TADEA Middlesbrough Lions 62-62 Celebrities
On Sunday, Middlesbrough returned to the Lions den at Eston Sports Academy for their charitable ‘Celebrity Game’ in aid of Zoe’s Place. A good crowd turned out to cheer on the players with celebrity players such as Ali Brownlee, Boro legend Jim Platt, local hero & star of Secret Millionaire Frankie Wales. The Celebs were also joined by Gazette sports columnist Martin Neal. Entrepreneur Richard Baister and Lions owner James Thomson, provided the teams only basketball experience.

In the first quarter, Celebrity player/coach opened the scoring with two quick baskets. The Lions stars were quick to respond through Mindaugas Krisciunas and Ben Thompson. They quickly built a lead as Frankie Wales struggled to hit the backboard, never mind the basket. The pocket sized boxer struggled among the trees of the TADEA Lions players. The passing from the celebrity team was actually quite good, but baskets were proving problematic and with James Thomson receiving a triple team when he had the ball, it was left to Baister to score the only two other baskets.

In the second quarter Thomson again opened the scoring with two free throws after being fouled on a drive. Ali Brownlee was making some good cuts in the key and making some nice passes to Jim Platt who then found Wales for his first basket of the game, much to the crowds delight. In the fifth minute Martin Neal marked the score sheet with a low post shot to bring the Celebs within 7pts, 24-17.

A quick 7pt burst from lions, instigated by young Craig Todd developed the Lions biggest lead of the game at 14pts, but the safe hands of Jim Platt found the basket on his second attempt and this was followed by baskets from Wales and Thomson to finish the half 33-23, the lead still in favour of TADEA Lions.

In the second half Thomson and Baister shined for the Celebrity team on the offensive end while Brownlee pulled down some big rebounds. Neal was moving well at both ends and Wales added 4pts to help the Celebs take an unlikely lead 45-48. Todd was the only Lions player to make an impact in the third with 6pts.

In the final period Lions, who had taken their foot off the gas, were now panicking as the Celebs held their lead and even extended it to 13pts thanks to a nice jump shot from Neal in the eighth minute. With just two minutes left Lions suddenly burst into life to 13 unanswered points to tie the game 62-62 and provide an apt finish to what was a great event.

Top scoring Richard Baister and James Thomson with 24 & 16pts respectively helped strengthen the Celebs, while Wales 11, Neal 8, Brownlee 2 & Platt 2 all chipped in. For the Lions, young Craig Todd was top dog with 15pts.

Following this was the serious matter of Cumbria All Stars for TADEA Lions and the game was an important one Middlesbrough. A good performance was essential to instil some confidence into the Lions after a couple of difficult weeks and this is exactly what they got which was great for the home fans who generated a superb atmosphere. TADEA Lions were in blistering form as they put recent struggles behind them to beat Cumbria by 30pts, 86-56. Tom Robinson was in full flow with 28pts.

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