AAA Mortgage trailed several times before finally getting past The Loft in a narrow 53-50 win during what was perhaps the best game of the season so far.

AAA had the height advantage overall, but the Loft’s center, Chad Hermandorfer, was a dominant force in the game.

The Loft had a 6-1 lead four minutes into the game. Both teams settled into their own rhythms, as AAA hit the board twice more by Robert Wiggins and then Hermandorfer to bring the Loft’s lead to 8-5.

Hermandorfer tied the game with a score followed by a free throw and pulled ahead with a three-pointer, before Granville sank a three-pointer of his own to tie the game back up.

AAA pulled ahead for the first time 12 minutes into the first half, thanks to a quick charge by Robert Wiggins, to bring the score to 15-13.

The remaining eight minutes of the first half saw an even exchange of baskets with The Loft leading 28-26 at halftime. Neither team could score in the first few drives of the second half, until AAA’s Will Davis sank a jump shot to tie the game at 28-28. AAA was able to continue the momentum with consecutive scores by Davis, Granville and Wiggins to bring AAA’s lead to 35-28. The Loft’s Brett Drake hit a single free throw before Wiggins made a quick break, faked out his defender, and scored two more points in a textbook layup, bringing AAA’s lead to 37-29.

AAA’s Granville was virtually unstoppable scoring 12 points in the first half and 18 more in the second, including four three-pointers to lead all scorers with 30 points.

In the opening game of the night, Hamburger Mary’s handily defeated Pecs 64-43. The game got off to a very slow start, as the game remained scoreless four minutes into the contest. Both teams had a difficult time with effective defense and offensive drives. Despite the offensive struggles, Hamburger Mary’s had a commanding lead 28-14 at the half.

During the second half, Hamburger Mary’s managed to develop a sizable lead. Both teams rallied at the end, but Pecs was unable to catch up. Mike Barrow of Hamburger Mary’s and Bonnie Koerner of Pecs both led their teams with 20 points apiece.

In a low-scoring affair, Pomegranate escaped with a slim 35-29 win over Colorworks Painting. Great defense from both teams continued well into the second half. Within the first six minutes of the second half, the score was tied 25-25.

A total of 14 more points were scored during the rest of the second half.

“Anyone on the Colorworks Painting team will let you know that our team is struggling,” Colorworks coach/captain Jose Cruz said. “We did not underestimate our opponents, and, yet, we did not play anywhere near our potential. However, we are a determined group and continue to learn from our mistakes. We certainly have to remember to rely on our strengths, which are running and shooting,” Cruz said.

Edwards led Pomegranate with 13 points, while David Matta led ColorWorks Painting with nine.

Morgan Stanley capitalized on their skill set and connected with fast passes, quick turnovers and strong defensive play to hand 2200 Club a painful 65-25 loss.

Morgan Stanley effectively stopped 2200 Club from scoring many points in the first half of the game. 2200 Club was not expected to upset the powerhouse Morgan Stanley, but they played hard throughout the first half, driving towards the basket, but failed to sink the majority of their shots. 2200 Club played strong defense, but was ultimately unable to match Morgan Stanley’s speed. At the half Morgan Stanley had a commanding 32-10 lead.

Morgan Stanley remained undefeated with a 3-0 record, while 2200 Club slipped to 0-3. Danny Player led Morgan Stanley with 17 points, while 2200 Club’s high scorers were Sergio Villegas and Mo Martinez, both with eight points.

At the end of week three, AAA Mortgage and Hamburger Mary’s are tied for second place with 2-1 records. Color Works Painting and The Loft are tied for third place with 1-2 records.