Eagles’ Cedric Kizee drives to the basket during a 37-27 playoff win vs. Warriors.

The 10-point margin of victory is deceiving. The game was a much closer affair. The Wizards trailed by only two points with 3:48 left in the second half.

After the Eagles were called on an offensive charging foul, the Wizards tried to take the lead with a three-point attempt, but missed.

ìI looked at the score, and I said, ëThatís the game,íî remembered Eaglesí Sean Robinson. ìThey forced that three when there was no need.î

The Eagles turned the long rebound from the miss into a three-pointer of their own, with Clinton Coats converting. The Eagles pressed, trapped, double-teamed and otherwise harrassed Wizards whenever they gained possession.

ìKeep hustling, get the rebound, and play defense,î Eagles coach Brian Robinson told his team during the final time out. ìIf we can make them shoot from the outside weíve got this thing won.î

The Eagles stalled whenever they got possession. They spread the court and looked for an open teammate whenever the Wizards double-teamed.

Brian Robinson said after the game that defense was the key. ìIf we do that every game we should get the trophy. Weíre already OK offensively. If we stop the other team, weíre set.î

ìTwo years in a row we missed out on first place,î said Eaglesí forward Donald Gordon. ìThis year we want it.î

Coates scored 11 points for Eagles, with Brian Robinson scoring 9.

Wesley Faust led the Wizards in scorin with 9 points; Howard Tyndle scored seven and Odell Smith contributed 6.

Warrior Transition Brigade and the Wizards face off Thursday in the loserís bracket for the right to face Eagles in the tournament finals April 1.