Men's National Cup - Coventry shocked by Birmingham
in round one
By Dave Ryan
Coventry Crusaders were the major casualties of the National Cup
first round as they suffered a shock loss against Birmingham Mets.
The Crusaders also went out against lower division opposition last
season, and saw their cup dreams end with a 61-59 overtime loss at
their Division Four neighbours.
Jon Olinger led Coventry for the second time in as many days with 33
points, but he was the only player in double figures.
Birmingham, led by 11 Singh points, led 10-8 after a tight first
period, and the low scoring continued in the second quarter as the
hosts went into the break with a 21-18 lead. The visiting Crusaders
looked to have taken control of the game as they went into the
fourth period with a 46-41 lead, but Mets fought back to level the
game at 57 and send it into overtime.
Points were also at a premium in the extra period, but Mets shaded
it 4-2 to progress to the second round where neighbours Birmingham
A’s await them.
Quarter Scores: 10-8, 11-10, 20-28,
16-11, (OT) 4-2.
Crusaders top scorers: John Olinger
33, Simon Payne 7, Dave Edden 6.
Birmingham top scorers:
Singh 11.
Crusaders next home match is on the 10th
October when they face Taunton Tigers, tip-off is 7.30pm at the
Coventry Sports Centre.
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