DraftKings
17 June 2016 814 comments
Mark Mark
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The second round of group matches conclude with Saturday’s fixtures, as DraftKings managers look to construct eight-man squads from the remaining six nations.

Over in Group E, Belgium are left scrapping for survival following their abject display in the defeat to Italy. They must now find a way past the Republic of Ireland who head into that encounter having earned a point in their opener against Sweden.

Belgium must surely seek a victory, which should lead to a more open affair, drawing the sting from the attacking talent on show. Belgium’s teamsheet looks difficult to predict, however, with DraftKings managers having to shop late should they look to Belgium for goals.

There are two matches in Group F with Austria facing an identical scenario to the Belgians. They suffered a surprise defeat at the hands of Hungary and now head into an enthralling clash with Portugal. Fernando Santos’ men were held by Iceland, with Cristiano Ronaldo contained; they cannot afford to be similarly subdued against the Austrians.

Iceland take their point earned against Portugal into their meeting with Hungary in what looks set to be a cagey affair. The Hungarians can seal passage to the knock-outs with a victory, although Iceland’s disciplined rearguard is likely to be in evidence once again.

We’ve studied the likely narrative of the three fixtures and sifted the assets on offer to provide our DraftKings picks to help steer your selections ahead of Saturday’s contests.

Vierinha – Portugal, – $4400
Deployed as a winger in his Porto days, he’s now recognised as a talented right-back for Wolfsburg and his country. Vierinha came through Portugal’s disappointing performance against Iceland with some credit, raiding down the flank to provide 12 crosses, 10 of which came from open play. Along with Raphael Guerreiro on the left, we expect his service from the flanks to be a factor again in the crunch meeting with Austria.

Nani – Portugal, $9300
While Ronaldo registered ten efforts on goal against Iceland, nine were from outside the box, leaving it to Nani to provide the most potent threat. He notched Portugal’s goal and all five of his goal attempts arrived from inside the penalty area, with three hitting the target. With four crosses supplied, Nani enjoyed a profitable evening and will head into the clash with Austria looking to emerge from Ronaldo’s shadow once more.

David Alaba – Austria – $7500
The Bayern Munich man did his upmost to drag Austria through their defeat to Hungary. He fired in six efforts on goal in the 2-0 defeat – no other midfielder registered more goal attempts in the first round of matches. That continued the trend seen in qualifying when Alaba, deployed as a box-to-box midfielder, provided more goal attempts per minute than any team-mate, whilst also ranking second for crosses. Alaba will surely be a key figure as Austria seek to salvage their Euro 2016 campaign.

Attila Fiola – Hungary, – $4000
Iceland mustered just four efforts on goal against Portugal and, while they could show more ambition against the Hungarian’s, investment in the Magyar back-line looks viable. Fiola just edges out fellow full-back Tamas Kadar in our reckoning as he demonstrated more intent to get forward from right-back, both in the win over Austria and in the warm-up matches heading into the tournament. Fiola also tends to win more tackles and played as a striker in his youth, so could even deliver an unlikely goal.

Robbie Brady – Republic of Ireland, – $5000
A mainstay of our Premier League DraftKings line-ups, Brady continues to translate his impressive points output to the international stage. The Norwich City man contributed ten crossed balls in the 1-1 stalemate with Sweden, continuing a trend that saw him supply 93 crosses in qualifying – ranking third for midfielders overall. Classified as defender in DraftKings, his supply line looks pivotal to the Republic of Ireland’s chances against Belgium, with set-pieces likely to play their part.

DraftKings contests for Saturday’s matches are now available, including a $3 entry “Striker” with a $10k prize pot.

DraftKings is available only to those aged 18 or over. Be sure to take note of their Terms and Conditions here.

Mark Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.

814 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. BigManBakar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    @BelgoFoot 16m
    Belgium team: It looks like Meunier & Carrasco will start, along with Courtois, Toby, Vermealen, Vertonghen, Hazard, Witsel. (1/2)

    @BelgoFoot 14m
    Places of De Bruyne, Lukaku, Nainggolan or Fellaini not certain - in the frame are Benteke & Mertens. But Wilmots keeping team quiet. (2/2)

    1. BigManBakar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      ‏@BelgoFoot 6s

      I THINK team will be: Courtois, Meunier, Toby, Vermealen, Vertonghen; Witsel, Nainggolan, Hazard; Carrasco, Benteke, Mertens.

