EPVA Nets Capture 12th Conference Title

The EPVA Nets pose after defeating the Long Island Express, 45-34 in the championship game of the Eastern Wheelchair Basketball Conference championship tournament.

The EPVA Nets, a wheelchair basketball team co-sponsored by the Eastern paralyzed Veterans Association and the New Jersey Nets, captured their 12th consecutive Eastern Wheelchair Basketball Conference (EWBC) title on Jan. 28th beating the Long Island Express 45-34.

In the championship game, the EPVA Nets jumped out to an 11-2 lead on the Long Island Express and went into halftime leading 29-14. On three separate occasions the Express trimmed the deficit to six points in the second half. The EPVA Nets ended the Express rally with clutch outside shooting by James Jeffreys and inside scoring from Eddie Lopez. Jeffreys and Lopez both finished as the EPVA Nets’ top scorers with 16 points. "The conference has become a lot more competitive now and winning the conference championship has become more meaningful," EPVA Nets Captain Patrick Donaghey, said.

With a 12-0 regular season record, the EPVA Nets entered the EWBC Championship Tournament as a number one seed and a first round bye. Their conference title qualifies them for the Eastern Sectionals, which will be played the weekend of Feb. 24th and 25th in either Boston or Philadelphia.