Middlesbrough Lions basketball match report

Lions Keep Chase Alive For 7th Place!

at Eston Sports Academy, Middlesbrough 21/02/10

photos by Wayne Beadle, PK4images

Middlesbrough Lions 79-73 Liverpool

Middlesbrough Lions made it two wins in a row with the season double over Liverpool in the National League. A good crowd turned out to cheer the Lions to a 6pt victory and they were treated to blasts of brilliance and at other times some frustrating periods as the Middlesbrough side tempted fate by not putting the game beyond the visitors when they had opportunities. Instead of building a 20+ lead which looked likely in the early stages, Lions seemed destined to keep the game exciting for the fans

The game started with new captain, Damian Warriner converting a fast break lay up and within seconds Lions were 5-0 up after Ryon Dixon hit a trademark 3-pointer. Niall Mullen was a known threat for Liverpool and he set into his stride early on with a clever move inside the key. Lions defence though was smothering as Warriner, Dixon and Thomson worked tirelessly to force Liverpool into a number of mistakes. In the third minute, Dixon picked the pocket of John Lavery and continued to the basket for the easy bucket. Player/coach James Thomson then got in on the act with a strong drive and a well timed 3-pointer to take a 12-6 lead. Warriner disappointed with three missed lay ups which could have increased the lead but made amends with his defensive tenacity. Youngster; Jordan Nicholls entered the game for Lions and hit a 3-pointer while big Dean Hanson finished off the quarter for Lions with a strong cut to the basket off a Dixon pass. A late 3-pointer from Mullen would remind the home team not too relax, although the Lions were well in charge 23-15.

The second quarter witnessed a terrible start for Lions as Mullen inspired an 11-3 run to shock Middlesbrough into an early time out. With the scores now at 28-28 Liverpool were gaining momentum and whilst the Lions never looked likely to lose, they would submit their lead as in the ninth minute a 3-pointer from Alan Hardman would take the scores to 32-33. Lee Norton converted two free throws and Rob Parsons grabbed a last second rebound for the put back to put Lions 3pts ahead at half time, 33-36.

Middlesbrough resumed normal service in the third quarter as they outscored Liverpool 23-15. Dean Hanson in only his second game after a 10 week injury lay off was again proving his value as the big 7 footer controlled the defence as his big frame changed opposition shots. Hanson made an impressive 3 blocks in the game and joined in the offence with Lee Norton to form an 8-0 run. Mullen was again the problem for Lions as the Liverpool forward plundered points inside the paint. Lavery was also useful on the perimeter as the veteran nailed two 3-pointers, which from Lions perspective were cancelled out by Norton’s brace of 3’s. In similar fashion Parsons would again grab the rebound and put back in the final seconds to produce the 11pt lead, 48-59.

Andrew Marshall opened the third quarter with a powerful move to the hoop and this was followed by shots from Norton and Nicholls to take the largest lead of the game at 17pts. Still, Lions could not contain Mullen as he halted Lions run with 6pts of his own. The lead was then cut to 10 after a big 3-pointer from veteran guard Mark Jones. The game would finish in frantic fashion as Liverpool produced a 12-4 run to take the shine of what should have been a more flattering victory for Middlesbrough.

Niall Mullen was the danger man for Liverpool, top scoring with 30pts and was a strong candidate for MVP with superb stats including 14 rebounds, 8 assists & 2 blocks though he was let down by 8 turnovers and 10 of 22 from the floor. With 29pts, 7 rebounds & 3 assists, Lions guard Lee Norton was awarded the honour as the guard returned to true form after a dip this last month.

For Lions, Warriner missing nine shots from the floor hurt the team, especially considering the powerful guard is usually the player you want to charge the fast break. Three early misses and un-contested ones seemed to set the stall for a poor game by his usual standards. The rest of the team though rallied behind their new captain and produced enough to take the win. The way the game unravelled may actually be a blessing in disguise as Lions have been handed a reminder that no game is easy and although its two wins in a row, Sonics will be no pushover next week and Middlesbrough will have to be on their toes with every player required to play at the top of their games. There are not many more players who will work so hard to ensure mistakes are rectified for the next game than Warriner and if all players give 80% of the tenacity emitted from their captain, a third win could be on the cards.

Top scorers
Lions: Norton 29, Dixon 11, Thomson 8, Warriner 8, Nicholls 7, Parsons 6
Liverpool: Mullen 30, Sahel 14, Jones 12