      1. Eden Hazardous
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        I would pick this team with 2 changes personally - J.Lukaku in for Vermaelen and KDB in for Mertens. Wilmots is mad to drop KDB imo. I would drop Hazard before KDB personally.

        1. BigManBakar
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 5 months ago

          I'm really surprised by Wilmots dropping KdB too, especially after the key role he played in their qualification. Sounds bizarre to drop him after one game. Even in a poor game, he created one big chance for each one of their three forwards.

          1. Eden Hazardous
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 5 months ago

            He had a bad game because he wasted on the wings. Best counter attacking AM in the world imo - needs to play central to make an impact.

            1. BigManBakar
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 5 months ago

              What sort of a scoreline are you looking at EH? I think Ireland will give them a tough game.

              1. Eden Hazardous
                • 10 Years
                9 years, 5 months ago

                I think it will be narrow Belgian win. In my head , I see Belgium struggling in the first half - maybe even going down one goal and then Wilmots brings on KDB and Belgium win it.

                1. BigManBakar
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 12 Years
                  9 years, 5 months ago

                  Late goals have been the flavor of the month so I wouldn't be surprised!

                  1. Eden Hazardous
                    • 10 Years
                    9 years, 5 months ago

                    Indeed. 🙂

          2. JÆKS ⭐
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 5 months ago

            He has a small hamstring injury 😀

            But nevertheless, still lots of speculation here in Belgium about if he's going to start or not. Everyone expects Fellaini ahead of Naingolan here as well

            1. Eden Hazardous
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 5 months ago

              Does he? Maybe a role of the bench then.

            2. BigManBakar
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 5 months ago

              To be fair to Fellaini, he created 7 chances for his team mates, the most in the first matchday/gameweek after Payet.

              1. JÆKS ⭐
                • 11 Years
                9 years, 5 months ago

                It wasn't his worst game but the problem is that everyone who plays in the hole will have pretty decent stats. It's just that we have so much better opportunities for that position, which makes him a certain no for me in that position. But that's just me ofcourse 😀 Carrasco - KDB - Hazard would be waaaaay better than KDB - Fellaini - Hazard

                1. Eden Hazardous
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 5 months ago

                  Agreed.

                2. BigManBakar
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 12 Years
                  9 years, 5 months ago

                  I agree. I saw the game and Fellaini didn't look great, but when I saw the stats I was quite surprised!

              2. Eden Hazardous
                • 10 Years
                9 years, 5 months ago

                Fellaini passed the ball to Nainngolan 7 times and he shot from 40 yards - that is what Opta defines as a 'chance created' - Big Chances Created is the main stat to look out for imo.

                1. BigManBakar
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 12 Years
                  9 years, 5 months ago

                  Any idea where can I look at the big chances created stat, EH?

                  1. Eden Hazardous
                    • 10 Years
                    9 years, 5 months ago

                    See this - Look at his Key passes map. Only ONE of them into the box.

                    http://www.fourfourtwo.com/statszone/3-2015/matches/838516/player-stats/41184/OVERALL_02#tabs-wrapper-anchor

                    1. BigManBakar
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 12 Years
                      9 years, 5 months ago

                      Cheers. 🙂

    2. Dubem_FC
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      this should be d line up from the start.
      Cortoius
      RB Toby Vermalaen Vertoghen
      Witsel Dembele
      Carasco KDB Hazard
      Lukaku

      1. JÆKS ⭐
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        RB: Meunier (more attacking potential and the only real RB in our squad)

        Witsel out, Naingolan in: both Witsel and Dembele slow the game down, too much, the only thing Witsel does, is passing the ball to our LB or RB, never passes the ball forward. Dembele also slows the game down more often than I'd like to see him doing it, but at least he can pass the ball forward. With our pitbull Naingolan next to him we would have a CM with creativity, technical ability, and strenght there.

