Middlesbrough Lions returned
from Merseyside this weekend
with the all important win on
top off the last two good
performances with a crushing
29pt defeat of Liverpool. The
long awaited win pushes Lions up
the table into 8th place with
the Middlesbrough outfit aiming
for at least three wins from the
next four games.
Despite the large winning
margin, Liverpool started the
better side as Niall Mullen
claimed the first basket through
a low post spin followed by
veteran Paul O’Brien with a
close range shot and speedy
guard running a fast break for a
6-0 start. It would take Lions
four minutes to mark the sheet
via a single free throw from Lee
Norton but by the sixth minute
Lions were tying 8-8. Liverpool
struck again with O’Brien
proving a threat even at the age
of 47 though two big 3’s from
Norton and Ryon Dixon provided a
comfortable cushion which Lions
maintained despite a late 3 from
John Lavery. A great pull-up
jump shot from Norton on the
baseline signalled a 17-20 score
line at the end of the first in
favour of the visitors.
In the second quarter, Michael
Peddie was introduced with
dramatic effect as the young
spark plug wreaked havoc on the
Liverpool defence. Even when not
finishing the drive Peddie had
the presence of mind to find the
open team mate. After his first
basket, Parsons followed in with
a great rebound and put back and
in the third minute; 7’1 Dean
Hanson began a memorable
performance with an ‘And 1’ play
after being fouled on the shot,
although the big man missed the
bonus. Lions now moved 11pts
clear with another Peddie drive.
O’Brien did his best to stem the
flow with 15 foot jumper but
Liverpool’s next two offensive
plays would be returned with big
blocks from Acho Anyigbo and
Hanson, Anyigbo would finish the
game with an incredible 5
blocks.
In the eighth minute, Anyigbo
rose to the hoop and managed to
convert despite being fouled for
the ‘And 1’ but free throws were
again proving a problem. This
time though Hanson was quickest
off the mark to claim the
rebound and put back, Hanson
establishing himself as a useful
offensive option in addition to
the great defensive presence in
this game. Damian Warriner was
the catalyst in Lions first half
performance and was again
involved in a late 10-2 run for
his 10th point. Ryon Dixon
produced a clever one handed put
back to round off a great first
half, ahead by 15, 29-44.
The early stages of the third
quarter saw Lions return to a
sloppy fouling period which sent
Alan Hardman and Mullan to the
line, unfortunately for the home
side, both failed to connect and
the lack of confidence which was
growing in the Liverpool ranks
was pounced upon by Lions as
Hanson instigated a 15-2 run to
push Middlesbrough 28pts clear,
33-61. Hanson’s powerful basket
was followed by a spectacular
breakaway dunk which brought a
healthy following of Lions
supporters to their feet. Hygin
Mputeya was excellent in this
period as the athletic guard
made amends for an earlier
missed dunk with a sweet drive
and a nice 3 pointer.
Niall Mullan halted the run for
Liverpool but this would
represent the home team’s third
basket of the quarter equating
to just 6pts. Lions smothering
defence was at times awe
inspiring and at the end of the
period, Middlesbrough were
streets ahead, 35-63.
Liverpool produced their best
period in the final quarter as
they held Lions to just 16,
their lowest of the game whilst
hitting 15 themselves. Chris
Helsby cam alive in this quarter
with 11pts after scoring just
2pts in the previous three
quarters. Helsby also converted
5 of 6 free throws as Lions
switched off. Warriner finished
with 14pts after an early ‘And
1’ play but his free throws
again left a little to be
desired after missing all three
attempts in the game. Still to
take the shine of his missed
free throws were an
uncharacteristic seven missed
lay ups with the tenacious guard
adding after the game “I
guarantee that will not happen
again, I think I had another
good game but am disappointed at
missing out on another 14pts for
my team.”
In the third minute, Peddie
drove down the middle of the
paint for the tear drop which
sailed into the basket and this
led to both teams trading
baskets. In the seventh minute
Anyigbo was afforded two more
dunks although both were
cancelled by the referees for
travelling violations.
Shortly after, Dean Hanson
leaped to block Helsby and came
off worse as the big man landed
awkwardly on his ankle and
picked up a foul. This resulted
in the 7’1, 23 stone centre
immobilised on the court in
extreme pain which brought a
sour conclusion to a great
personal display. After a five
minute delay the entire Lions
team had to pick up Hanson and
place him on to a wheelchair.
Adel Sahel hit Liverpool’s last
basket in the tenth minute to
reduce their deficit to 25 but
Peddie and Anyigbo followed in
with late baskets to secure a
29pt victory, 50-79.
Middlesbrough enjoyed a great
game, something they have been
threatening to do in every game
apart from the Durham mishap.
Every Lions player enjoyed good
court time and all marked the
score sheet with a good spread
of scoring. The games top scorer
was Lee Norton with 24pts
although there were a number of
candidates for the MVP as
Anyigbo collected 8pts, 13
rebounds, 3 steals and an
incredible 5 blocks. Dean Hanson
gave his best display of the
season with 6pts, 11 rebounds &
3 blocks. Damian Warriner was
again the heart beat of the
team, but seven missed lay ups
cost the guard and in the end
excellent, high percentage
shooting from Lee Norton along
with 3 rebounds and 3 steals
earned the award. Norton made a
superb contribution with 5 of 8
field goals, 3 of 7 three
pointers and 3 of 4 free throws.
For Liverpool Paul O'Brien was a
constant threat, using his
experience well.
Top scorers
Lions:
Norton 24,
Warriner 14, Anyigbo 8, Peddie
8, Mputeya 7, Hanson 6, Parsons
6, Dixon 5, Thomson 1
Liverpool:
O'Brien 16, Helsby 13, Mullan
10, Sahel 4, Steel 4, Hardman 3
