and the team are feeling following a well-earned victory.

“We’re going to prepare like we prepared for the Hornets by coming up with a solid game plan and hopefully we’ll go 2-0 this week.”

Raptors Uprising GC takes on Celtics Crossover Gaming on Thursday, May 25th, with tipoff scheduled for 8:15pm ET.

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