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
