STOL-Grasshoppers lose meager top match

STOL-Grasshoppers didn’t manage to win the topper in the First Division last Saturday against Landslake Lions.

In Landsmeer, both teams concentrated on their defense. That was clearly demonstrated by the low scoring from both sides. In the end, the team from Landsmeer proved to be the best and won by 50-44.

The Katwijkers managed to recover from an early 8-1 deficit and closed the first quarter with a minimum lead: 12-13.

In the 2nd quarter, neither of the teams had improved. Both teams scored little, but at halftime STOL-Grasshoppers still had a small lead: 17-22.

In the 3rd quarter, their lead was too quickly and too easily given away, which allowed Lions to tie the score at 30-30 by the end of the period.

Lions widened their lead to 9 points (39-30), which was fatal for the team from Katwijk. STOL-Grasshoppers fought their way back to 43-39, but then a 3-pointer from Lions was too much for them. The match ended at 50-44.

Coach Burhan Altbegovic: “In a match like this, every score counts for two, but also every missed shot. Our 3-pointers were falling a bit better than last week, but less than 30% succes with 2-pointers is just not enough.”

The new coach was satisfied over the progress that the team has been making. “Of course, everyone has to get used to the new situation, but I see constant improvement during our practice sessions. Our offense has to improve and we have to do more against ball loss, but I think it’s just a matter of time.”

Top scorers: Valentine 16 (11 rebounds), Karin Kuijt 13