  2. Bøwstring The Carp
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    109 total

    Worth swapping Perisic (7) to De Bruyne/ Alaba? Think I'll stick tbh and not risk it considering it's hard to get double pointers recently

    OUT: Kozacik (2), Dier (2), Konoplyanka (2), Muller (2)
    IN: Rui Patricio, Ciman, Alaba, De Bruyne

    Even if De Bruyne doesn't start I might sub him for a cameo, would rather 1 point with 30-30 minutes of football to score/ assist than 2 points set in stone.

    1. Mo Mané Mo Problems
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Stick 100%

    2. BigManBakar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Ciman isn't going to start, according to reports in the Belgian media.

    3. JÆKS ⭐
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Stick

      Ciman 90% sure not starting, KDB 50/50 but we'll see the line ups before the deadline

  3. Ask Yourself
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    nolito or stancu for MD3?

    1. Lone Wolf FPL
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      rotations in gw3 but must be Nolito

    2. Eden Hazardous
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Stanciu if he starts

      1. RMA
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Stanciu is a mid who was benched last game. Stancu is a striker with 2 goals, one in each match.

        I didn't realize at first either 😉

    3. BigManBakar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Stancu.

  4. bodgejob
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    So it's come to this, captain Courtois or Guerreiro?

    1. Lone Wolf FPL
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      ouch. Guerrero

    2. Grand Thibauto
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Guerreiro

    3. alanrevell
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Is Guerrero a defo starter today? Suggestions elsewhere (Evening Standard) that Santos is going to shake up the team

      1. BigManBakar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Guerriero isn't one of his problems.

    4. BigManBakar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Guerreiro.

  5. Grand Thibauto
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Do I really need to WC here?

    GK- Patricio and Sommer.
    Patricio will likely start and against Hungary. So the CS likeliness is high enough to keep him even in my WC. And Sommer will face Germany trying for that 1st place and also ensuring that 2nd place. He will start and his blanking probability is quite high, but the GK's resist the urge for me.

    DEF- Juanfran Rami Dier Guerreiro Hinteregger
    My Defense is really poor. Yet, Rami Dier Guerreiro, Hinteregger are hopefully going to start their next matches unless something unexpected happens. Juanfran is a 50/50 given spain needs to top the group as well so he just may play.

    Mid- Fabregas Alli Mak Payet Perisic
    The only worry here is Fabregas and Payet. I would possibly keep the others in the wildcard as well except maybe Mak out for Hamsik. Fabregas may possibly be benched as Spain has Thiago and Koke rotting on the bench. And as for Payet, he may be benched just like Griezmann and Pogba. But I will take my chances, as he is in hot form right now.

    Fwd- Muller Giroud Ronaldo. I will keep Ronaldo Muller in my WC as well(Muller is due something big). And Giroud may get benched and come as a sub.

    So,
    Question 1- Do I need to WC for 3rd GW?
    2- Who to transfer out? Fabregas/Juanfran/Giroud?
    3- Who to get in for them
    4- Should I take a hit?(I feel hit to be a sin in such a low scoring fantasy with no bps or anything). If yes, for who?

    1. BigManBakar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      I don't think you need a wildcard over here. If I were in your position, I would get rid of Hinteregger for Săpunaru.

      1. Grand Thibauto
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Well gee thanks. I'd think on Hinteregger. But I need better defenders for sure.

        1. BigManBakar
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 5 months ago

          With Dragovic out, I really think they'll struggle. He's their best defender.

    2. BigManBakar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      I can't see either Payet or Juanfran getting benched.

      Both teams still have to win to top their groups.

      1. Camp No No
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Both will win their groups with a draw, in fact.

        1. BigManBakar
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 5 months ago

          Thanks for correcting me. But the point still stands, both teams have something to play for.

          1. Camp No No
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 5 months ago

            Yeah, I agree.

        2. BigManBakar
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 5 months ago

          Also, mind helping me out below CNN?

      2. Grand Thibauto
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        I hope so. Bellerin may play because they would likely try him out. Payet is in such a good form to get benched.

