Coventry Crusaders (34) 72 London Capitals (38) 107

The Crusaders Crash out of the Cup

Coventry Crusaders enjoyed success Saturday night, but could not repeat their performance on Sunday, resulting in their exit from the National Cup competition. 

London Capitals overpowered Crusaders in the second half, going on to turn the first half competition into a second half blitz. 

Crusaders first several minutes started promising with a three pointer from Scott Neely and two baskets by Sam Oatman, but that was the end of the optimistic start. 

Capitals’ Gariba hit five baskets accompanied by several from Saunders and two 3 pointers thrown in by Marlo Saunders and they were well away 24-11 by the end of the first quarter. 

Crusaders changed their defence in the second quarter, and forced Capitals to slow down the pace of their game, enabling Crusaders the time they needed to compose themselves and get back into the competition. 

It worked for the home side, and Capitals struggled to score 14 points in the 2^nd, while Crusaders managed to come within four points of them by half time 34-38. 

As happens so many times with Crusaders, the second half was like a totally different game.  The Capitals had, evidently, had enough of the slow pace. It was as if they needed to make up for lost time, and they went on to score 69 points in the half, leaving the Crusaders farther and farther behind. 

Crusaders American point guard Sam Oatman, who had collected 20 personal points, fouled out of the game in the third period, leaving Neely the job of bringing up the ball.   

It did give Coventry youngster Roy Owen some valuable court time, however, and he proved that he could hold his own very well.  Owen scored 10 points, 8 of which were in the final quarter and player/coach Donaldson was pleased with his efforts.

 “It’s great to see young local talent come through the city and the programme and perform like Owen did tonight. He has got to be pleased with himself.  All the hard work and practise is paying off for him and he’s getting his chance now. Owen continues to do the things I ask him to, he fills his role well, and his confidence continues to grow. It’s great to watch.” 

It was Capitals’ Marlo Saunders night, overall, as he top scored with 30 points including 6 three pointers, and leads his team on to the semis of the National Cup. Capitals have played four games in the tournament now, and sailed through each of them with ease.  Their next opponents need be aware; they are a hungry team. 

Donaldson’s review of the game told Crusaders sad story.

 “In the first half we played solid team defence, although offensively we weren’t very patient and they forced us to take quick shots which becomes a bad habit very fast. We were rushing things, not taking the time we know we need to make a good shot, so shots went astray.

 Against a team like London Capitals you just can’t do that. You don’t get too many second shot opportunities. 

Our third quarter started badly with our first seven possessions turning into five turnovers. We didn’t stick to the game plan, didn’t stay composed and missed far too many easy baskets.”

Crusaders will be playing on Friday in the BBL cup against Chester Jets (away) and will be home again on Sat. 2^nd Dec. at the Coventry Sports Centre – tip off 7:30 pm when they face Northampton Neptunes.

Crusaders Scorers: Spare 2, Neely 8, Owen 10, Donaldson 13, Twierdzinski 19, Oatman 20.

London Capitals: Harris 4, Ugabana 5, Mumuni 6, Nyeko 6, DaSilva 7, Saunders 14, Laws 14, Gariba 21, Marlo Saunders 30.