Championship Matchup Set as Team Pendleton Whisky Prepares to Square up With Team Cooper Tires on CBS Sports
Easton Colvin
SCORE BULLETIN – PLAYOFF NIGHT TWO
Team Cooper Tires Rolls into Championship Sunday of New PBR Team Tournament
Team Cooper Tires: 344.75 points
Team Ariat: 89 points
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem rode out Old Glory to lead the opening ceremonies inside Denny Sanford PREMIER Center, and night two of the first major professional sport to host fans in North America since mid-March began with a bang. Playoff Night Two of the PBR Monster Energy Team Challenge started with fireworks for Team Cooper Tires. Led by a perfect 2-for-2 overall performance from Keyshawn Whitehorse (McCracken Springs, Utah), Team Cooper Tires put up 257 points – the highest score in a first half of PBR’s groundbreaking team tournament. The record-setting first half was highlighted by Built Ford Tough MVP leader Jose Vitor Leme (Ribas do Rio Pardo, Brazil) besting Little Joe (JD Nix Rodeo Co.) for 86.5 points. Whitehorse added 84.25 points in the first half after reaching the 8-second whistle on Walkin Tall (JD Nix Rodeo Co.), and Sage Kimzey (Strong City, Oklahoma) heard the whistle on Livin Lucky (JD Nix Rodeo Co.) for 86.25 points. In the second half, Whitehorse added 87.75 points on Melanie’s Dream to cap things off for Team Cooper Tires. Team Ariat Captain Cooper Davis (Jasper, Texas) refused to be shut out in the second half, gritting it out for 89 points – the highest-marked ride during the Monster Energy Team Challenge Playoffs – aboard Crazy Doc (Paradigm Bull Company). Team Cooper Tires (7-0) continues its undefeated march to Championship Sunday, riding for the Monster Energy Team Challenge Championship at 1:30 p.m. ET Sunday live on CBS. Team Ariat (5-2-1) went on to play in a consolation game for third place in the Monster Energy Team Challenge.
“I chose these guys for a reason,” said Team Cooper Tires Captain Jose Vitor Leme. “I know they can make a difference in this competition. I’m proud to be a member of this team.”
“I think momentum is a big part of this game,” Team Cooper Tires rider Sage Kimzey mentioned. “I loved being first out tonight. Coming out of Vegas we were on a hot streak, and it’s exciting that we have kept this going.”
“I feel great being able to contribute to the team,” said Keyshawn Whitehorse after his 2-for-2 performance. “Iron sharpens iron, and it feels great to be able to have these guys on my back.”
Team Pendleton Whisky Escapes a Nail-Biter to Move to Championship Sunday
Team Pendleton Whisky: 174.75 points
Team Las Vegas: 89.5 points
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – It came down to the final ride in Game Two of Playoff Night Two inside Denny Sanford PREMIER Center for Team Pendleton Whisky to move on to Championship Sunday. Team Las Vegas’ valiant effort started with Chase Dougherty (Canby, Oregon) cashing in aboard Heartbreak Kid (D&H Cattle/Buck Cattle/Erwin Cattle) for 89.5 points in the first half. But Division B No. 1 seed Team Pendleton Whisky proved its regular season wasn’t a fluke with back-to-back rides to close out the first half. Team captain Marco Eguchi (Poa, Brazil) bested Charlie Brown (Flying V Bucking Bulls) for 87.25 points after Lucas Divino (Nova Crixas Goias, Brazil) went for 87.5 points on Smoke Signals (Flying V Bucking Bulls). Those two scores would be enough to move Team Pendleton Whisky to Championship Sunday, but not without drama. Team Las Vegas’ Garrett Smith (Rexburg, Idaho) had a re-ride opportunity aboard Rising Sun (Dakota Rodeo/Chad Berger/Clay Struve/Heald Pro Bulls), needing 85.25 points for the walk-off win. But Rising Sun prevailed in 4.98 seconds, locking in the win for Team Pendleton Whisky. Team Las Vegas (4-3-1) now rides in a consolation game against Team Ariat for third place, while Team Pendleton Whisky (6-1) matches up with Team Cooper Tires (7-0) for the Monster Energy Team Championship Sunday at 1:30 p.m. ET live on CBS.
“Since the first bull we were fighting, even if it hurt,” said Team Pendleton Whisky Team Captain Marco Eguchi. “With our great fans we have here it’s just better to ride. I’d like to ask everyone to pray for our great friend and rider Fabiano Vieira. He’s banged up right now and need those prayers.”
“I’d like to thank everyone for being here,” said Team Pendleton’s Lucas Divino. “I feel bad for the fans because I bucked off of my second bull. But I’d like to thank everyone for being here. We really do ride better with our fans here and everyone around us.”
