TADEA Lions Show Great Character Against Strong Derbyshire (From The Northern Echo)

TADEA Lions Show Great Character Against Strong Derbyshire

11:56pm Sunday 29th August 2010 in TADEA Middlesbrough Lions

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TADEA Middlesbrough Lions entertained a strong Derby Arrows side at Eston Sports Academy and came close to an upset with a superb rally in the fourth quarter to impress the home crowd. Derby travelled with only nine players, however their credentials were impressive with five of the squad representing their Division One team, a massive four divisions higher than TADEA Lions.

The point of the game though was to provide a tough test for Middlesbrough and great entertainment for the fans and this was given in abundance as the TADEA Lions battled back from a 20pt deficit in the second quarter. Lions relied heavily on American superstar; Ralph Bucci who took a while to warm up initially but once in full swing was in a league of his own for the second consecutive game.

Lions began the brighter side with Damian Warriner and Ryon Dixon edging a 5-2 lead. A careless foul from Rob Parsons cost Lions the lead when Jonny Kelly converted an ‘And 1’ play and this was followed by Sebastian Chitagu who produced a strong shot inside the key. In the fifth minute Matt Taylor scored for Lions from a nice pass by Bucci. Bucci then produced a strong drive for the basket and foul, although he missed the bonus. Shortly after Bucci again connected the pass, this time to Parsons to provide a slender 3pt lead, 13-10.

Both sides would trade baskets until the last minute when a lapse in concentration allowed Derbyshire a 7-0 run to leave the quarter 16-25 ahead. Luke Parker was the thorn in the side of Lions as he weaved through the defence with ease.

Rebounding was proving problematic for TADEA Lions and in the second quarter the Arrows were gaining confidence as they collected second and third chances. Middlesbrough were just a second slower on most reactions. Hignet, Smith and Strong combined for an early 8pts and aside of a Warriner lay up Lions didn’t score an open play basket in the first four minutes. Dean Hanson converted two free throws after a foul, but was looking sluggish. Bucci hit a long range jumper in the fifth minute but this only seemed to anger Arrows lynchpin; Chitagu who used his size, power and skill to hit two consecutive ‘And 1’ plays for 6pts. Bucci and Taylor both went to the line for TADEA Lions hitting 2of2 and 1of2 respectively. Poor rebounding and too many turnovers were costing Lions and the lead was now at 20pts. Bucci took the bull by the horns as he attempted to revive Lions with 10pts in four minutes and he was supported well by two big 3’s from Ryon Dixon. Derbyshire though, were not ready to throw in the towel and held on for a 13pt lead at the end of the half, 41-54.

Lions went for youth in the third with Ford and Cassidy not disappointing. Ford hit the first basket and hustled on defence but still the Arrows responded this time with James Kelly inspiring a 6-0 run. The difference in the two sides was consistency as the Arrows showed a strong and consistent standard of basketball while TADEA Lions were showing flashes of brilliance mixed in with terrible errors. Bucci, Ford & Warriner were ploughing ahead for Middlesbrough but again the impressive Chitagu was on hand for 10pts to ensure his side still enjoyed the lead 64-78 at the end of the third. There was a feeling however of a change in momentum.

In the fourth quarter a rousing request for a show of pride from Coach Thomson seemed to have the desired affect as TADEA Lions produced an 8-0 run off the back of superb play by John Ford to bring the home team within 8pts. By the mid way point the Lions were showing great fighting spirit and thanks to a big 3-pointer from Bucci, just 2pts behind at 80-82. The crowd were ecstatic, which placed additional pressure on the visitors. As both teams battled for the game everything was to play for and with three minutes remaining another important time out was called by TADEA Lions chief, Thomson, calling for ball direction toward Bucci for the drive and Dixon for the 3-point shot. Again his troops came up trumps as Dixon produced three consecutive 3’s to bring the crowd to the edge of their seat. Unfortunately the elation would fade as the clock ran down with Derbyshire still controlling the lead. There was time for one more highlight for Middlesbrough as 17 year old Ford tracked back to produce an amazing block which brought the arena to its feet. In the end Derby held on for a deserved 5pt victory but their was a huge round of applause for the gallant TADEA Lions with fans leaving the game praising the character against such strong opposition.

The game was a spectacle for the neutral and displayed two players at the top of their game, Ralph Bucci of TADEA Lions hit 44pts, 19 rebounds, 8 assists & 3 steals while Sebastian Chitagu hit 47pts, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals & 1 block. Bucci was awarded the MVP, despite being on the losing side for his impressive all round stats. A special mention goes to Luke Parker who dished 10 assists for Derbyshire, while Ford was again an inspiration for Middlesbrough.

Top Scorers
TADEA Lions: Bucci 44, Dixon 18, Warriner 10, Ford 9
Arrows: Chitagu 47, Parker 15, Kelly James 10, Kelly Jonny 9

Top Rebounders
TADEA Lions: Bucci 19, Hanson 7, Ford 6
Arrows: Chitagu 9, Smith 7, Alvarez 5

Top Assists
TADEA Lions: Bucci 8, Warriner 4, Hanson 3
Arrows: Parker 10, Kelly James 5

TADEA Middlesbrough Lions now prepare for their third Pre Season home game this Sunday against a team of Americans. Menwith Hill USA will travel to Eston Sports Academy Sunday 5th September for a 4pm tip. Spectators are asked to be seated by 3.30pm and the game is again free of charge if you collect your tickets in advance. For more details and full match report and photos visit www.middlesbroughlions.co.uk