Leopards win on their debut in Basildon (From Echo)

Leopards win on their debut in Basildon

1:17pm Tuesday 7th February 2012 in Basketball By Chris Phillips

LEOPARDS made the perfect start to life at their new Basildon Sporting Village home with a 78-66 victory against Brixton Topcats on Sunday.

David Buchberger led the scoring for the first time in his Leopards career as the Big Cats overcame a poor start to gain revenge for November’s loss at Brixton.

The American-British dual national finished with 18 points, six assists and four rebounds in 33 minutes as a half-time change of tactics from coach Dejan Mihevc proved key.

With point guard Vernon Teel receiving little protection from the refs as he appeared to be repeatedly fouled while dribbling the ball down the court, Buchberger was switched to his spot and the move paid off as the home side outscored Brixton 51-33 in the second half.

Ousman Krubally posted another double-double, finishing with 16 points and 14 rebounds, with John Lister (13) and Basildon based Lukas Volskis (10) also finishing in double figures as Teel was limited to eight points and as many rebounds – adding five steals and four assists.

The Big Cats scored the final four points of the first period, but still trailed 20-19 at the first break and although Buchberger’s three-pointer levelled things midway through the second quarter, it was the visitors who went in at half-time with a 33-27 lead.

The third period saw Leopards fight their way back into the game, closing the gap to a single point at the five minute mark before going into the final break with a 51-50 advantage.

A strong start to the fourth quarter saw Leopards go on a 14-4 run as they took control of the game and, despite Krubally fouling out on a bizarre offensive call, they closed out their six league win of the campaign.

And that delighted Volskis in front of home town crowd.

“It was exciting to play at Basildon Sporting Village with it having such fantastic facilities and to get the victory as well,” said Volskis.

“It was a little bit more special for me as I live in the area so it was like a true home game for me.

“I was impressed with the crowd that turned up to watch us. It just shows that people are interested in basketball around here.”

The Big Cats return to Basildon on Sunday February 19 when they host Leeds Carnegie. They travel to Bristol Academy Flyers in the National Trophy semi-final on Saturday and host Leicester Warriors at the Brentwood Centre on Sunday