The Medway Park Crusaders broke a 5 game losing streak in style with a convincing win over the PAWS London Capitals 77-40.

The win achieved two significant milestones for Crusaders.  Not only was it their first ever National Trophy win, but it also equalled the club’s record for the fewest points allowed in a game, equalling a record set in a Cup game against Sevenoaks in 2007.

Fittingly, the match was also a milestone for Crusaders head coach James Vear as he became the third coach to coach 50 senior games for the club.

Medway Park opened the game by scoring the first 4 points before Capitals scored 4 in a more of their own to level the scores.  This would be the only time the scores were level for the rest of the match as Luke Baker then led the way scoring 9 points in a 17-2 run for the Crusaders.  By the end of the first quarter the lead had reached 26-10.

The second quarter saw more of the same as it was James Harris’ turn to contribute 9 points to a 15-4 run that stretched the lead beyond 20.  By halftime Medway Park was up 46-19.

The third quarter saw Capitals play their best stretch of basketball as the teams traded baskets most of the way.  It proved to be the only quarter Capitals managed more than 10 points in as they edged the quarter 14-13.

The Crusaders domination returned in the fourth quarter, a driving basket by Disareli Lufadeju stretched the lead beyond 30.  Late in the game Canterbury High School academy member Fred Whitehouse and Ibrahim Omer were both given playing opportunities and both made it onto the scoresheet.

It was a real team effort with 5 players in double figures for Medway Park.  6’9 Canadian Joe Schow led the way with a 13 point, 13 rebound and 5 assist effort.  Academy product Kalil Irving returned from injury with a 13 point, 12 rebound double-double.  Captain James Harris scored 13 with Luke Baker adding 11.  Academy product Lufadeju had his best game as a senior point guard posting 10 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and no turnovers.

Not only did the Crusaders hold London to just 40 points but they also dominated the boards out rebounding the Capitals 46-23.

Schow summed up the difference between the night’s performance and the last few games saying, “I felt that we really came together as a team on Saturday.  Coach Vear put a strong emphasis on defence in our training sessions leading up to our match with the Capitals.  I feel like we executed our game plan well.  I think that this is a step in the right direction for us after a few rocky weeks.”

Next week Capitals will return to Medway Park for a rematch in both team’s opening league game.  The Crusaders are hoping to be at full strength with American Adrian Fenyn returning to the lineup.  Fenyn hasn’t featured for the last two weeks for Crusaders as he recovered from a foot injury.

Irving is looking forward to the rematch, “It’s great being back from injury, and with Adrian coming back next week our team will be at full strength.  Playing against Capitals will not be an easy task.  We have to continue to work harder than them and play smart if we are to be victorious.”