        1. BigManBakar
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 5 months ago

          I don't think he'll play Bellerin for the sake of trying someone out when they still have something to play for, or drop Juanfran from a defence which has kept back to back clean sheets.

          1. Grand Thibauto
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 5 months ago

            I hope so

      3. Camp No No
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        But I basically agree.

        And particularly on Payet. The only reason he would be benched would be resting him. Griezmann and Pogba can get benched for tactical reasons, but even that is less likely now that Deschamps tried and saw how bad that tactical choice was.

        1. Grand Thibauto
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 5 months ago

          Yes they would probably rest him. And really doubt Griezmann and Pogba to start from bench two matches in a row.

  6. BigManBakar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    I know it's early days, but what change(s) would you be looking at with this team? Already played my wildcard.

    DDG/Kozacik

    Giacherrini/Howedes/Rami/Fedetskiy/Guerriero

    Perisic/Draxler/Payet/Konoplyanka/Dzemalli

    CR/Muller/Giroud

    1. Eden Hazardous
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Fedetskiy's cost? I would replace him I think.

      1. BigManBakar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        5m Ukraine defender. Got him and Konoplyanka for their NI game on my wildcard. Backfired spectacularly.

        1. Eden Hazardous
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 5 months ago

          Ukraine have not impressed me at all. I would get Walker or a Romanian defender for him personally.

          1. BigManBakar
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 5 months ago

            England's defence has been solid, they've been unlucky to concede twice without any clean sheet reward. But I'm not sure whether they'll be able to keep Slovakia out. I was looking at Chiriches too.

            1. Eden Hazardous
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 5 months ago

              I am punting on Cahill on my WC - his stats say that he is due for a goal but yes , Slovakia are a good team. Chiriches has decent goal threat as well. 🙂

              1. BigManBakar
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                9 years, 5 months ago

                Thanks for your input EH.

                I could get a 7.5 mid for Konoplyanka as well but attacking returns have been hard to predict.

                Chiriches would be your final call, then?

                1. Eden Hazardous
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 5 months ago

                  Yes. 🙂

    2. Grand Thibauto
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      I'd get Draxler out. He may not start the next match imo. Schurrle looked good. I think he will start. The rest are probably going to start.

      1. BigManBakar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Interesting. Could be due a haul against NI. The fact that Gotze was subbed off before Draxler against Poland gives me some hope though.

        1. Grand Thibauto
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 5 months ago

          I think it would be a haul against NI. But I feel Draxler to be subbed out for Schurrle who deserves an outing really.

          1. BigManBakar
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 5 months ago

            Thank you for your advice. 🙂

            1. Grand Thibauto
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 5 months ago

              Help me on the post above. In a rut what to do.

              1. BigManBakar
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                9 years, 5 months ago

                Done. 🙂

        2. Eden Hazardous
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 5 months ago

          Agree.If Schurrle plays , he will play instead of Gotze imo.

        3. Grand Thibauto
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 5 months ago

          Then Muller as Striker? Thats delicious.

          1. BigManBakar
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 5 months ago

            Yep iirc Muller played striker in the second half, Gotze left, Draxler right with Ozil central. I'm definitely keeping Muller for the NI game.

            1. Grand Thibauto
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 5 months ago

              I got bored with the Germany match before second half happened. I didn't realize how they shaped later. Keep Draxler then I guess.

              1. BigManBakar
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                9 years, 5 months ago

                That was terrible viewing, and that is coming from someone who values an attritional style of football!

                1. Grand Thibauto
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 5 months ago

                  The Standards set by EPL are just way too high.

        4. Camp No No
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 5 months ago

          Seen how badly Germany did on second half, I wouldn't put my hopes on them repeating those tactical decisions.

          Unfortunately, I, too, can see Götze benched along with Draxler. Gomez was even less impressive though.

          1. Camp No No
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 5 months ago

            Götze gets a bit too much stick imo, by the way. His movement is great, creates spaces for Kroos, Özil, & co to come forward and create attacks even when he doesn't always end up playing the ball in those attacks.

