Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Crusaders in final despite loss
Basketball
Crusaders slipped to a second play-off loss to their local rivals University of Kent but due to other results going their way, they survive to qualify for the East Kent League Basketball final despite the 57-31 defeat.
Going into the game missing three of their regular starters – Danielle Muckian, Emma Loane and Sam Sauriol – Crusaders already knew they had a tough game ahead of them.
Despite the trio’s absence, Crusaders started well with Lisa Martin and Sonya Hood hitting the target from the wings and, when Benita Palmer scored from the top of the key, they briefly took the lead at 9-8.
However, UKC responded with a three pointer from Kiki Gilbert and when Ashealle Cameron nailed a shot on the buzzer, the students went in at the end of the first quarter 13-10 up.
The second quarter saw the teams exchange baskets and in the sixth minute consecutive scores from Takako Watters and Becky Cowling saw Crusaders draw level at 18-18.
The game remained close with just a single point separating the teams with two minutes remaining.
However, Crusaders failed to score again, while Cameron and Sophia Koch took their chances to give the University a five-point half-time advantage.
The third quarter was a total disaster for Crusaders who were nearly shut out for the entire period.
The students went to town as Crusaders struggled to cope with their inside game.
Tapie Maswela and Kg Banjoko dominated close to the boards and Bianca Parades and Koch penetrated the zone to make 22 points without a single reply.
It wasn’t until the final minute of the quarter that Watters finally broke through for Crusaders but it was of little consolation – the quarter ended with them 27 points adrift.
The game as good as over but in the final quarter, Crusaders went with a full court press which caused the University to turn the ball over time and again.
Effy Panayiotou opened the scoring and Sophie Moseley scored from the free throw line to make a slight inroad into the deficit.
The highlight for Crusaders was Angel Lo-pon, who led by example with an inspired fourth quarter and her delight in knocking down her two free shots was evident in her celebrations.
Crusaders brought on 15- year- old Summer Stead and she showed great confidence in her debut game, highlighted by intercepting a pass and taking the ball from the halfway line and scoring a lay-up despite the pressure from the University defence.
However, despite taking the quarter 11-8, Crusaders were unable to make up for the third quarter nightmare and went down 57-31.
Coach Graham Jones said: “I’m at a loss to explain the third quarter, we couldn’t make our shots and we paid the price. We will be back to full strength for the final and be ready for the challenge.” Crusaders: E Panayiotou, A Lo-pon, S Hood, B Palmer, L Martin, S Moseley, T Watters, B Cowling, S Stead.
The East Kent League Basketball Cup finals day takes place on Saturday, May 6, at Canterbury College Sports centre in New Dover Road.
Matches: Tip-off 10am – women’s 3rd/4th play-off, Herne Bay v Folkestone Saints.
Tip-off noon – men’s plate final between winners of the semi-finals, Thanet Lions v UKC B and Folkestone Saints v Ashford.
Tip-off 2pm – Grove Cup, women’s final, Canterbury Christ Church University v Canterbury Crusaders.
Tip off 4pm – Adrian Cook Cup, men’s final between winners of the semi-finals, Christ Church v UKC A and Herne Bay A v Whitstable.