PJ's Trophy Delight
Guildford Heat coach Paul James paid tribute to his team
as they recovered from a 12-point half-time deficit to win
the BBL Trophy with an 86-79 victory against Newcastle Eagles
live on Setanta Sports on Sunday,
"I was probably the only person in there who had belief
in my team at half time," said James. "But I said
to the players that we'd been in that situation before in
the European games, and although we didn't win any of them,
we'd shown that we could come back from it. We'd been 12 down
against better teams, so we should be able to come back.
"We did exactly that, we took care of the ball and showed
patience and composure. I thought our game plan was perfect
in the second half. We made some big shots and some great
defensive stops. We matched everything they threw at us, and
people keep telling me it was a great game to watch."
James was forced to sit start forward Tony Dorsey down after
he collected his fourth foul three minutes before the half-time
break, and the veteran never returned to the action as James
stuck with the unit which got the Heat back into the game,
"We needed to stay with what was working. I intended
to bring Dorsey back, and I told him to keep warmed up, as
I thought we'd have to bring him in if John Nottley tired.
But it was working, so there was no need to change it. I don't
care who we win with, as long as we win.
"Everyone is thrilled, and we have the Trophy, that's
the main thing."
Heat lost point guard Brian Dux, who was MVP of their only
other success in a major final last season, after a serious
car accident in November. As the American continues his recuperation
in Buffalo, James was delighted to be able to speak to him
after the win,
"I was so pleased for the players and the supporters.
It's been a tough year for us, but we've hung around and won
the Trophy.
"We all spoke to Brian on the way home and he's really
chuffed. He's still part of our club, and he'll be getting
a medal. We couldn't have asked for a better day."
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