truebluefan

The Rome Gladiators preach a team concept, from the starting introductions to the final buzzer.

That share-the-wealth philosophy gave Rome a boost in a crucial World Basketball Association game Wednesday night. The Gladiators got double-digit scoring contributions from six players in a 127-117 victory against Murfreesboro at Shorter’s Winthrop-King Centre.

“When we play as a unit, we’ve got a good squad right here,” said Lamar Castille, who came off the bench to lead Rome with 28 points.

Castille was hardly the only reserve to give the Gladiators (4-2) a spark. Rome’s bench players outscored their counterparts 69-20, and the Musicians faded down the stretch of a tight game between Central Conference rivals.

“We held on and held our composure, which I liked,” said Gladiators coach Harold Ellis. “We did a better job of attacking the basket, and we had fewer turnovers than we usually do down the stretch.”

After overcoming an early 10-point deficit, the Gladiators took the lead after each quarter but never could establish a comfortable margin until the final minute of play.

Complete article