NLR’s offense stuns Springdale

Sunday, December 30, 2012

— Springdale was no match for Kevaughn Allen and the North Little Rock offense Saturday night in the championship game of the Coca-Cola Classis.

Allen scored a game-high 31 points, including 21 in the second half, to help lead the Charging Wildcats to a 103-77 victory over the Bulldogs at the Stubblefield Center.

Tournament MVP Dayshawn Watkins finished with 22 points and set the tone early to help the Charging Wildcats pull away, and Thomas Alexander had two dunks and 20 points.

“We shot the ball unbelievably,” North Little Rock Coach Johnny Rice said. “That was the difference in the game. They handled our pressure, but we had three guys shooting well and clicking on offense.”

Springdale was led by Alex Scharlau, who scored 21 points. Tereke Eckwood finished with 18 and Dashaun Stark added 14.

North Little Rock (11-1) took the lead early but Springdale (8-5) tied it at 7-7on a dunk by Scharlau. Allen then dunked as North Little Rock regained the lead.

The Charging Wildcats used two free throws by Allen to take a lead into the second quarter, when they started to pull away. North Little Rock outscored Springdale 10-3 to start the quarter, which included two three pointers by Watkins.

Watkins scored 13 points in the first half, which included converting a three-point play to end the second quarter, and his ability to attack the defense helped stretch the lead to 47-32 going into halftime.

The lead hovered around 20 points throughout the game before Allen, Watkins and Alexander combined to score 41 second-half points.

“They are very, very good,” Springdale Coach Brad Stamps said. “It just seems like every spot on the floor they are solid.”

North Little Rock scored 28 points in both the third and fourth quarters to keep the game well out of reach.

Allen was a huge part of that effort after scoring 10 points in the first half.

“The big thing is he is physical and has a great feel for the game,” Stamps said. “He is a great player.”

Springdale had some success early, taking a 12-9 lead in the first quarter, but North Little Rock’s offense was just too good.

“We got off to a good start,” Stamps said. “The key was we were not giving up easy ones, but for whatever reason they were able to pull away with some transition baskets.

“It’s tough to come back against them.”

Sports, Pages 27 on 12/30/2012