Central Basketball Association

FORT WAYNE 110, MIDDLE TENNESSEE 83: (Fort Wayne, Ind.) - A year ago, Fort Wayne suffered a heartbreaking defeat on their home court, losing to Bowling Green at the buzzer in the championship game. The team, although stung deeply by the loss, vowed to regroup and return the following season with a trophy in their hands. 

Three months ago, the preseason preview was released for the 2016 CBA season, where it was predicted Fort Wayne and Middle Tennessee would be the last two teams standing in the league, with Fort Wayne forecasted to come out on top. If there was any season for Fort Wayne to be the best team in the league, this year was it.

Mission accomplished. In front of their home fans tonight, Fort Wayne thumped Middle Tennessee tonight in the title game to become the 2016 CBA Champions and finish the season with an undefeated 10-0 record.  

Leading only by four early in the second quarter, Fort Wayne went on a 13-2 run to pull the game open, where the hosts ultimately led by as many as 19 points in the first half, behind 10 made 3-point field goals.  

In the second half, it was the same story as Middle Tennessee was overmatched by Fort Wayne's talent, athleticism, energy, and depth. Fort Wayne expanded their lead to as high as 21 points in the third quarter, and 29 points in the final period, as they cruised to a comfortable double-digit victory en route to their first title in team history. 

Fort Wayne, who was guided by 2016 CBA Coach of the Year, Rod Wilmont, became the first team in league history to finish the season without a defeat. They were led tonight by 2016 CBA Playoff Most Valuable Player, Antonio Cannon with 21 points, along with Greg Foster also with 21 points, and Tyler Bibbs' 14 points in the first half. 

Middle Tennessee, who suffered their worst defeat in team history, was led by Roy McFadgon with 26 points and Myles Thrash with 25 points. 

In four seasons of the Central Basketball Association, there have been only four teams that have participated in the league title game, with each team splitting the championship contest. In 2013, St. Louis defeated Bowling Green 106-97. In 2014, Middle Tennessee defeated St. Louis 106-103. Last year, Bowling Green defeated Fort Wayne 97-95. And this year in 2016, Fort Wayne concluded the season with a 110-83 victory over Middle Tennessee. 

With the conclusion of the 2016 CBA season, the league officially begins the offseason, where it serves as a critical period for CBA players in receiving professional basketball opportunities overseas. In the last three offseasons, the CBA has helped nearly 125 players play on international soil, including 75 players in the last 12 months. The CBA looks to continue this service for the players this offseason, before returning back in March 2017 for the fifth season of Central Basketball Association competition. 

(Photo by: Josh Gales / CBA Photos)