|
|
Knights repeat as NBL champions 2008
|
|
Knights repeat as NBL champions
- Nov.13, 2008
Defending champions,
Urban Knights, are walking around today as back-to-back Kentucky Fried
Chicken (KFC)/National basketball League (NBL) champions after last night's
dramatic 62-61 victory over newcomers Port Royal Bulls at the National
Stadium courts. In a game that featured 14 lead changes and nine ties, the
champions were very fortunate to repeat as Bulls gave them more than they
bargained for.
Destiny fulfilled
Knights dodged many bullets on their way to the title, including an overtime
scare in game 2 of the series. After that game, many echoed the sentiment that
'Destiny' was on the champion's side, but they were made to fight for every
single point to prove those observation true. They led after every quarter
(16-11, 32-31, and 44-42) but the action throughout kept fans on the edge of
their seats.
Whilby delivers
Bulls took a 61-60 lead in the fourth quarter on
Dovian Wade's two free throws, leaving Knights with only 10.9 seconds to
find a reply. They were bailed out, however, when
Andrew Whilby was fouled in the paint with 4.9 seconds on the clock. With
their season hanging in the balance, Whilby calmly stepped up to the line and
buried both free throws to put the Knights back on top 62-61. The stage was now
set for a dramatic ending but when
Leighton Meeks potential game-winning shot missed the target, Knights and
their fans erupted in a joyous celebration.
The winners were led by
Javon Bailey with 18 points, but Whilby added a fine double-double (16
points and 12 rebounds), and Omar Barnes chipped-in with 10 points. For the
unlucky Bulls, Wade scored a game-high 23 points and
Damion Young also had a double-double (18 points and 12 rebounds).
