Will Sam Hanson's thrilling game-winner silence Jumpshot Hustlers' off-court drama?

Sam Hanson shoots over The Originals defense for the win.

Sam Hanson shoots over The Originals defense for the win.

The week leading into Jumpshot Hustlers’ game against The Originals was filled with drama. Rumors swirled online and around the Life Time - Fridley pickup courts that Jumpshot Hustler star forward Latrell Love’s agent had demanded a starting role for his client after his impressive week 1 performance.

The ploy worked as Love found himself in the starting lineup on Thursday night with Jack Ruhland moving to the bench. Ruhland has not commented publicly on his feelings about getting tossed back to the bench to accommodate Love’s demand to the Jumpshot Hustler’s front office.

As that as a backdrop, the franchise needed a story to take the focus away from the off-court turmoil. Luckily, Sam Hanson delivered.

Hanson hit a contested 19-foot jump shot with 2.3 seconds remaining to lift Jumpshot Hustlers to a 71-69 win over The Originals. With the win, Hanson and the J-Hustlers move to 2-0 on the season.

In week 3, they’ll face their biggest test of the season in FOB Five (1-1) with their lofty $89-million team PPV payroll. FOB Five will be coming off an upset OT loss to the Hustlers on Thursday night.

No word as of Friday morning if All-Star forward Joe Suek will make his season debut for FOB Five next week.

Jumpshot Hustlers / The Originals box score

Sam Hanson Player Profile