POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
Travis McAvene
Final
Tonga - Atlanta B. 101-90
Tonga celebrated 2019 Copa Mitchell Cup title. They beat the Atlanta Blaze in the championship game. It looked good early as Tonga took a 15-point led thanks to team captain
Jermaine Barnes (193-G/F-83, college:
Point, GA). He scored 12 of his 19 points in the first two minutes of the contest. But then the Blaze had a 20-13 second period charge getting the lead but wasn't enough to over come Tonga 101-90. Tonga outrebounded Mogi 48-35 including 29 on the defensive glass. Worth to mention a great performance of forward
Steffon Bradford (198-F/C-78, college:
Nebraska) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 24 points and 13 rebounds (made all of his ten free throws !!!). Point forward
Marquin Chandler (202-F-82, college:
San Jose St.) contributed with 24 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Four Blaze players scored in double figures. American point guard
Ayinde Russell (190-G, college:
Morehouse) answered with 29 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists and American forward
Mark Allen (190-G, college:
Mt.St.Joseph) added 18 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for the Blaze.
"This was a great step in the right direction for the Tonga National Team", said
Travis McAvene . We have to thank our vets for stepping up and also being humble enough to join this club.
Top scorers:
Tonga: S.Bradford 24+13reb+8ast, M.Chandler 24+10reb, J.Barnes 19+7reb+4ast, K.Closs 10+13reb+7blk
Blaze: A. Russell 29+5reb+5ast, M.Allen 18+5reb+3ast, A.Reid 12+7reb