    3. Camp No No
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      You're not doing well.

      Fedetskiy for a more sure defender is a priority. Defenders are the main source of points. I would recommend a Spanish defender normally, but Croatia might as well score against them. You seem to have one more place for a Portuguese player left, so maybe see if Pepe doesn't get injured/suspended and transfer him in. Or Cedric if he starts and doesn't fail.

      1. BigManBakar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks for the advice. 🙂

        I struggled in the first gameweek. Austrian boys letting me down. A very meagre score of 43. 57 post deductions this week with Ronaldo and Guerriero to go isn't bad, is it?

        I don't like doubling up personally, but I'd be tempted by the Hungary game for sure. Do you fancy Romania for a clean sheet against Albania?

        1. Camp No No
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 5 months ago

          No, I don't fancy Romanians. I may be wrong about that, of course, but although Albania has 1 point less, I've been more impressed by them. They put up quite a similar fight against Switzerland one man down, and imo were better against France, although that was largely because of Deschamps' tactical choice, they were about as bad against Romania with that 4-2-3-1. Albania gets their captain Cana back for this match. Will be a tight one imo.

          Okay, maybe this week is not going to be _bad_, but it's not too well either, imo. This week, if you didn't have the Spanish (Morata/Nolito) or the Slovakians (Hamsik/Weiss), you won't do well. Maybe Guerreiro and Ronaldo will save you. I hope Guerreiro will (but not CR7, sorry). 🙂

          1. BigManBakar
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 5 months ago

            Cheers for the insight. Much appreciated 🙂

  7. alanrevell
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Is Guerrero a defo starter today? Suggestions elsewhere that Santos is going for a big shake-up

    1. Grand Thibauto
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      He will start dw

      1. alanrevell
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        thanks ... I can bring him in for Strinic, who only scored 1pt. But 1pt is better than none!

        1. Grand Thibauto
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 5 months ago

          Hahah getting Guerreiro in is a no brainer for a 1 pointer. Even if he is 99% sure of not playing.

    2. 1NVINCIBLES
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      In form, should start over Eliseu.

  8. Kun Tozser
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Kozacik > R Patricio -3
    Srna > Andre Gomes -1
    Giroud > Janko -2

    1. ameenkw
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      I'd say yes .. not sure abt first one tho .....

    2. Grand Thibauto
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Do it. Patricio would at the very least get 2 against Austria. At worst, you would lose 1. The others are no brainer.

    3. BigManBakar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Yep.

  9. mourinho_el_fenómeno
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Muller or Lewa for the next gw?

    1. ameenkw
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Muller

    2. BigManBakar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Muller.

  10. ameenkw
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Shud I switch:

    a) Sommer (3 pts) -> R Patricio?
    b) Grioud (2 pts) -> Renato Sanchez
    c) both

    1. Collar of Cantona
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Tough ones, debating the first myself. Probably yes, likely only gambling 1 point to potentially get an additional 3

    2. Grand Thibauto
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Only A.

    3. BigManBakar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      A).

  11. Collar of Cantona
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Could of questions please:

    1) Sub out Sommer for Patricio? Yay/nay?

    2) If I'm playing my wildcard between GW2 and GW3 when do I actually play it? Now? Tonight after the Portugal game? Tomorrow morning?!

    1. BigManBakar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Yes.

      After the game gets updated tonight.

    2. Grand Thibauto
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Yay.
      After Portugal game when the points have been calculated.

  12. mourinho_el_fenómeno
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Who should i remove from those? should i get a hit and remove 2/3 ?

    konoplyanka > shurrle
    lewa > muller
    fedetskiy > hector

    1. BigManBakar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Only the last one.

    2. Grand Thibauto
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Hit is a sin in this fantasy

  13. New article posted
  14. Fishy-o
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    I had a really bad 1st week but this week as been a lot better but I'm playing catch up already so any help would be much appreciated

    9 of my players had 3+ points this week but lewa and giroud had 2 so I'm going to sub them both for 2 of the following

    Guerrero, Andre Gomes or Nani

    What 2 would you put in

    Also would you take kroos out who had 3 point and put all 3 in off my bench?

    Thanks in advance