Team Ariat Finishes Third in PBR’s Groundbreaking Team Tournament
Team Ariat: 0 points
Team Las Vegas: 0 points
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Concluding Playoff Night Two inside Denny Sanford PREMIER Center, Team Ariat and Team Las Vegas locked horns in a match for third place. Team Ariat, led by captain and 2016 PBR World Champion Cooper Davis (Jasper, Texas), earned the third-place payday of $21,000 despite not making it to the 8-second whistle in the consolation game, because of its 5-2-1 record coming into the game. Team Ariat finishes the Monster Energy Team Challenge with a record of 5-2-2. The 0-0 tie was the second tie of the tournament for Team Las Vegas, which finishes with a record of 4-3-2 and in fourth place from the original 12 teams.
SCORE RECAPS – CHALLENGE DAYS 1-12
CHALLENGE DAY 1: New PBR Team Tournament Launches with a Blowout, Shutout and Dramatic Seesaw Battle at South Point Arena in Las Vegas
Team Cooper Tires (1-0) Defeats Team Can-Am (0-1) │ 336.25-87
Team Las Vegas (1-0) Defeats Team YETI (0-1) │ 88.25-0
Team Union Home Mortgage (1-0) Defeats Team Wrangler (0-1) │ 337-257.25
CHALLENGE DAY 2: Powerhouse Shutouts, Gritty Rides and High Adrenaline Action Headline Challenge Day 2
Team Can-Am (1-1) Defeats Team Wrangler (0-2) │ 347.25-0
Team Las Vegas (2-0) Defeats Team Union Home Mortgage (1-1) │ 257-85.25-
Team Cooper Tires (2-0) Defeats Team YETI (0-2) │ 332-0
CHALLENGE DAY 3: Team Cooper Tires Builds Sizeable Lead with Third Consecutive Win to Conclude First Weekend of New PBR Team Challenge
Team Las Vegas (3-0) Defeats Team Wrangler (0-3) │ 175.75-0
Team YETI (1-2) Defeats Team Can-Am (1-2) │ 173-86.5
Team Cooper Tires (3-0) Defeats Team Union Home Mortgage (1-2) │ 175.75-88.5
CHALLENGE DAY 4: Unstoppable Team Cooper Tires and Resurgent Team Wrangler Headline Explosive Action from Challenge Day 4 of New PBR Team Challenge
Team Can-Am (2-2) Defeats Team Union Home Mortgage (1-3) │ 173.25-0
Team Wrangler (1-3) Defeats Team YETI (1-3) │ 259.5-254.25
Team Cooper Tires (4-0) Defeats Team Las Vegas (3-1) │ 259.25-84.5
CHALLENGE DAY 5: Dramatic Finishes on Challenge Day 5 of PBR Team Challenge Architect Must-Win Game for Final Division A Championship Berth
Team Cooper Tires (5-0) Defeats Team Wrangler (1-4) │ 173-170.25
Team Las Vegas (4-1) Defeats Team Can-Am (2-3) │ 175.25-89.25
Team Union Home Mortgage (2-3) Defeats Team YETI (1-4) │ 88-87.5
CHALLENGE DAY 6: Mauricio Moreira Converts Under Pressure in Game’s Final Out to Propel Team Can-Am to PBR Team Challenge Playoffs in Sioux Falls
Team Wrangler (2-4-0) Defeats Team Yeti (1-5-0) | 176.25-88.25
Team Cooper Tires (6-0-0) Defeats Team Las Vegas (4-2-0) | 259-0
Team Can-Am (3-3-0) Defeats Team Union Home Mortgage (2-4-0) | 173.5-172.75
CHALLENGE DAY 7: Pendleton Whisky Earns Walk-Off Win, Swearingen Proves Clutch, Davis Beats Dirteater as Division B Opens Action
Team Pendleton Whisky (1-0) Defeats Team South Point (0-1) | 166.5-158
Team Boot Barn (1-0) Defeats Team Cat (0-1) | 169-83.75
Team Ariat (1-0) Defeats Team Lucas Oil (0-1) | 86.5-83
CHALLENGE DAY 8: Pendleton Whisky Takes Over First Place, Ariat Stays Undefeated while South Point and Lucas Oil Duel Into the Night
Team Pendleton Whisky (2-0) Defeats Team Boot Barn (1-1) | 161.25-86
Team Ariat (2-0) Defeats Team Cat (0-2) | 160.75-79.25
Team South Point (1-1) Defeats Team Lucas Oil (0-2) | 259.25-171.25
CHALLENGE DAY 9: Team Ariat Hits the 90-Point Mark Twice to Remain Undefeated in PBR Team Challenge
Team Lucas Oil (1-2) Defeats Team Cat (0-3) | 171.25-0
Team South Point (2-1) Defeats Team Boot Barn (1-2) | 172.5-0
