TADEA Lions Collapse In Fourth To Hand Victory To Durham (From The Northern Echo)

TADEA Lions Collapse In Fourth To Hand Victory To Durham

10:13pm Sunday 26th September 2010 in TADEA Middlesbrough Lions

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Durham Wildcats 79-77 TADEA Middlesbrough Lions
TADEA Middlesbrough Lions completed their first competitive game of the season, missing out on a big win at Durham Wildcats when a scrambled shot from Adam Henderson in the last second beat the buzzer to provide a 2pt victory to the home team. The game brought both the best and worst from TADEA Lions as they went as much as 9pts down in the first half to 12pts ahead with just five minutes remaining. A string of four significant errors by the Lions ultimately cost them the game but despite the dramatic loss, the entire team were optimistic ahead of the new season.

TADEA Lions star man; Tom Robinson stated after the game “We deserved to win today and we had it well within our grasp. Too many turnovers cost us the game but we have shown that we will be a major force this season.” Robinson’s claims were backed up in the stats as Middlesbrough recorded a massive 25 turnovers to just 7 from Durham. These errors overshadowed what was at times a great display of basketball from the Teessider’s.

In every other category Middlesbrough dominated including rebounds 52 to 32, assists 20 to 12 and blocks 4 to 1. TADEA Lions unveiled a new signing in 6’6” forward; Robert Wright and the athletic big man proved his value to the team with an all round good performance.

The game began with Richy Summerbell scoring 4pts, either side of a Dean Hanson lay up, for the Wildcats. Robinson then provided Lions with the lead, although in the fifth minute the home side embarked on a 13-0 run to go 19-08 in front. Adam Henderson was controlling the game well for Durham during this period. With one minute left Robinson saved Lions blushes with another two baskets to halt the run and Rob Parsons converted an athletic lay up to bring the visitors within 5pts, 19-14.

The second quarter was a slow start with Warriner missing two free throws but then firing a big 3-pointer. Durham Big man; James Anderson powered through the key for 2pts but it was TADEA Lions who gained momentum through John Ford and in particular Matt Taylor who produced two nice moves, the second earning a trip to the foul line to convert both free throws. In the sixth minute; Middlesbrough took the lead through a free throw from Warriner. The free throw conversion rate was not good with 3 of 8 in the last four minutes. In the ninth minute with the 24sec clock running down, Warriner hit a big 3-pointer to provide a further boost to the Lions charge. Another charge from Wildcat’s Chambers took the gloss of Middlesbrough’s good play and the game would finish tied 31-31 at the half time buzzer.

TADEA Lions quickly developed a 5pt lead in the third quarter via Warriner, Wright & Parsons although Durham were reluctant to stay down as Luke Watson hit a 3-pointer and when Chambers slammed home a few minutes later they were 44-41 ahead. The Wildcats were now in foul trouble and TADEA Lions new star Wright drew to big fouls to claim 4 free throws, although the big man made only 2 of 4. The momentum though was again with Middlesbrough and in the last minute they charged ahead with 9pts including a big 3 from Ryon Dixon to build a 5pt lead at the end of the third period, 47-52.

In the fourth quarter Dixon hit another 3 and John Ford charged to the basket, drawing a foul for the successful “And 1” play, catapulting Lions 47-58 into the lead. The game was on a knife edge and Durham came to within 5pts through Chambers & Summerbell, but Lions replied in convincing fashion through Wright who had just missed four shots. Dixon & Warriner then pushed Lions 12pts in front but some major personal errors were in store for TADEA Lions and their inability to hold a comfortable lead would lead to an edge of the seat climax to a great and entertaining game. Robinson would miss a lay up, Warriner gave away the ball and committed a foul which led to an ‘And 1’ for Summerbell and Dixon would commit a silly foul to lose possession. In any other game a maximum of one significant error could be forgiven, but to have had four effectively handed a lifeline to Durham. Despite giving away a 12pt lead and almost handing the game to Wildcats, somehow Middlesbrough were still in the game and with just second remaining could have led the game into overtime but a scrambled shot from Henderson dashed those hopes and brought delight to the home team.

TADEA Lions coach; James Thomson struggled to digest the game adding “We showed flashes of brilliance mixed in with school boy errors and man for man we were better and deserving of the win. Its not easy to accept that WE lost the game as opposed to Durham winning. 25 turn-over’s and four major errors in last two minutes is unacceptable. The only positive; and it’s a major one, is that we looked superb at times. I am very optimistic for the rest of our season.”

"I also want to pay tribute to players such as Anthony Humes & Rob Parsons who had limited time in this game, due to others playing well, but were very much part of the game from the side."

The TADEA Lions also had more star performers with Tom Robinson claiming 22pts, 9 rebounds & 9 assists, almost a triple-double. Big man Dean Hanson collected 15 rebounds & 4 blocks while new man Robert Wright enjoyed a double-double on his debut with 14pts & 11 rebounds although hats must be tipped for Durham’s Sam Chambers marking the sheet with 32pts, 9 rebounds & 5 steals to edge Robinson for the MVP award.

Top Scorers
TADEA Lions: Robinson 22, Wright 14, Warriner 13, Dixon 10, Ford 7
Wildcats: Chambers 32, Summerbell 16, Anderson 10, Graham 9, Henderson 9

Top Rebounders
TADEA Lions: Hanson 15, Wright 11, Robinson 9, Dixon 5, Taylor 5
Wildcats: Chambers 9, Anderson 8, Henderson 5

Top Assists
TADEA Lions: Robinson 9, Ford 4, Warriner 4
Wildcats: Henderson 4, Summerbell 4

TADEA Middlesbrough Lions now prepare for the visit of Warrington Wolves this Sunday at Eston Sports Academy. The Lions are looking to learn the mistakes of this game and are promising an entertaining and determined performance in their first League game. The game begins at 4pm and spectators are asked to be seated by 3.30pm. Tickets are just £3 children, £4 adults & £12 Family. The game will also provide the TADEA Lions fans with their first opportunity to see new signing; Robert Wright. For more details call 01642 814221 or visit www.middlesbroughlions.co.uk