Match Report: Northampton Titans U14 vs Nottingham Hoods U14
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Date: 10 January 2026
Final Score: Titans 104 – Hoods 51
The Nottingham Hoods U14s made their first road trip of the new year buoyed by confidence after an opening win, but faced a stern test away at Northampton Titans — the same opponents who had recorded a heavy victory earlier in the season against a depleted Hoods side. This time, with a stronger squad and renewed belief, the Hoods were determined to compete with greater resilience and purpose.
Q1 – Threes Keep Hoods in Touch
The opening quarter saw the Hoods initially struggle to protect possession, allowing the Titans to capitalise on turnovers. The response was immediate and encouraging, with a well-worked three settling nerves. A new signing opened his account with a composed and-one opportunity, and despite shots not always falling, ball movement generated good looks.
The Titans’ height — particularly through their centre — posed problems inside, but the Hoods countered with pace and shooting. A trio of three-pointers, including back-to-back makes before the midpoint, kept the contest alive at 14–13. Strong defensive sequences followed, including a superb transition block, though Titans’ speed at guard level eventually stretched the lead to 27–16 by the end of the quarter.
Q2 – Defensive Effort, Offensive Frustration
The Titans opened the second with a layup, but the Hoods replied from the free throw line and produced some of their best defensive work of the half. Pressure slowed the Titans’ progress, forcing turnovers, while at the other end the paint became crowded, limiting scoring options.
A clever pump fake led to a well-taken breakaway score, and despite some unlucky foul calls, the Hoods continued to battle. As Titans repeatedly found success with driving layups, the Hoods responded with a three off a free-throw rebound and began to gain more joy attacking the rim. Still, the Titans’ consistency saw them pull away to a 55–27 lead at half-time.
Q3 – Competing with Control
The pace slowed in the third quarter, which suited the Hoods as they focused on clearing defensive lines and maintaining structure. Strong drives from outside the paint produced quality finishes, forcing the Titans to rely more on long-range shooting.
At 68–32, improved passing unlocked another well-worked basket, but sustained pressure from the Titans exposed ball-handling errors that halted momentum. Despite clear effort, the Titans extended the gap, with the quarter closing at 80–38.
Q4 – Spirit and Scoring to the End
The Hoods refused to fade, keeping the Titans’ scoring in check through sharp interceptions and disciplined work around the paint. Individual and team baskets followed, reflecting a more balanced offensive response.
Improved movement and passing led to a standout reverse layup, and the Hoods showed real fighting spirit throughout the final period. While they narrowly missed the target of keeping the Titans under 100, the performance closed positively at 104–51, a marked improvement on the earlier meeting.
