Heathwood Hall, June 14th, 2025 The Carolina Thunder showcased their championship pedigree on Saturday night, defeating the Carolina Crusaders 111-92 to secure their fourth consecutive conference championship game appearance.
Led by standout performances from Titus Gary and Patrell Rogers, who netted 26 and 25 points respectively, the Thunder demonstrated offensive prowess and tenacious defense that ultimately overwhelmed their opponents.
Despite a first-half struggle that saw the Thunder down 55-53 at halftime, the team made critical adjustments coming out of the break. Key to their success was Demetrius Knox, who orchestrated the offense with 14 points and 13 assists, all while committing just one turnover. His court vision dismantled the Crusaders' defense, setting the stage for a thrilling second half.
All-Star big man D.J. Mason had a challenging night, prompting Coach Sabb to rely heavily on his bench. Darius Dawson and Leroy Williams made significant impacts, particularly in the second half. Williams dominated the boards with a game-high 13 rebounds, while Dawson energized the squad with a double-double performance, contributing 11 points and 11 rebounds. Additionally, Deon Berrien added depth off the bench, scoring 14 points and grabbing 7 rebounds.
The turning point came in the second half when the Thunder intensified their defensive pressure. They held the Crusaders to just 21 points in the third quarter and 16 in the fourth, showcasing their defensive might. A combination of stout defense and relentless pressing led to the Crusaders committing 20 turnovers throughout the game, which heavily tilted the momentum in favor of the Thunder.
On the offensive end, the Crusaders struggled with their shooting, particularly from beyond the arc, finishing with a dismal 19% on three-pointers. Asanti Price and Jalin Alexander managed to lead their team with 19 points each, while point guard Cincere Scott contributed 13 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Thunder’s explosive firepower.
Next up for the Thunder is a clash against the Queen City Vipers, who claimed a decisive victory over the Primetime Players in the latter game. The Thunder will look to carry their momentum into the championship game as they aim for yet another title.
Stay tuned for an exciting showdown as the Thunder continues its quest for glory!
