03-22-10
CIA are number 1
CIA recorded a crucial away victory on Sunday night to affirm pole position at the top of the LMBL Division One. Euston Power held an identical record at the top of the league prior to Sundays game before a win elevated CIA to number 1 position and the best record in the league.
Coach Tony Brown chose a similar line up to the team that dismissed the visiting NLA Saints last weekend, with experienced Point Guard Shaun Gray leading the team.
Once again rookie Forward Michale Brown was the first to get on the scoresheet, collecting his first rebound of the night and putting it back. CIA showed discipline on offense, sticking to Coach Brown’s plan of getting the ball inside. They also gave up no second chance shots for the first 5 minutes of the game, boxing out and protecting the ball. An early run by Euston forced a temporary 6-5 lead for the home team that would prove to be their only lead for the game.
As the end of the quarter approached Daniel Montague contributed yet another highlight, stealing the ball and driving the length of the floor for a huge two-hand dunk from well outside the key to motivate CIA to an early 5 point advantage, 16-11.
In the second quarter Luke Bowler and Gene Brown both came off the bench to hit from outside. Daniel Montague proved his all round game, hitting a fadeaway off of Lewis’ screen before going inside for the basket and the foul. He cooly netted the shot from the line for 11 points. Euston did most of their damage from the foul line, taking advantage of the one-sided foul count. They hit 10 points for the quarter from the line, adding just 5 from the field as CIA edged the visitors 35-34 going in to the half-time interval.
The third quarter belonged to Shaun Gray who controlled the tempo before pulling up for three long range threes without hesitation to push the lead to as much as 10. Darryl Lewis continued to go strong to the basket with quick entry passes from Coach Brown leading to easy trips to the free throw line. Lewis racked up an impressive 11 rebounds, 6 of those coming on the offensive end, as well as adding 12 points and 6 assists. At the end of the quarter CIA looked in control, leading 57-48.
However, with top place up for grabs, Euston weren’t prepared to go down without a fight and mounted a late come back. Much of the damage was done inside while Euston also piled on the pressure on CIA’s guards to force two crucial turnovers. As the minutes passed Coach Brown led by example with two huge steals to keep Euston chasing. Shaun Gray provided another highlight, stripping the ball before it could come over the half and dishing to Montague for his second dunk of the night. Gray also added his fifth three to lead all scorers with 17.
With under a minute to play the scores remained close and with Coach Brown, a prolific outside shooter, left open from outside, he showed no nerves as he drilled the shot to keep CIA ahead. CIA followed with superb defence to force a difficult shot and as Lewis grabbed the rebound CIA completed several passes to run down the clock, finally getting the ball in the hands of Coach Brown before Euston committed the inevitable intentional foul.
With CIA ahead by just two points Brown cooly knocked down the first free throw. On his second attempt Euston secured the rebound needing a three to tie the game and force overtime. Unfortunately for them, smothering defence from Gray and Montague forced another tough shot to secure the victory, 68-65. The win puts CIA firmly in control at the top of the table.
CIA won’t have time to rest yet as they host Camden Knights this coming Saturday at Westcroft Leisure Centre. CIA have beaten Camden once this season and will hope for a repeat performance this weekend. The game tips at 7:30pm and tickets can be bought on the night of the game.
Top Scorers: S Gray 17, D Montague 14, D Lewis 12
Top Rebounders: D Lewis 11, T Brown/D Montague 5
Top Assisters: T Brown 8, D Lewis 6
