The Vancouver Dragons’ American Basketball Association debut was a sweeping success.
The Dragons opened ABA regular season play on the weekend by taking a pair of games from the Las Vegas Royals at the Richmond Olympic Oval — a 117-84 triumph on Saturday night and a 110-98 victory on Sunday afternoon. The Vancouver franchise decided to step up to the ABA after a dominating run to the Minor League Basketball Association championship.
Reigning team MVP Levon Kendall led the way in the opening night win with 25 points and 11 rebounds. Marshaun Williams (19), Jacob Thom (14), Clay Crellin (13), Max Neumann (12) and Stu Wallenstein (10) all hit double figures. Wallenstein added 10 rebounds. Former NBA player Soumaila Samake chipped in with four points and two boards in his Dragons’ debut.
Even without the services of Demitri Harris, Kendall and hometown standout Elliot Mason, Vancouver still produced a comfortable 12-point win on Sunday afternoon.
Williams had 19 points. Jovante Byrd, Crellin and Thom all added 13. Domenic Coward contributed 12 points and nine boards.
The Dragons are back in action on Saturday when the Quad City Flames visit the Oval at 7 p.m.
