In what proved to be a very tight game, Ealing Phoenicians showed they had that extra push to win 31-23 against Burlington Danes.
The first quarter saw both teams tie 6-6 as Danes’ Jesse Hinds secured 4 points whilst Ealing’s Vallen Jernandes, Jahiem Reid and Abdul Ali all found their way to the basket to keep the score even.
Whilst missed free throws hurt Burlington’s points, Phoenicians continued to remain dominant in the second quarter as Ali added another 4 points to keep Ealing ahead by one going into the half (14-13).
Both teams came out strong in the third quarter and Ealing trumped their opponent with 10 points to maintain a slim lead of 24-20.
Great defence from Ealing meant Danes’ Jordan Murray-White could only get to the basket twice, while Ealing’s Jernandes and Ali kept the game going to ensure they extended their success to a 12 point margin.
Ealing’s Abdul Ali said, ‘It’s always fun to play close games because it tests my decision making and so helps me to improve as a player. I love playing in the CBL as it’s a great place to measure yourself against good competition.’
Both teams play in the The Community Basketball League (CBL) run by the London School of Basketball (LSB) in partnership with Reach and Teach. For more information, please contact lwilliams@reachandteach.co.uk
