- The British Basketball League held its All-Star Games at the Copper Box Arena
- The South team won both matches against the North team in Sunday’s show
In the eternal North versus South debate, it was the latter who won the basketball bragging rights as the British Basketball League staged its own men’s and women’s all-star game at the Copper Box on Sunday Arena.
In a 6,000-seat venue based in London, which was sold out, it was the “local” teams who won, the women winning 99-81, before the men confirmed with a dominant victory of 149 -116.
Although the South team could celebrate both successes, today was a landmark day for the British Basketball League as they showcased their talent in both genders.
Sunday’s showcase began with the women’s All-Star Game – the first ever in British basketball.
It was a good start for the South team with Temi Fagbenle scoring seven points early in the game to help them take a 14-point lead in the opening minutes.
The British Basketball League All-Star Game saw Team South win the opening game on Sunday.
The South team’s male counterparts also triumphed as the men’s game returned after 13 years.
The North team regrouped and led 45-42 at the break as the match became a close affair.
However, a 9-0 run in the third saw Team South lead 74-67 and they quickly won the opening game with Fagbenle winning the MVP award with 20 points and eight rebounds.
“It’s great, it’s a fun game, I had a lot more fun than I expected and to be honest it was more competitive than I expected,” said London Lions’ Fagbenle after the match.
“So it’s good for the game in general, for its growth and it’s great to see the kids here and they’ve made a lot of noise.”
“It was fun, it was very fast, combining everyone’s basketball styles. I honestly didn’t know what to expect but it was fun.
The men’s game was more like the NBA, with offense winning over defense.
South team captain Teddy Allen led by example and won MVP in a high-scoring affair – finishing with 31 points, six rebounds and five assists.
The women’s match was a close affair until the South team pulled away in the second half.
The men’s game was more like the NBA All-Star Game – where offense outweighed defense.
Reflecting on the match, Leicester Riders star Allen exclusively told Mail Sport: “It felt good to be MVP. It was a good time, everyone was having fun. Everyone has their own personality, and it was cool getting to know everyone and getting to know the guys you compete against all the time.
“The atmosphere was good. The fans came and I feel like they made it fun for us.
Allen, nicknamed “Buckets”, definitely excited the crowd inside by scoring five three-pointers during his offensive prowess.
The South team’s effectiveness was clear throughout the match and demonstrated by the fact that they led 104-87 heading into the fourth game.
That margin widened further in the fourth when Matt Morgan’s triple extended its lead to 120-96 with six minutes, 33 seconds remaining.
Alongside Allen, Tevin Olison was an offensive juggernaut, scoring 27 points and grabbing eight rebounds for the South team. Meanwhile, LeQuincy Rideau had a double-double for the beaten North with 22 points and 12 rebounds.
Sunday was a good day for Matt Morgan who won with Team South and the three point contest
The South’s sweep continued with Morgan winning the three-point contest and Josh Sharma being victorious in the Slam Dunk contest.
After a 13-year exile for a British Basketball League All-Star Game, for the men and what was a first for the women, expect a bigger and better show next year as the sport continues to grow in stature.
