KASUKABE, Saitama Pref. — The best location to shoot a basketball is from the free-throw line, as smart coaches will tell you, emphasizing the word "free" and reminding you that defenders can't challenge your shot when the clock is stopped and you're at the line.
Sendai 89ers guard Mac Hopson illustrated this point in a big way on Sunday against the Saitama Broncos, sinking 14 of 16 foul shots, 12 of 14 in the fourth quarter, in a vintage 40-point, nine-assist afternoon to lead his team to a 95-86 victory and a two-game sweep at Kasukabe City Gymnasium.
Hopson, the bj-league's second-leading scorer (21.3 points per game), had at least 30 points for the sixth time this season. He's started all 36 games for Sendai (24-12) and finished in single digits only twice this season.