The Bupa Crusaders play off run has ended at the hands of the Worthing Thunder Rebels.

The Crusaders played the first half with the type of heart and determination which has been a trademark of the club’s comebacks this season.

Kevin Penny started the game off with a big 3 pointer on his first shot, and the rest of his team mates followed suit with some great teamwork. Mark Bradbury, Matt Donaldson and Colin Rhooms played their hearts out during the first half - it was their most passionate performance all season, and led the Crusaders into a two point advantage at half time 46-44.

The Crusaders tried hard to keep up the pace in the second half, led by Derrick Pope with 25 points. The Worthing team kept consistent pressure on the Crusaders and finally the turnovers began.

Worthing started running with easy scores. Bupa Crusaders Coach Dip Donaldson said:

“Our game plan was to control the pace of the game, but our early mistakes in the second half cost us dearly. You have got to hand it to Worthing; they have been the second best team all year. They know how to win and they do that well.”

The top scorer for Worthing Thunder Rebels was Sean Hampton with 35 points. The high scoring American forward was unstoppable. He was the All Star MVP in Coventry last weekend, and again in the quarter-final. He was just too much to handle.

Now the Bupa Crusaders will start rebuilding for next season. Donaldson said:

"I have already started looking for new players to add to our team, to complement the foundation of players we already have.

"We have our first SkyDome game on Monday 15 May at 7 pm against Rice University from Houston, Texas, USA. The game will have a number of guest players playing for Crusaders who I will be looking at as potential players for next season.

"This has not been one of our best seasons, but I am a winner, so I am starting to rebuild right now. Why cry over spilt milk? I look forward to the challenge of bringing in new players to help us win again.”

For ticket information for the game with Rice University v Crusaders All Stars phone the basketball office on 024 76 811759.
  

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