Double disappointment for Panthers

Apr 7 2008 By Colin Tattum

BIRMINGHAM Panthers fell to successive defeats over the weekend as the BBL Championship winners and play-off places were confirmed.

Last night Marlon Jules top-scored with 22 points as Panthers went down 95-74 at MK Lions. Yorick Williams keyed a 15-1 burst for Lions to help them take the first period 30-16.

Lions were 50-30 up at the break and Panthers scored the last seven points of the third to give themselves some hope at 63-46.

Dru Spinks (23 points) led the home side to victory while Adam Williams ended with 21 points for Panthers and Daniel Sandell and Lekan Popoola both got nine.

On Saturday, Guildford Heat coasted in 94-58 in Walsall, after Panthers made them work.

Popoola, with 13 points, led a Panthers side that held Guildford scoreless for 5:30 and went 8-0 up, Sandell (11 points) and Cameron Wright (10) stepping to the fore. Guildford's entire starting five was then benched and although Panthers took the first stanza 18-16 and were in touch at 36-34 down at the break, they got blitzed at the start of the third period.

It was nonetheless a remarkable and gutsy first-half performance by Panthers, whose lack of size and options ultimately came home to roost.

Adam Williams got 13 points and nine rebounds.

Newcastle Eagles won the Championship title for the second time in three years after defeating Guildford, 108-101, in overtime on their opponent's floor last night.