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Bury Blue Devils 87-83 Middlesbrough Lions
Middlesbrough Lions almost toppled 2nd placed Bury Blue Devils with an exciting game throughout. Lions led by 1pt going into the fourth quarter but a 7-0 run with three minutes remaining in the game ultimately awarded Bury the victory despite a nail biting finish in which Lions pushed the hosts all the way. A loss by just two baskets was a tough blow for Middlesbrough who have proven yet again they are a match for any team in the league and the test doesn’t come any easier as this weekend the Lions face a double header against unbeaten leaders; Huddersfield Heat.

Bury quickly ran into a 9-4 lead after good play by Steve Graham and Charlie Cuthbert. A 3 pointer from Lee Norton reduced the gap and the introduction of Rob Parsons provided Lions with a timely boost as the forward connected twice but the gap was still 2pts. In the last minute Ben Burns thought he had stretched the lead to 6pts but in the final seconds Acho Anyigbo and then an unlikely, off balance lay up from Stuart Meek took Lions to within 2pts again, 17-15.

Lions took their first lead as they continued their positive momentum with a 3 pointer from Norton and a graceful move from Anyigbo. Nick Metcalfe was proving his value as he stretched to the basket in the third minute though Lions remained strong and through Norton and Parsons extended their lead to 5pts. Lions were now growing stronger by the minute and despite below par displays from Damian Warriner and Ryon Dixon the Middlesbrough side held on to a 1pt lead at half time, 33-34.

Warriner, a normally reliable player on offence had only hit one shot in the first minute of the game and although his defence was as ever tenacious, the strong guard missed some simple shots. Dixon also struggled to find his range and although the Lions were missing 10-15pts through these two players the Lions were still a nose hair in front and this provided encouragement for the second half if the team could begin firing on all cylinders.

The third quarter brought about a revival of sorts for Bury as Graham and Metcalfe again combined well to forge a 3pt lead. Anyigbo responded with a nice jump shot and then Warriner powered his way to the hoop. It was now Lions on the back foot chasing a 1pt Bury cushion. New Bury signing, Matt Allerston produced a double punch at the mid point of the period to take a 5pt lead, 46-41. Two free throws from Warriner did little to dent the margin as Metcalfe inspired a 6-0 run to move 9pts ahead.

After a sloppy start to the third quarter, Lions closed the gap with a 10-2 run, Norton collecting 8pts. 5 more points from Norton in the final minute afforded Lions a 1pt lead to enter the final quarter 58-59.

In the early exchanges Lions were showing a tough resistance and although they picked up some fouls, they sent a message that no player was going to be handed an easy basket. Ben Burns proceeded to make 3 of 4 from the line. Meek and Norton replied with strong drives. With both teams desperate not to allow the other to extend a lead fouls were creeping in and in the third minute Dixon and Norton both converted 2 free throws each to tie the game 67-67. In the fourth minute young Jordan Nicholls managed to draw three fouls, two on key players; Graham and Allerston leading to both fouling out. Nicholls then converted 4 of 6 from the line to bring Lions to within 2pts, 73-71. Lions were again finding momentum and along with good defence and the benefit of two key players fouling out for Bury, there was a feeling that the game was swinging the way for Middlesbrough. The seventh minute proved to be the turning point as when Lions lynchpin Acho Anyigbo picked up his fourth foul, a risky decision to take the centre out backfired with Bury producing a rapid 7-0 run in the Nigerian’s absence. With just one minute remaining, the return of Anyigbo galvanised the Lions and yet again they managed to close the gap. Following two free throws from Warriner Lions were just 3pts behind with 18 seconds remaining. Unfortunately a missed 3 pointer from Norton did not provide the fairly tale ending and when Burns converted a free throw to take the Bury advantage to 4pts with less than seconds remaining, the opportunity to rescue the game was now slipping away. A final effort from Norton to make a 3 pointer with just 2.4 seconds missed the mark and allowed Bury to hold on to a 4pt win.

The MVP was awarded to unsung her, Ben Burns, who came off the bench to hit 10pts in the final quarter including an ‘And 1’ play which inspired the Bury win.

The games top scorer was Lee Norton who hit 31pts. Nick Metcalfe hit 19pts for Bury and was one of five players in double figures.

Top scorers Blue Devils: Metcalfe 19, Burns 15, Davey 14, Graham 12, Allerston 11 Lions: Norton 31, Anyigbo 13, Meek 12, Warriner 8, Parsons 6 Lions now prepare for an unusual weekend where they will play Huddersfield twice, away on Saturday and then home on Sunday. Lions home game against the unbeaten leaders and ex England star, Jason Swaine will take place at Eston Sports Academy 4pm tip. Spectators are asked to arrive by 3.30pm and can purchase tickets for just £4 adult and £2.50 children with a half price voucher from www.middlesbroughlions.co.uk