03-14-10
CIA beat NLA Saints
NLA Saints were confident as they prepared to face CIA at Westcroft Leisure Centre on Saturday but it was CIA who rose above, leading throughout and dismissing the Saints 79-63.
Rookie Forward Michale Brown started the game where he left off making the first basket of the game on his way to a monster 11 rebounds performance. The scoring load was then shared for the remainder of the first quarter as Gene Brown, Daniel Montague and Darryl Lewis all found their way to the basket. Superb defence from Michale and Tony Brown held the visitors to just 9 points as CIA ran away with an early 8-point advantage ending the quarter ahead 17-9.
In the second quarter NLA fought back, going hard to the basket and putting CIA’s big men in early foul trouble. Chi Lewis-Parry managed the bench, rotating players and maintaining CIA’s advantage. As the second quarter came to a close Montague provided a spark with a huge one-hand dunk off the assist from Shaun Gray. Gray controlled the game to lead CIA into the break ahead 32-26.
In the third quarter, Darryl Lewis controlled the boards on his way to 7 rebounds, while Gene Brown and Daniel Montague were unstoppable going to the basket. NLA responded by collapsing on the inside but CIA’s depth shone through as Shaun Gray and Tony Brown knocked it down from outside the three point arc.
CIA saved their best til last as they lengthened their lead in the final quarter. Montague almost provided a second highlight with a reverse attempt off another pass from Gray, narrowly missing out on the basket. Player/Coach Tony Brown added two more from outside for an impressive 75% shooting from the three point line for the game. Despite NLA doing their best to upset CIA’s winning ways, it was another deserved win for the home team as the closed out the game to win 79-63 and head to the top of the LMBL Division 1, ahead of rivals Euston Power due to points difference.
CIA will travel to Euston on Sunday (21) in a top of the table clash that could prove crucial as the season draws to a close. A win for CIA will confirm their place at the top and leave Euston fighting an uphill battle. CIA return home on Saturday 27th March when they host Camden Knights at 7:30pm at Westcroft Leisure Centre (Carshalton).
Top Scorers: D Montague 21, G Brown 15, D Lewis 14
Top Rebounders: M Brown 11, T Brown 8, D Lewis/G Brown 7
Top Assists: S Gray 8, D Montague 3
03-08-10
CIA cool the Heat
CIA travelled to the formidable Space Centre in Hackney on Sunday evening to play Hoxton Heat for the first time this season. Despite a comfortable start for CIA, Hoxton never gave up, forcing a nail biting end that had everyone watching on the edge of their seat.
CIA started the game confidently, racing to an early 9-1 lead. Darryl Lewis opened the scoring, quickly followed by Montague and Bowler. As the first quarter came to a close Hoxton forced their way to the free throw line to edge closer, CIA maintaining a comfortable cushion at 22-12.
In the second quarter both teams were deadlocked scoring 16 a piece. CIA struggled to establish themselves in their offence but player/coach Brown hit 3 threes to keep them ahead. Michale Brown stood out on the defensive end as the rookie pulled down 8 rebounds in the first half. Brown would end the game on 10 rebounds. His brother, Gene Brown, closed out the quarter hitting a tough basket, drawing the foul and sinking the extra one to enter the half-time interval ahead, 38-28.
In the second half the pressure mounted as Hoxton profited from their home court advantage. CIA looked lathargic on both ends of the floor, struggling to execute their offense and allowing open shots on defence. Shooting Guard Nikhil Lawry provided a spark at the end of the quarter knocking down a difficult three before getting fouled on a three from the corner to head to the line, making all 3 of his foul shots.
In the final quarter Hoxton continued to pile on the pressure as the game began to heat up. Hoxton began the quarter with 8 unanswered points before extending to 17-4 run, forcing CIA to take a timeout to collect themselves. With Hoxton taking their first lead of the game, up by a single point, Tony Brown led by example, cooly knocking down a crucial three off the assist from Point Guard Luke Bowler, that would spark a 7-0 run of their own. With CIA leading by two points Point Guard Luke Bowler gambled throwing the alley oop to the flashing Montague, but the gamble paid off as Montague threw down a huge alley oop over Andreopoulos to give CIA the ignition they needed.
Just when it seemed CIA would regain control, Andrepoulos responded, driving to the 3-point line and launching a three in traffic, drawing a foul as well as banking the shot to shock the visitors. Andrepoulos had a chance for a 4 point play but missed from the line, the ball falling in the hands of Bowler who was quickly fouled and sent to the line. Bowler would hit 1 from 2 to go 75% for the game. Tony Brown hit the final 2 points of the game for CIA to close out the game. Hoxton outscored CIA 28-21 in the final quarter but it wasn’t enough as CIA held on to win 73-71.
Meanwhile Euston Power defeated NLA Saints in controversial fashion, joining CIA at the top of the league and battling for supremacy. CIA will host the Saints this weekend at Westcroft Leisure Centre in Carshalton at 7:30pm. They will be without Point Guard Luke Bowler but will hope to welcome back injured guard, Shaun Gray.
