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Knights show off skills against WBA All-stars

April 24, 2005 - World Basketball Association (WBA)
Gainesville Knights News Release


GAINESVILLE - The Gainesville Knights won their first-ever World Basketball Association game Saturday night without having to take a single shot.

The Macon Blaze tried to put a damper on the Knights' Opening Night party at the Gainesville High gym by canceling two hours before game time.

The Knights were awarded the league win as a result, but owners Arthur Crawford and Curtis Richardson were determined to give the fans a show and got the WBA All-Stars to play the Knights in an exhibition game.

The Knights showed off their entire arsenal in a 115-77 win over the All-Stars as every player on the 12-man roster scored.

The Knights are scheduled to play 2004 league-champ Southern Crescent Lightning Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. at the Gainesville High gym.

All-in-all, the owners made the most of a bad situation.

"They called us two hours before the game but we were able to give the fans a game and show off the team," Richardson said. "We already have confirmed that Southern Crescent will be here (Sunday)."

Gainesville-native Antoine Whelchel said he enjoyed being able to play in front of his hometown for the first time.

"That was a lot of fun and it was good to see people in the stands," he said.

Whelchel scored 13 points in 22 minutes, including hitting two of the team's seven 3-pointers.

Wendell Greenleaf, who played at Baylor, led Gainesville with 18 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists in 23 minutes. Richard Jeter had 14 points, Olushala Ajanaku had 13, and Rey Luque added 13 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists.

The Knights took control of the game with a 14-4 run to take a 28-18 lead after the first quarter. They blew it open in the second quarter outscoring the All-Stars 36-23 in the period for a 64-41 halftime lead.

Knights' coach Jim Price said he was pleased with the enthusiasm of his new squad, which has played just two games and had one practice as a unit.

"We did some good things on defense and I always knew they could score," Price said. "I think we have some things to work on and we will after (Sunday's game) and after a couple of days off."

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