EABL Quarter-Finals Round Up

By EABL Staff
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Updated: March 15, 2019

With the first round of the Academy League playoffs completed, lets take a look back at the EABL Quarter-Finals to see which teams made it through to the Final 4’s next week!

Game 1: Charnwood College 84 v 74 Canterbury High School

Charnwood college secured a home win in the quarter-finals of the EABL playoffs, defeating Canterbury high school 84-74. A relatively slow start to the game from an offensive standpoint for both teams saw some strong defensive plays throughout the first period, including a couple of huge blocks by Charnwood’s Hosana Kitenge and some great on ball defence from Canterbury’s Sesay. The second quarter opened up which saw Charnwood put some points on the board. However, strong quarters from Gordon, Raife and Alajiki kept Canterbury right within the game. The second half opened up for both teams with Canterbury’s determined to keep the game close with some gritty defence, and despite their efforts until the end of the game, it wasn’t enough for the visitors. J.Moore for Canterbury led the scoring with 21 points whilst Milo Gordon added a double-double with 15 points and 14 rebounds. Charnwood advance into the EABL Semi-Finals next week where they face Itchen College on their home floor.

Game 2: Barking Abbey School 102 vs 60 James Watt College

Barking Abbey cruise into the EABL Semi-Finals with a huge 102-60 home victory over the 4^th seed from the Northern conference, James Watt College. The opening exchanges went the way of the home side, who built up a 22-5 lead early with some strong defense forcing turnovers from James Watt. However, the visitors found their feet in the 2^nd quarter making it a competitive 46-34 game at the half. As the game wore on, Abbey took control, making 9 second half threes and scoring 56 points on their way to the win. Barking Abbey finished the game with four players in double figures, lead by Chris Feeney’s 33. He was joined by Robin Bedford (12), Jonathan Brown (11) and Flynn Boardman Raffett (10). James Watt were lead by 21 points from the impressive Daniel Penkov aided by Ian Rodriguez who also finished with 14 points and Rodrigo San Martin who had 13. Coach Lloyd Gardner and his Barking Abbey side will be at home in the final four as they welcome Mysercough College next week, in a repeat of last season’s EABL Final.

Game 3: Myerscough College 94 vs 71 John Madejski Academy

Bradley Kaboza scored a team-high 18 points as Myerscough defeated John Madejski Academy 94-71 in the EABL Playoff quarterfinals on Wednesday. Myerscough led 29-16 at the 7:41 mark of the second quarter before JMA used an 11-3 run to climb within five. Sam Grant would hit a 3-pointer late in the half to cut it to a three-point game, but Okros sparked a 7-0 burst to restore Sco’s double-digit advantage. Kaboza, who had 15 of his points after the break, converted a tough 3-point play and then scored nine straight points to end the third quarter to help build a 69-56 cushion for Myerscough. The gap widened to 20-plus with 6:03 remaining where it remained until the final buzzer. All five Myerscough starters reached double-figures including Mate Okros, who hit five 3-pointers in the first half, and Amari Williams who each had 17 points. Callan Low also chipped in with 11 points. Sam Grant had a game-high 19 points for the Rockets whilst Arinze Emeka-Anyakwo scored 15 and David Chive added 12. With the victory over JMA, Myerscough advances to face No. 1 seed Barking Abbey in the semi-final game next week, a rematch of last season’s EABL Final that they will be hoping wont repeat itself.

Game 4: Itchen College 80 vs 63 Derby College Trailblazers

Itchen were able to hold on to a convincing 1st half lead to secure a 80-63 win over the Derby College Trailblazers in their quarter final match-up. The game would see a change in venue for the home team as a broken basket at Itchen College Sports Hall meant partner University Solent would host the Elite 8 fixture. Derby Academy would get off to the perfect start before a 12-0 run by Itchen late in the first gave them the lead. With the lead under their belt, Itchen turned on the defense in the second and extended their leas to 26 points by the half time buzzer. Derby continued to apply the pressure at both ends of the floor, getting the score back to 16 on number of occasions, but it wasn’t enough, as Itchen were able to hold on in the final minutes to secure a 63-80 win. With the first round completed, Itchen will travel to Charnwood in the EABL Final 4 next Wednesday.