Crusaders (41) 79

Tees Valley Mohawks(31)56

The Crusaders welcomed Tees Valley Mohawks to the Coventry Sports Centre on Saturday in an EBL Division One League match.  

The Mohawks took an early lead in the game and had a strong first quarter, while the Crusaders started slow. At the end of the first quarter Tees Valley had a respectable 11 points lead with Crusaders barely managing 10 points. (10-21) 

Coach Dip Donaldson made a few subs in order to try and change things up for Coventry. Crusaders shooting guard Rick Solvason came off the bench to shoot the Crusaders into the lead.   

Crusaders half time lead 41-31 was all they needed to pull away in the 3^rd quarter to put the game out of reach.

Tees Valley, after their promising start, on the other hand, had two dismal quarters, scoring only 15 points in those 20 minutes. 

Crusaders took full advantage of Tees Valley’s poor play, and capitalized on the lead they had while four Crusaders players scored in double figures – the first time that has happened in a while. They ended up with their first league win this season 79-56. 

“ It was good to see our shot come back at home, I hope it can continue,” said Donaldson.  "The home crowd got to see some fine basketball, and their first win at home this season."

Crusaders Scorers: Spare 2, Owen 2, Donaldson 4, Baynes Clarke 9, Hall 9, Neely 10, Solvason 12, Twierdzinski 13, Oatman 18

Tees Valley Scorers: Marshall 1, Tebo 1, Colmer 3, Thompson 5, Cankovic 7, Dabiri 9, Alemano 14, Adu 16