Las Vegas — Round 1 of the 2024 PBR Teams Championship featured endless chills, thrills and spills. But it was John Crimber who stole the show.
In front of a packed house at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, the league MVP delivered a walk-off win to propel the Florida Freedom past the New York Mavericks, 262.5-178.5. Florida advances to Round 2 of the playoffs. The loss sent New York into the first Last Chance Game.
The Mavericks were looking to continue their success from Thursday's Ride-In Round. That proved to be easier said than done. Mason Taylor tried to set the tone for New York but only lasted 3.45 seconds atop John 14:6. Florida would seize the moment. In the bottom of the first, Alex Cerqueira scored 88.5 points on Cliff Hanger.
Neither team posted a qualified ride in the second allowing Florida to maintain their lead.
The Mavericks finally got on the scoreboard during the third thanks to a 87.25-point effort from Hudon Bolton versus Wingman. The Freedom would answer right back. Joao Henrique Lucas outlasted Woody for 85.5 points, putting Florida back ahead by 86.75 points, as the scoreboard read 174-87.25 in favor of the Freedom.
A scoreless game during the fourth set up a must-ride position for Mauricio Moreira in the fifth. New York needed 86.25 points to tie. Moreira showed how clutch he could be. Moreira scored a whopping 91.25 points against The Kraken giving the Mavericks a 178.50 -174 lead.
The entire game would come down to John Crimber holding on to Riser for 8 seconds to get his team into the second round of the playoffs. The 19-year-old rookie sensation didn't blink. Crimber calmly delivered an 88.75-point ride, to help punch Florida's ticket into Round 2. Once he knew the victory was secured, Crimber celebrated with a loud yell towards the crowd.
"I knew Vegas was a different atmosphere," Crimber said. "I sat here and watched Jose and Jess battle it out one time and I told myself; I'm going to be in this situation and fight for a world title. But now I'm fighting with these group of men and we're ready for tomorrow."
Crimber's walk-off ride is his third of the season.
October 18 Round 1 Results
- In the first game of the 2024 postseason the Missouri Thunder defeated the Austin Gamblers 265.75 - 90.5.
- The defending champion Texas Rattlers beat the Nashville Stamped 264 - 86.75.
- Florida Freedom come-from-behind to defeat the New York Mavericks 262.75 - 178.5
October 18 The First Last Chance Game
- Austin Gamblers: 88.75 (advance to Round 2)
- Nashville Stampede: 87.75 (eliminated)
- New York Mavericks: 83.75 (eliminated)
October 19 Game Schedule:
Here are the game matchups for the second day of action for the 2024 PBR Camping World Teams Championship on Saturday, Oct. 19:
- No. 1 Kansas City Outlaws vs. No. 6 Missouri Thunder
- No. 2 Carolina Cowboys vs. No. 5 Austin Gamblers
- No. 3 Florida Freedom vs. No. 4 Texas Rattlers
- Second Last Chance Game (Game 1 Loser vs. Game 2 Loser vs. Game 3 Loser)