Toros Look To Finish Season Strong

The regular season of the 2012 National Basketball Developmental League comes winding down to a stop this week, and with it the Austin Toros look to continue their winning ways into a long and fruitful championship run.

But before we get ahead of ourselves, let's all meet up and watch the Toros host their final home game of the season, tonight against the Springfield Armor. After that there's one lonely little roadie versus the Sioux Falls Skyforce before history is cemented in what has become the most highly anticipated D-League playoffs of all time.

After winning another one on Wednesday evening against the Texas Legends, Austin is riding a nine-game winning streak, the kind we've grown accustomed to seeing, just as we've grown accustomed to massive losing skids as well in this up-and-down campaign of basketball and pride. The 110-90 victory came against our up-state rivals, and with the win Austin cemented themselves with the best record in franchise history. The 32 triumphs is an incredible achievement, and us as Toros faithful are in a celebratory mindset as we start designing our postseason costumes. The game was never close, as Cory Joseph's 12 points in the first quarter had the Toros out in front by 15. Joseph finished with 21 and 6 assists while Julian Wright had 24 points in 25 minutes. The story of the game might be how awful the Legends defense looked, as Austin shot 58% for the game.

Now, as Austin prepares to finish the season with wins, they're position in the playoff seeding is already established, and with the second-best record the Toros will finish just behind the Los Angeles D-Fenders, regardless of how the final two games play out.

The Toros have Justin Dentmon back, running the point, getting things done (although he didn't play on Wednesday, which makes you wonder). They've still got Joseph, the little fella who bites, the pride of Capital City. And guess what, Toros fans? Now we've got Ronald "Flip" Murray! Yes, you heard me right, Flip Murray is a Toro. The former NBA journeyman is looking for another shot at the big time, and he's going to be playing with the Toros as he attempts to reclaim what he once had. He just signed on Tuesday, and you're hearing it here first (unless you heard it somewhere else first, chances unlikely). With Dentmon, Joseph, and Flip, the Toros look like a royal choice to win with poise.

Stay tuned for our season wrap-up, and our playoff previews as the Toros take aim on the competition, going for it, no ounce of quit, competing because it's noble. Let's meet up at the Cedar Park Center, Friday night, and let's cheer these athletes into the playoffs!

Vs. Springfield: Fri., April 6, 7:30pm. Cedar Park Center, 2100 Avenue of the Stars, Cedar Park, 512/600-5000. $8-99 plus fees.