Mansfield Giants amass ton of points without their top scorers

Buoyant Mansfield Giants amassed 100 points in their latest National Basketball League match, even though they were without two of their top scorers in a heavily depleted side.
STAR SIGNING -- fresh recruit Medz Lotfian (left) was among the points for rampant Mansfield Giants.STAR SIGNING -- fresh recruit Medz Lotfian (left) was among the points for rampant Mansfield Giants.
STAR SIGNING -- fresh recruit Medz Lotfian (left) was among the points for rampant Mansfield Giants.

Giants were missing star point-guard Calvin Morant Hudson, who was injured, and big man Barry Plummer as they played host to bottom-of-the-table Leeds Force Academy in the Men’s Third Division. But they still romped to an emphatic 100-61 victory after a performance that delighted coach Ian Richards.

“We played very well, especially on the offensive end,” said Richards. “To score 100 points with two of the league’s leading scorers out is impressive to say the least.

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“The display was down to our ball and player movement as we actively looked to find the open and easy options. Our on-the-ball pressure was also good, although we are still lacking in the half-court situation and need to move better while the ball is in the air.

“We now need to prepare for this week’s home fixture against City Of Sheffield Saints. We beat them before the Christmas break, so they will be out for revenge. Tip-off is 6 pm at the Oak Tree Leisure Centre.”

The impact of Giants’ absences was lessened by crisis-hit Leeds turning up with only five players. The hosts soon took advantage by storming into an eight-point lead as Liam Burton scored two from the tip-off with a lay-up, followed by captain Gary Collins leading by example and nailing two back-to-back threes.

Next came 12 points in the first quarter from junior player Keagan Allen, who leapt off the bench with terrific effect, and he was supported by baskets from Jojo Owusu-Ansah and recening signing, point-guard Medz Lotfian to stretch the lead to 28-14 by the end of the first quarter.

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Leeds fought back in the second quarter, which ended 53-34. But the action still featured threes from Owusu-Ansah and Nathan Halstead, plus good work from 6’8” Joe MacDonald and junior Dan Burmiston.

Giants really stepped up the pressure in the third quarter, surging 74-48 ahead, and again in the final quarter when Alaine Adoumbaye compounded the problems for the visitors and brought up the magical ton.

Allan top scored with 23 points, just ahead of Owusu-Ansah with 22. Collins finished with 12, Halstead 11, Burton nine, Lotfian seven, MacDonald six, Adoumbaye four, and Burmiston and Oli Chenery two apiece.

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