Team Ariat (3-0) Defeats Team Pendleton Whisky (2-1) | 266-173.54
CHALLENGE DAY 10: Team Ariat Keeps Rolling, Playoff Race Tightens in Division B at Monster Energy Team Challenge
Team Pendleton Whisky (3-1) Defeats Team Cat (0-4) | 411.75-88.25
Team Boot Barn (2-2) Defeats Team Lucas Oil (1-3) | 254.5-167.75
Team Ariat (4-0) Defeats Team South Point (2-2) | 258.5-0
CHALLENGE DAY 11: Team Pendleton Whisky Clinches Playoff Berth, Two Teams Tie on Monster Energy Team Challenge Day 11
Team Ariat (4-0-1) Ties Team Boot Barn (2-2-1) |86.75-86.75
Team South Point (3-2) Defeats Team Cat (0-5) | 88.75
Team Pendleton Whisky (4-1) Defeats Team Lucas Oil (1-4) | 88-86.5
CHALLENGE DAY 12: Playoff Picture Painted as Division B Wraps Up Actions at Monster Energy Team Challenge
Team Lucas Oil (1-4-1) Ties Team Cat (0-5-1) | 0-0
Team Boot Barn (3-2-1) Defeats Team South Point (3-3-0) | 152-0
Team Pendleton Whisky (5-1-0) Defeats Team Ariat (4-1-1) | 258.75-88.5
PLAYOFF NIGHT ONE: Powerhouses to Faceoff on Playoff Night Two as Teams Ariat and Las Vegas Move On From Wildcard Friday
Team Las Vegas (4-2-1) Ties Team Boot Barn (3-2-2) | 0-0
Team Ariat (5-1-1) Defeats Team Can-Am (3-4) | 172.75-88.25
Team Can-Am (3-4-1) Ties Team Boot Barn (3-2-3) | 0-0
INJURY UPDATES
OUT: Team Las Vegas’ Stetson Wright did not ride in the third-place consolation game after injuring his shoulder dismounting his second bull in his first game of the night.
YETI “BUILT FOR THE WILD” BULL OF THE WEEKEND STANDINGS
Here are the Top bull 5 scores recorded on Playoff Nights 1-2 of the 2020 PBR Monster Energy Team Challenge, presented by U.S. Border Patrol:
1. Zero Time (Paradigm Bull Company) – 45.25 points (Playoff Night Two, Ky Hamilton, 1.62 seconds)
T2. Oz (TNT Bucking Bulls/Hart Cattle Co.) – 44.75 points (Playoff Night One, Daylon Swearingen, 3.46 seconds)
T2. Buckin For Cash (Paradigm Bull Company) – 45.75 points (Playoff Night Two, Sage Kimzey, 1.92
seconds)
4. Safety Meeting (Dakota Rodeo/Chad Berger/Clay Struve/Hruby/Kainz) – 44.75 points (Playoff Night Two, Brady Portenier, 3.96 seconds)
5. Marquis Metal Works Bill The Butcher (Paradigm Bull Co./Marquis Metal Works) – 44.5 points (Playoff Night One, Andrew Alvidrez 3.98 seconds)
BUILT FORD TOUGH MVP STANDINGS
Here are the standings for the Built Ford Tough MVP race for the 2020 PBR Monster Energy Team Challenge, presented by U.S. Border Patrol after Playoff Night Two:
1. Jose Vitor Leme, 10-for-14, 866 points
2. Cooper Davis, 7-for-17, 603.5 points
3. Mauricio Moreira, 6-for-14, 519.5 points
4. Marco Eguchi, 6-for-11, 519.25 points
5. Daylon Swearingen, 5-for-15, 479 points
6. Roscoe Jarboe, 5-for-12, 434.75 points
7. Ky Hamilton, 5-for-17, 431 points
8. Lucas Divino, 5-for-11, 417 points
9. Keyshawn Whitehorse, 5-for-7, 413.25 points
10. Shane Proctor, 4-for-10, 349.25 points
11. Derek Kolbaba, 4-for-12, 347.5 points
12. Colten Jesse, 4-for-12, 347 points
13. Sage Kimzey, 4-for-12, 340.75 points
14. Ryan Dirteater, 4-for-9, 335.5 points
15. Stetson Wright, 3-for-16, 261.75 points
16. Mason Taylor, 3-for-9, 260 points
Stetson Lawrence, 3-for-10, 260 points
Chase Dougherty, 3-for-12, 260 points
19. Luciano de Castro, 3-for-11, 258 points
20. Andrew Alvidrez, 3-for-7, 256.75
CHAMPIONSHIP SUNDAY MATCHUPS
Here is the matchup for Championship Sunday on July 12, for the final game of the 2020 PBR Monster Energy Team Challenge, presented by U.S. Border Patrol:
Team Cooper Tires vs. Team Pendleton Whisky
Championship Sunday of the 2020 PBR Monster Energy Team Challenge, presented by U.S. Border Patrol, gets underway Sunday, July 12 at 1:30 p.m. ET on CBS Sports.
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