Surrey United Basketball picked up their third win of the 2013/14 BBL Championship season on Saturday evening as they defeated Leeds Force in a vital match at the bottom of the table.
Going into the game United had been leapfrogged by Leeds Force to push United to the bottom of the BBL Championship, so Surrey were hoping for a big win to put them back over the visitors.
Early in the 1st quarter Leeds fed number 14 Armand Anebo down in the low post where he took advantage of some poor defence inside, Anebo would get 8 points in the 1st from his attacking down low. And when United finally started to pick him up defensively, they left gapping holes in the D to allow open lanes to the basket to leave United trailing by 8. While United were stopping the mid-range and 3 pointers from falling, their defensive pressure inside was allowing the Defense to be pulled apart by players not picking up their man in time.
However in the 2nd quarter Surrey got set into their game, and showed real determination with several hustle plays and put backs that saw them come within 2 points with 6 minutes left in the half. Kramer Knutson was having a good game with 10 points and several defensive plays, and Anthony Downing added 11 points to make the comeback a reality. But Leeds Forward Anebo started to heat up again as he dropped further 5 points (13 in the half) to make United fight, but a string of 3 pointers for Leeds would have the 1st half finish United 29 – 36 Force.
In the second half however, United took the game by the horns and never let go. They came passing the ball brilliantly to allow the ball to get to an open shooter, this movement allowed United to tie the game 38-38 only 3 minutes into the 2nd half. They managed to keep Leeds top scorer Anebo quite for the rest of the game as United played pressure defense. This powerful defense was causing Leeds to make many mistakes with mutilple turnovers and travelling calls, this only added to Surreys momentum.
In the 4th United showed their killer instinct as they made 3 consecutive 3-pointers to create a gapping 12 point lead, 63-51, with just over 7 minutes left in the game. And they carried on with brilliant defense from Knutson and the rest of United that only allowed Leeds to score 3 points in 6 minutes of the 4th quarter. With less than a minute to go United managed to stretch their lead to a commanding 15 points,before the game finally ended Surrey United 76 – Leeds Force 65.
Anthony Downing (20 points), Kramer Knutson (14 Points) and Kirk Crecco (15 points) all stood out as they pulled the Leeds defense apart as they helped seal a convincing victory.
United return to action this Friday as they host the Leicester Riders at Surrey Sports Park. Tickets are on sale now for the 7.30pm tip-off at www.surreyunited.co.uk. Surrey United defeat Leeds Force in BBL