
Recap of TBT 2025 Quarterfinals: Eberlein Drive and Best Virginia Move Forward
A summary of the exciting quarterfinal matches in The Basketball Tournament, where Eberlein Drive and Best Virginia secured their spots in the semifinals.
The field for The Basketball Tournament’s $1 million prize has seen dramatic changes after the final two quarterfinal games concluded on Monday evening.
Best Virginia (West Virginia alum) triumphed over Shell Shock (Maryland alum) to secure a place in the semifinals on July 31. Meanwhile, Eberlein Drive defeated Sideline Cancer by more than ten points in the last match of the quarterfinals.
The victorious teams will face We Are D3, who defeated Fail Harder the previous night, along with the Aftershocks, featuring many alumni from Wichita State who had a strong showing against Heartfire to advance.
Here’s a brief look back on Monday night’s TBT matches!
Eberlein Drive 88, Sideline Cancer 75
Eberlein Drive quickly established a 10-point lead by the end of the first quarter. However, Sideline Cancer ignited a spark during the second quarter, staying competitive. Eberlein Drive led 44-33 at halftime. The ensuing third quarter was competitive, but both teams struggled offensively in the fourth quarter, combined only scoring 18 total points.
Heading into the Elam Ending—where the game clock is stopped in the final quarter and a target score is set—Eberlein Drive was in a commanding position, leading by 17 points, 79-62. The target score was 87.
Alonzo Verge Jr. was the standout for Sideline Cancer with 22 points, while Eberlein Drive’s Gabe York topped the scoring charts with 23 points.
Best Virginia 74, Shell Shock 61
Best Virginia started strong with a 19-9 lead in the first quarter, but Shell Shock regained control in the second quarter, ending the first half at 32-24. The two teams remained closely matched in the second half.
Before the Elam Ending, Best Virginia maintained a double-digit lead of 65-54 and carried that momentum into the finish. The target score was set at 73, but Shell Shock struggled to find their rhythm. Best Virginia finished decisively.
Andre Fox led Shell Shock with 13 points off the bench, while James Reese V of Best Virginia led all players with an outstanding 24 points.