The BA London Leopards concluded their season in style with a 95-82 success over the Derby Trailblazers to seal a remarkable treble with the Play-Off title.
The Big Cats were led by their imperious American duo once again as Ousman Krubally led the way with 34 points and 17 rebounds while Vernon Teel contributed 32 points, 16 rebounds as well as 12 assists to earn the MVP honours. For the Trailblazers, Rishi Kakad led the resistance with 29 points.
It was the National Trophy champions who made the brighter start with the opening seven points before Teel fired in a three to get his side up and running. Derby were 11-4 ahead prior to an 11-1 response from the Leopards to take their first lead of the final. The League and Cup champions stayed in front at the end of the first where they now lead by four at 20-16.
Kakad made it a one point game with an early three but the Leopards surged ahead on the back of a 12-3 run. They then looked in total contol with a commanding lead at 41-26. The Trailblazers battled back with a strong finish to the half to reduce their arrears to just five points at 45-40 with Martyn Gayle netting three triples, adding 12 points to the run.
Midway through the third quarter, the gap remained at five points as the match was evenly poised. However, five points in quick succession from Teel sparked a pivotal 14-2 run from the Leopards as the lead peaked at 70-53. Kakad added two late free throws as Derby faced an uphill challenge heading into the final quarter, trailing by fifteen points.
The Trailblazers did not give up and managed to close within six points with just over four minutes to keep their hopes of a second title of the season alive. The deadly duo of Teel and Krubally combined to push the gap back into double figures to all but secure the win.
The lead was back down to nine with a minute left but the Leopards secured a hat-trick of titles for the 2011-12 season; sealing the win from the free throw line to win 95-82.
A fantastic achievement from the Leopards to win three trophies out of the four this season; concluding their campaign with 22 successive victories. The Big Cats will soon find out if their application to join the BBL was successful.
