Match Report: Hoods Overcome League Leaders Newcastle Knights

Hoods Overcome League Leaders to Extend Unbeaten Run

The in-form Nottingham Hoods faced their toughest test of 2026 as they welcomed league leaders Newcastle Knights to Harvey Hadden Sports Village. Newcastle entered the contest having lost just two games all season, and with a closely fought fixture earlier in the campaign, the Hoods knew they would need a complete performance. In a fast-paced, high-quality contest, Nottingham produced exactly that, maintaining control from a strong opening quarter to secure an impressive 94–83 victory.

The Hoods made a flying start, opening the game on a 7–0 run that included three-pointers from D. Nixon II and T. Walker. Aggressive defence and precise execution on offence allowed Nottingham to quickly establish a double-digit lead. Contributions came from across the roster, with the Hoods scoring efficiently both inside and from beyond the arc while limiting empty possessions. A highly productive opening period saw Nottingham post 30 points and take a 14-point lead at the end of the first quarter.

That momentum carried into the second quarter as B. Johnson scored five quick points and T. Williams finished an outstanding alley-oop, following a perfectly weighted pass from D. Nixon II. However, a brief lapse in concentration saw Nottingham’s ball movement and defensive discipline drop, allowing Newcastle back into the game. The Knights capitalised, cutting a 19-point deficit to 12 in just over a minute through back-to-back baskets from S. Trunley and J. Thames. Following substitutions, the Hoods regained control by attacking the paint with purpose, drawing fouls and converting at the free-throw line. A buzzer-beating finger roll from D. Nixon II ensured Nottingham went into halftime with a commanding 48–32 lead.

As expected, the league leaders responded strongly after the break. Newcastle began the third quarter with increased belief, knocking down shots and reducing the deficit to 10 points. Nottingham, meanwhile, started the period more slowly, finding it harder to generate transition opportunities as Newcastle’s offensive efficiency improved. Midway through the quarter, both teams settled into rhythm, exchanging baskets with disciplined execution. Strong two-man play between E. Bailey and B. Johnson helped Nottingham break down the Knights’ zone defence, but Newcastle’s continued shot-making meant the Hoods led by just nine points heading into the final quarter, 71–62.

Nottingham responded well to start the fourth quarter, racing out to re-establish a 17-point lead within the opening three minutes. Despite Newcastle continuing to make shots and applying late pressure, the Hoods showed composure to manage the closing stages. A late Knights run, led by B. Dean, was met with calm execution from Nottingham, capped off by another highlight alley-oop connection between D. Nixon II and T. Williams to seal the victory.

The win extends the Hoods’ unbeaten streak in 2026 to five games and represents another statement performance against top-level opposition. T. Williams led the way with an outstanding all-round display of 30 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists, while B. Johnson recorded a dominant 24-point, 16-rebound performance, shooting 100% from beyond the arc. D. Nixon II added 13 points and a game-high 9 assists, with two further Hoods players reaching double figures, underlining the team’s improved cohesion and balance since the turn of the year. The Hoods play again at home next week as they prepare to face local rivals Loughborough Riders.