Kent Crusaders Division 2 Men’s side booked their place in the Patrons Cup semi-final with a 71-64 win over London Greenhouse at City Sport London on Saturday afternoon.

The win means Kent finished 2-0 in their pool to finish top, as they managed to fend off a plucky Greenhouse side who remaining within reach until the dying seconds.

“It was great to win today and progress into the semi-final,” commented Kent Head Coach Lloyd Gardner.

“We have beaten two good teams in Pioneers and Ipswich, and of course to have the opportunity to play for a spot in the final later in the season is an excellent opportunity for us.

“Having said that we will have to improve our performances going forward, we know that we need to play better and be more consistent with the quality that we are putting on the floor. The players have been working hard though, so I’m confident that will come in time.”

Dan Akin was active inside on his way to 15 points, whilst Obi Agu had 14 and Amin Adamu 10 on his season’s debut.
Crusaders await to find out who they will face in the semi-final.

 

Kent Crusaders advanced to the third round of the National Cup with a 44-68 win over partner club Barking Abbey on Sunday afternoon at Barking Abbey Leisure Centre.

In a game that pitted two predominantly academy player teams against one another, it was Crusaders who struck first, setting the tone from the opening tip at both ends of the floor to get an early lead which they would extend in each period to cruise to a 24 point win.

“Today I thought we took steps in the right direction,” said Kent Head Coach Lloyd Gardner.

“It was a strange situation for us playing BA and the scout advantages that they obviously had knowing our systems and personnel so well. But we were engaged defensively for long stretches and I felt like we were a couple of makes away from putting in a really solid performance.”

Tim Shodipo led Crusaders with 19, whilst Dan Akin and Amin Adamu finished with 8 each.

“Today was tough playing against players we know and a system that both teams run,” said BA Head Coach James Vear, who used to coach Crusaders earlier in his career.

“It was good for us to see the level at which the Division 2 team play. It has shown us we need to continue to work hard, especially at practice to get closer to that level.”

Josh Ogundele led BA with 9 and Sam Wilson had 7.

Kent now await to find out who they will face in the next round.

Picture supplied by Sam Neter.