Bucknall class swamps frigid Eagles
It's been two years since London Towers gained the upper hand over Newcastle Eagles in regular season play. But that streak was snapped in emphatic fashion at the capital side routed the Tynesiders 95-67 at Crystal Palace, with veteran England international Steve Bucknall putting on a masterclass for the television cameras.
From whistle to whistle, the hosts were in complete control at both ends of the court, running the floor with an overwhelming superiority over their guests. Bucknall's game high 25 point tally led the way in scoring but his entire team stepped up to the plate and were counted as the Eagles' shooting failed to find it mark.
"It's been tough of late," said the former LA Laker, "We talked about rebounding before the game and although we're not a quick team, we're big and that is one strength we have. We made some errors, sometimes we play too fast and turn the ball over. We still need to get that down if we are to be a good team."
Dominance on the boards was certainly a Towers focus, winning that battle 50-25. But it was Newcastle's failure to find and convert good shots which truly cost them a chance of some valuable Championship points. Ralph Blalock did not get a single score until early in the third quarter and his eight remaining points, coming consecutively in the final period, arrived only when his minder Bucknall had headed off for his rest.
Only Chris Webber started well en route to a 14 points tally but once Towers hit a 7-0 first quarter burst to lead 20-9, there was never again a point where the Eagles came closer than eight points. Ahead 44-34 at the turnaround, the Londoners blasted clear with Malcolm Leak snatching eight of eleven third period points without reply.
With the result in no doubt, Eagles coach Craig Lynch handed his bench some court time in the ultimate ten minutes but the defending play-off champions finished in style with the final 12 points of the game, Donnie Johnson slamming the ball to the last two baskets to close off his side's most impressive display this season.
"We've played a lot of games and we've been trying to making adjustments," said Towers coach Ron Abbeglen afterward. "I was concerned about Newcastle because they had such a great game against Manchester but we played hard at both ends of the court."
The victors had 18 points from Johnson and 16 from Leak but credit was to Danny Lewis, who ran the point with aplomb and pulled down a startling game best 11 rebounds.
For Lynch though, a rueful smile and the reality of being out played.
"Tonight we came out flat and allowed Towers to get some confidence which was the on thing we didn't wanted them to have. It's a young team, an inexperienced team and they have to learn how to do things a little better."
Shahid Perkins led the Eagles scoring on 16.
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