Dozen Final Four Preview

Thursday night, Season 5 of The Dozen Trivia League comes down to just four teams, and they are ready to claim that coveted championship.

It’s an even split: two teams (Ziti and Minihane) looking to repeat, and two (The Experts and Booze Ponies) seeking their first crown. The Boston theme is everywhere, with of course Kirk Minihane and Dave Portnoy holding major home field advantages. For Minihane, expect the Minifans to be loud and very involved.

Booze Ponies vs Minihane Kick It Off

A rematch from earlier in the tourney, but now the Ponies will have to brave the Minifans. This could be uncharted territory for the typical fan-favorite Ponies. Going from basement dwellers to now back-to-back Final Fours, can they finally break through?

Out of these four teams, the feeling is they seem to be the “longshot”... if there is one, as all four have had dominant stretches of their own this season.

As for Minihane, they’ve got a new-look squad now searching for a second championship. The home crowd should be a major factor, rattling opponents while also motivating Kirk to find his groove.

The key, though, may still lie with Chris Klemmer. Which version will show up? In beating the Yak to get here, he was flawless with 10 points. If he brings that again... watch out. Minihane might be leaving with a trophy.

Prediction: Booze Ponies 15, Minihane 14 (OT)

Experts Look to Foil Ziti Repeat Bid

Well, we’ve got the boss looking to take down Brandon Walker and the Experts in the Final Four for the second straight year.

Can the Experts finally erase the “can’t win the big one” label? Is this their year?

Brandon Walker will undoubtedly be the heel to the Boston crowd, though this stoolie will be in his corner (likely in a very small group). Will the boos and jeers elevate or deflate his game?

On the other side, he’s facing a team that knows how to get it done. Dave Portnoy and his Snack Gods are looking to become the first back-to-back and two-time champs in one swing. Eddie & Clem are a lethal combo, and if Dave can throw in a few points himself, they’ll be very tough to beat.

This will be a match filled with jabs and heat between Portnoy & Walker, so if you can’t make it out, make sure to tune in.

Prediction: Experts 14, Ziti 11

Championship Look-in

For the championship, I still believe it’s the Experts’ to lose right now. They just seem too strong, and they’re not giving away any steal chances, which is allowing for the separation needed to win these matches in lower-pressure moments.

The major snag or fear with them? The crowd’s effect on B-Walk. If he can stay centered, though, his year may have finally arrived, and to see it live would be a memorable treat for all.

Who will be our 2025 Dozen Champions? Tune in Thursday to find out!