Carnegie starting to roll…now up to 6th. Parmenter goes off for 35

Carnegie entered the game looking to cement their playoff position for the post season.  Whilst Leicester were looking to secure only their third win of the season as they attempt to avoid relegation to Division Two.

I the early exchanges both teams looked to dominate the interior and in turn force each other into perimeter shots.  However the game opened up midway through the first period and Carnegie were able to open out a 10 point (31-21) lead by the end of the first quarter.

Leeds continued to dominate on both ends and a McGinn three pointer from the corner gave them a 20 point lead with 90 seconds of the half left.  Leeds entered the half time break up 55-33.

Leicester came out in the third quarter looking clamped down on their defensive end but Leeds, in confident mood, continued to find easy interior scores.  This was highlighted by an amazing interior pass from Graham-Bell which gifted a score to Branimir Mikulic with 2 minutes to play in the 3^rd quarter giving Carnegie a 31 point lead.  Leicester managed to chip 2 points off this by the end of the 3^rd period with Leeds still holding a commanding 73-44 lead.

However with the outcome already decided Carnegie saw out the game in cruise control as they completed their commanding performance in style, claiming the 95-57 win.  Russell Permenter led Carnegie’s scoring with 35 points supported with 12 points from both Rowell Graham-Bell and Branimir Mikulic.  Leicester’s scoring was led by Craig Powell with 19 points.

Leeds Carnegie Head Coach Matt Newby was delighted by the performance saying “This win was integral in our run in to the close of the regular season.  We showed some form today that suggests we are making progress.  Leicester although 14^th in the league had been running teams from the leading pack very close.  We now have 3 wins in a row but need to recognise that we have four of the five teams currently ahead of us still to play”

The win has moved Carnegie up to 6^th place and on course for a strong close to the season.  Whilst Leicester is left at the bottom of the table with 7 games left to battle against relegation.

Leeds will now prepare for an away trip to Reading on Thursday to take on the league leading Rockets.  Before returning home on Saturday 22^nd March to match up against Newham Neptunes in more Division One action.  Tickets for the Newham game are available through the club’s website.

Story – Leeds Carnegie