Central Basketball Association

2018 CBA CHAMPIONSHIP

(3) FORT WAYNE 98, (1) INDIANAPOLIS 95 (2OT): (Fort Wayne, Ind.) - In a battle between the regular season champion the last two years in Indianapolis, who entered the title game with an undefeated record, and the back-to-back defending league champions in Fort Wayne, the matchup on the court did not disappoint. In a back-and-forth affair, it appeared Indianapolis pulled away late in the game to seal victory as they went on a 13-5 run to take a 76-71 lead with under a minute remaining. But Fort Wayne's Elijah Wilson-Thomas was fouled on a three-point field goal with 23 seconds remaining to cut the deficit to one after a made free throw at 76-75. After Indianapolis' Chrishawn Hopkins hit one of two free throws to take the lead to 77-75 with five seconds remaining, the 2014 league MVP, Antonio Cannon, drove the lane and hit a layup at the buzzer to send the game into overtime at 77-77. In the first extra period, with seven seconds remaining and the game tied at 87-87, Wilson-Thomas attempted a floater to win the game only to be blocked by Indianapolis' William McClure. On the ensuing transition up the court after the blocked shot, Indianapolis' Anthony White, Jr. attempted a game-winning floater of his own, but was rejected as well on the other end by Fort Wayne's Antonio Wilson at the buzzer. In the second overtime though, Fort Wayne prevailed through as Antonio Cannon hit the game-winning jumper with 13 seconds remaining, while White, Jr. missed a game-tying three-pointer for Indianapolis with six seconds left - giving Fort Wayne the improbable 98-95 double-overtime victory and their third consecutive championship title. Fort Wayne, which lost two regular season games to Indianapolis earlier this year, were led by the 2018 CBA Postseason Tournament MVP, Antonio Cannon, with a game-high 33 points and Ronald Lucas III with 15 points. Indianapolis, which fell to Fort Wayne in the title game for the second year in a row, were led by Tyler Bibbs with 15 points and William McClure with 11 points. 

With the Central Basketball Association completing its sixth season, the attention now shifts to the critical offseason programs, as players across the league look for international opportunities to advance their basketball careers in the global market. The CBA has helped over 200 athletes play on foreign soil after playing in the league, and looks to increase that number this offseason with numerous opportunities awaiting in Europe, South America, the Caribbean, and Australia. Be sure to keep up-to-date on all news and events related to the CBA this offseason by following the league on Instagram (@playCBA) and Twitter (@playCBA).