101-77 win came at a cost with captain Jorge Ebanks limping out of the game just three minutes from time with a twisted ankle
Tees Valley Mohawks produced a very professional display to see off rock bottom Leicester Warriors 101-77 in convincing fashion to keep their play-off bid on track.
But the win came at a cost, with captain Jorge Ebanks limping out of the game just three minutes from time with a twisted ankle.
Ebanks is now added to an already lengthy casualty list as the Mohawks begin to wonder how many black cats they have run over.
He was hurt after going in too strongly on the basket after a steal and fast break.
He landed heavily off Pressie Blue’s foot and, after twisting his ankle, was unable to take any further part in the game.
“The result was massive,” said head coach Steve Butler.
“We played really well and moved the ball well on the offensive end.
“Our defence was good but there’s still things to improve on but Jorge’s injury is a big concern.
“Injuries are a part of the game but with Alex Greven (ankle), Jorge (ankle) Ike Attah (back) and Rob Donaldson (swollen glands) all suffering, our injury list is getting bigger.”
Now Butler is hoping the injuries don’t scupper their quest to get into the EBL National League Division One play-offs.
They meet North-east derby rivals Team Northumbria at Sport Central tomorrow evening and a win is vital.
“We need to come together and play well against Northumbria to guarantee a play-off spot,” he added, “and then we can rest the guys until the play-offs.
“We are really on our last legs but the guys are giving 110% for the club and I’m really proud of their efforts.”
Mohawks started brightly against Leicester with Jerome Narcisse and Ebanks putting them 7-0 up within a minute.
The Warriors got into their stride but trailed 21-18 at the end of the session.
The second quarter belonged to the rising star Romonn Nelson who hit some big three-pointers and fast break points to take his total for the half to 17 as Mohawks went into the locker room 48-38 ahead.
The third quarter saw a mini-revival by the visitors with Blue scoring some good shots but Ebanks took control of the game and extended Mohawks’ lead to 72-52.
The final quarter saw Ebanks take a well-earned rest but another revival reduced the lead to 10 points so Butler decided to put his star man Jorge back on to calm things down.
It did the job as he produced some assists to Narcisse under the basket as the lead quicky shot up to 19 points.
And despite his injury, Mohawks controlled the final minutes and came away with an impressive victory.
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