2023-2024 SEASON TOUR – ATLANTIC CONFERENCE PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS – WEEK 2

Yup. Some of my picks didn’t work out so well this past weekend. But in my defense, it was a really strange day of bowling last Saturday. Top seeds getting bounced unbelievably early, people forgetting how to count to 9, illegal bowlers, protests, appeals… and then tons and tons of entertainment posted on social media all week for the rest of us to enjoy – some of which still needs to be run through the translator. But now that we’re a few days out from Rounds 3 and 4, it’s time for me to get back to work. Let’s see if I can get a few more right this time!

**********

BRACKET 1 – MATCH 1

Identity Crisis (#17) vs Killerz Grip (#9)

Last Saturday, Identity Crisis knocked out the #1 seed in the Atlantic Conference to make it through to this weekend’s matches. Can they keep that momentum going? On paper, Killerz Grip should have this one in the bag. But before the first two rounds, I would’ve had New England Heat versus City Morgue as my Round 3 winners, with Morgue taking the dub in Round 4 and punching their ticket to Battle Bowl. Man… I couldn’t have been more wrong on that one if I actually tried.

Prediction: Identity Crisis keeps their winning streak going for at least one more match.

BRACKET 1 – MATCH 2

Lightz Out (#13) vs BC Crew (#5)

Lightz Out also took out a divisional top seed in order to make it through to this weekend. And while it’s a whole lot of fun to take all the longshot bets in a situation like this, I’m hedging them with the notion that not everything this season is going to be a surprise, and at least a few things will turn out the way most people expect them to, right?

…right?

Prediction: I’m picking BC Crew, if not for any other reason but the fact that something has to go normally during this playoff season.

WINNER OF BRACKET 1: BC Crew

**********

BRACKET 2 – MATCH 1

Class aXe (#18) vs Long Island Legends (#23)

The #18 seed, versus the #23 seed… a battle of underdogs!. And while I just know how triggered that makes a few of the guys on Class aXe hearing it, numbers don’t lie guys. All that said, I think this is actually a good thing for them, since bowling with a chip on their shoulders seems to be doing the trick these past few months. Long Island Legends may be the pure longshot, but I’m seriously rooting for the only squad from the Metro North that survived the first two rounds last Saturday.

Prediction: Underdogs? Metro North? You already know who I’m picking here.

BRACKET 2 – MATCH 2

Mop Nation Militia (#3) vs Royal Flush (#11)

Mop Nation almost gave it away after their first round bye last weekend. Royal Flush won both of their matches while being severely underpowered, and they’ll be back at full strength for this one. So yeah, this one is a total crapshoot. Considering that Royal Flush was one of my very few correct picks last time – even though I was advised by Royal Flush themselves that this was unwise – I’m going to repeat my “mistake” this time around.

Prediction: Royal Flush pulls off the upset… and sets up a rematch from the 2022-2023 postseason.

WINNER OF BRACKET 2: Class aXe

**********

Will I up my win percentage this weekend, or will it still look like a batting average once the dust settles?

I guess while I’m at it, I’ll add a prop bet to this article and set the over/under for protests at AMF Circle Lanes at 1.5 for Rounds 3 & 4… and I’m taking the under. Against my better judgment.

Also, go get pizza. Take full advantage of the fact that you have to be in the New Haven area for two consecutive weekends.

-Gabrius