By James Bourne:
Coventry Crusaders head coach Scott Neely reflected on both positive and
negative aspects of his side’s performance in the narrow defeat to
Manchester Magic.
Neely said: “I think it was really helpful that they had [Brandon]
Kimbrough back, but it’s one of those that when you look at what looks
like small things throughout the course of the match, they end up being
big things. Offensive rebounds here, some turnovers from us.
“In one sense I’m pleased but it’s again about that consistent, playing
committed and fighting for it for the whole forty minutes and against a
team like Manchester, you have to do that.”
Talking about the tactics he put up for the game, Neely said: “What we
wanted to do, for the whole game but especially at the end, was make
someone other than their main guys, Stefan Gill, David Watts, and
Brandon Kimbrough to beat us.
“Unfortunately we over-rotated a couple of times instead of letting
those other guys that are not used to making the shots for them try and
make those decisions. That’s something we made a mistake in,” he added.
Magic head coach Jeff Jones said he was “frustrated more than unhappy”
at his side’s performance in the opening quarter, but stated that the
win was “exceptionally important.”
Jones said: “I’m trying to be patient with Brandon [Kimbrough]. The
style of play we like, and when he’s 100%, for us to score 11 points
normally takes two or three minutes, not 10.
“I was disappointed with people passing up what they do well, Stefan
passing up threes to try and do something else,” he added.
Jones also said that his side’s trip to the Sports Centre was always
going to be tough, saying: “All credit to Coventry, they’ve
strengthened. They’ve got two guys who can score regularly, as well as
the two Americans.
“Guys were making shots and it was a tough game, and we’re lucky to get
out with a win.
“I thought it was going to be tough. I don’t think
their last couple of games were an indication, because they were
under-strength as well. I think people coming in here not ready to play
will be surprised.”
Crusaders next home match is on the 21st
March when they face
Leeds Carnegie, tip-off is 4.00pm at the
Coventry Sports Centre.
.gif)
