[27 MAR 10] CRUSADER NEWS

 Leicester Warriors (44) 101

Coventry Crusaders (29) 65

Match reaction from this weekends games.

By Adam Manning

COVENTRY CRUSADERS suffered back to back defeats at Leicester and Bristol at the weekend to almost guarantee Scott Neely’s troops a tenth place finish in Division One for the 2009/10 season.

The return of captain John Olinger and a top score of 14 from the fit again Kane Hudson were the only consolations in a 101-65 demolition at Leicester on Saturday, before an “improved performance” on Sunday at in form Bristol saw Crusaders lose 88-60.

Playing two play-off sides in the space of 48 hours was never going to be easy for Neely’s men, and the head coach was disappointed that his players didn’t fight off the temptation to relax at a time when the side are safe from relegation yet unable to win any silverware.

“The mental approach to the last couple of games has not been good.” Neely said.  “It seems to be challenging for our players at the moment having not made the play-offs and not in threat of relegation to focus and finish well.”

Neely was left to rue his side’s poor offensive exploits which saw numerous rebounding opportunities missed in both games, something that hasn’t helped a side that has conceded a gamely average of 92 points on the road amid four double digit losses.

“We are missing shots that we should make” admitted Neely.  “Especially close shots or layups that we sometimes rush from defence, and then 'over-shoot' or power the ball up and there isn't any foul called.”

“On both nights our opponents took advantage of poor offense and turnovers from our side leading to their easy scores, as well as them doing a great job on the offensive rebounds. Both Leicester and Bristol have big strong players that fight for the rebounds and we didn't match that.”

Crusaders never got into their stride Saturday afternoon, falling swiftly behind and ending the first quarter 20-7 down as the deficit gradually increased the longer the game went on, something which the  head coach put down to confidence.

“At Leicester we were not focused from the outset. When shots were not falling from the beginning this set the tone and we couldn't regain confidence. Defensively we didn't do well getting back and Leicester made us pay by pushing the ball up court and getting easy scores and fouls.”

The following day Neely claimed his side put on an “improved performance” against National Trophy champions Bristol, who had won their previous ten games prior to the clash. Yet again though, Crusaders found the clinical standard set by Andreas Kapoulas’s’ men too hot to handle.

“A big key for Bristol dominating the game was their offensive rebounding and three point shooting. In the first half they made 50 per cent of their three pointers, and when they did miss they were able to snatch offensive rebounds and get too many second and even third opportunities to score. Bristol are playing well right now and have had a great run in the second half of the season.”

Coventry finish their 2009/10 season in the north east as they take on eleventh place Tees Valley Mohawks this Saturday evening (6:30pm).

 

Quarter Scores: 20-7, 24-22, 21-17, 36-19.

 

 

Crusaders top scorers: Stephen Danso 14, Kane Hudson 14, Dave Edden 12.

 

Warriors top scorers: Kathan 19, Martin 15, Francis 15.

 

 

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