Pirates hit ton for first time (From Echo)

Pirates hit ton for first time

10:03am Tuesday 2nd March 2010 in

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ESSEX Pirates clocked up a century of points for the first time ever as they ran the high-flying Newcastle Eagles close on Saturday.

Pirates eventually went down to a 117-104 defeat at the Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre.

But their performance delighted head coach Tim Lewis whose side managed just 46 points against Eagles in their previous meeting.

“For large spells I don’t think you would have been able to tell which team was at the bottom and which team was at the top because we played really well,” said Lewis.

“It was the most points we have ever scored in a game and the first time we have managed to get more than 100.

“We did eventually run out of steam a little bit towards the end but Newcastle are an experienced side who have won leagues and cups and to match them like we did was fantastic.

“It also showed just how much we have improved because the last time we played Newcastle, just before Christmas, we scored just 46 points and were beaten by 51.

“This time we scored 104 and were beaten by just 13 so it goes to show we are moving in the right direction and what can be achieved with young British players, plus Pablo Rodrigo.”

Pirates were boosted by the arrival of new signing Marcus Knight who top scored with 19 points.

They raced out of the blocks with a 7-2 burst before ending the period with a 13-1 run to lead 34-24.

But Newcastle regained the initiative with a pivotal 13-3 tear at the start of the second period to regain the lead at 39-37.

During that spell, Great Britain captain Andrew Sullivan showcased his skills by sinking a three-pointer with ease.

Taner Adu responded with a three of his own to give Pirates their last lead of the match as another 11-4 burst from the visitors then gave them a six-point advantage at 50-44.

That lead reached 10 before five points from Pirates ended the half as they trailed 56-51.

Lynard Stewart opened the third with back-to-back baskets for Eagles before Reggie Jackson sparked an 8-2 run with his first triple of the match.

He then traded another with Pirates’ Alan Metcalfe and Eagles now led by 14 at 85-71.

Pirates ended the third with a 7-2 close but were still nine points behind as Newcastle took an 87-78 lead into the final quarter.

The current BBL champions began to pull further away in the fourth, starting with a 7-1 opening.

In reply, Sam Toluwase sent down a crowd-pleasing dunk before the visitors went past 100 points with a 15-2 tear to extend their increasing lead to 23 at 109-86. Pirates continued their push for the century mark and reached the milestone on the back of eight unanswered points.

Knight finished with the final four points for the Pirates but by then Eagles had already done enough to keep the pressure on title rivals Sheffield Sharks.