Sat 13th January: London United bounce back to bite the MK Lions..

Saturday 13th January, 2007

BBL CHAMPIONSHIP

London United 92-86 Milton Keynes Lions  

QUARTERSCORES:

23-20, 49-46, 70-72, 92-86

GAME TOP SCORERS:

London United

(Tarick Johnson 25, Chris Haslam 20, Marcus Knight 18, Marlin Capers 17, Junior Willams 7, Sam Stiller 3, Laurent Irish 1)

MK Lions (Michael New 25, Shawn Jamison 15, Ronnie Baker 13, Robert Youngblood 12, Tpny Windless 8, Peter Heizer 6, Kevin Griffin 4, Drew Spinks 3, Terrell Brown 0, Daniel Witczak 0)

London United produced one of their best team performances of the season as they defeated Milton Keynes Lions at home for the second time. Veteran Sam Stiller played his second game for United in 3 days to assist an injured Junior Williams at point guard. Williams responded by putting in one of his best performances so far to help steer United to victory.

Without Terrell Brown due to a severe boil on his shoulder, the Lions started with Ronnie Baker, Dru Spinks, Tony Windless, Mike New and Shawn Jamison. The home side opened the scoring with a point from the line from Marcus Knight before New and Windless followed by Spinks three had the Lions up 1-7. United rallied and took the lead on a flurry of points from Marlin Capers who hit 10 in the quarter including two from behind the arc assisted by 10 more from GB Internationals Chris Haslam and Tarick Johnson. Jamison responded with 9 in a row for Milton Keynes before Robert Youngblood hit two scores off the bench to leave his side down three at the end of the first, 23-20.

After Capers heroics in the first quarter it was the turn of Tarick Johnson to carry United, he hit an amazing 16 points in the quarter as he single-handedly stopped the Lions from pulling away. Baker landed a three, Windless dunked on the run, Jamison wheeled inside but basket after basket from improbable positions from Johnson kept the hosts noses in front as the half ended 49-46 in favour of United.

In a game that saw individuals put runs together United had Marcus Knight step up, he hit 11 in the third, 10 of them in a row combined with some fantastic defence, but he was out-scored by Lions New who nailed 15 in the quarter knocking down jumpers all over the floor. This coupled with Peter Heizer shutting down Johnson soon saw the Lions lead 66-68, the teams exchanged baskets and it was still the visitors by two 70-72 at the end of three.

There was nothing between the two teams as the fourth progressed. They exchanged threes including a trey from NBA range courtesy of 42 year old Sam Stiller before the game was tied by Junior Williams for United 80-80 half way through. United sneaked ahead 84-80 before Heizer and Baker combined to tie at 84. A missed United free throw allowed Jamison to give the Lions the lead 85-86 with just over a minute to go. Windless snared a missed rebound but as the Lions advanced the ball it came off Baker, United converted another offensive rebound which led to Williams hitting another jumper, suddenly it was 89-86 with 14 seconds to play, Windless released a three but it fell short and subsequent fouls allowed United to reel off the victory 92-86.

This was a great team win for United at the end of a difficult week that saw the Hackney-based outfit part company with Phil Perre. But with a replacement hopefully coming in shortly and Bryant Feggins finally scheduled to return, Head Coach Tony Garbelotto feels confident of a good second half of the season and play-off place assured.

United travel to Newcastle Eagles this coming Friday night and then entertain Leicester Riders at SPACe on Saturday, a team they have already beaten twice this season.

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