Lions Enjoy Dominant Win Over Durham
Teesside Lions 93-61 Durham
Teesside Lions continued their impressive pre-season progress with a dominant with over Durham University at Eston leisure Centre.
It was the visitors, however, that began the better with a 6-0 run instigated by 6’8” Austrian forward David Clark who converted a nice mid-range jump shot.
Thomas Wylie and Justin Loblack responded for Lions the latter from a great pass by captain Tommy Devitt, but Durham were showing their value as Balay Abrahams hit a long 3-pointer to extend their lead to 7pts.
In the seventh minute Lions began to find their feet as Alex Parr hit a 3-pointer to bring the score within 1pt, 11-12. Teesside then took the lead through a nice drive and finish from high scoring Matt Hughes and would not look back.
The final play of the first period was highlighted with an impressive drive and spin finish by Anthony Reed to take.
This then developed into a 12pt lead at the half. Hughes an early contender for player of the game as he hit nine consecutive points. Coach Steutel also showing his worth as he drew up a play with seven seconds remaining that resulted in a buzzer-beating 3-pointer from Devitt.
An injury to Durham star Kieran Man was a severe blow to Durham as the skilful point guard dislocated his wrist in the first quarter and unsettled the team.
Teesside continued to dominate the third quarter with Loblack and Jack Wilson working hard for the cause at both ends of the court. Both players epitomising the work ethic Coach Steutel demands from his players.
For Durham, Orin Varley was the stand-out performer as he continued to plough a furrow for the visitors. Lions were able to provide good time for junior pair Dan Millican and Josh Thomson, both players marking the scoresheet joining all but one for the home team.
The fourth quarter saw Lions generate their biggest lead of 36pts aided by a bruising four minutes of play as Loblack led the way inside the paint along with 3’s from Wylie and Anthony Reed. As the game drew to a close 16 year old Millican hit a 3 and 17 year old Thomson was fouled on a 3, sending him to the free throw line to convert 2/3 attempts.
Varley showed a resilient determination as he hit his teams final 6pts on his way to a game high 23pts.
The game MVP was awarded to Alex Parr who hit 13pts, 8 assists & 7 rebounds with an overall efficiency score of 25.
Lions now prepare for their final pre-season game against one of the best young teams in Division Three as Myerscough travel to Eston this coming Sunday with a 14:30 tip.
Spectators can take advantage of a 50% discount on ticket prices which can be purchased at TeessideLions.com
This offer will end Friday 24th September.
Tickets must be purchased in advance to allow the club to cater for the attendance in accordance with venue & government covid guidelines.
Following this event, Teesside then turn their attention to the second round of the National Cup at Eston on 10th October against Division Two outfit Derbyshire Arrows. The winner of this round earning a high profile encounter with Division One Newcastle University in the third round.
