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Lola's Head coach/player Ike
Karanvegelos talks strategy before their showdown with Central
Fubnding. Why wasn't Fotee on the sidelines? Carolina Blues? |
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COLLEGE PARK, MD. (AP) – With Central
Funding’s only legitimate inside threat (C Randy Curtis) out for the
season, undefeated Lola’s figured the Sunday afternoon game would be a
walk in the park.
A team much too familiar with losing early
leads, reached for the opportunity of being the first team to defeat
Lola’s. A seemingly inspired Central Funding team jumped out to an 11
point half-time lead, led by the energetic play of 21 year-old guard and
Karpenisi native Alex Tsironis, and hung on to win the game in overtime.
“We had a plan coming into this game, and
we executed it to perfection in the first half.” Said 21 year-old guard
Dean Themistokleous. The first half was all Central, as they dominated
Lola’s with continuous fast breaks and jumpers from all over the court.
The second half began much like the first
half ended. Down 10 points with 5 minutes remaining, Lola’s team captain
Ike Karavangelos called a time-out and rallied the troops for a late game
comeback.
With under two minutes remaining, Lola’s
got their first lead of the game on one of many Constantine Juranis
lay-ups. With a one point lead, and 42 seconds remaining, Greg Whitney of
Lola’s headed to the line and missed both ends of the double bonus. The
offensive rebound was pulled down, and Lola’s was able to run off 30
seconds from the clock before getting fouled. George Markopoulos hit both
free throws to give Lola’s a 3 point lead with 12 seconds remaining.
On a play drawn up for Central’s undersized
power forward, and deceptively good shooter, Billy Koudelou, Lola’s
swarming defense surrounded the forward at the top of the key. The
difficult pass was made to leading scorer Alex Tsironis, who hit the game
tying three pointer with .01 seconds left in the game.
The younger Central Funding team proved to
be superior in overtime, outlasting their opponents, and handing them
their first loss of the season.
“We knew we had it in us, it was a matter
of time before it all clicked.” Said Alex Tsironis, who is rumored to make
himself eligible for the NBA Draft following this seasons playoffs.
Notes: C Alex Taousakis got his first start
of the season for Central funding, filling in for the retired Randy
Curtis. G Stephen Stamos hit a season high 4 shots from beyond the arch. F
Lucas Georgiou practiced his patented three pointer during the games
warm-up session. G Lambros Georgallas got a new pair of shoes. Central
Funding is the leagues youngest team, with an average age of 20, and no
player over 21 on their active roster.
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