The McDonald’s Nottingham Hoods have boosted their chances for survival with a comfortable 84-68 win against play-off chasing Leeds Carnegie.
In what was a must win game for the Hoods, a high scoring first quarter ominously saw the visitors take a 19-26 lead at the end of the first but the Hoods were not detered and carried on working well on the offensive end to reduce the deficit to 39-43 at the half.
For once it was the hosts that stole the initiative in the second half through some fantastic team basketball as Dargis and Siczek took over the scoring duties to take a 66-58 lead into the final quarter. With the crowd cheering them on, the Hoods again pushed on in the fourth, with Dargis controlling the offensive end on his way to a career high 31 points. The ever consistant Siczek added 18, with Fernandes and Stanley adding 10 in what was a fantastic game to watch and a great confidence boosting performance from the Hoods.
GM Lee English commented, “Yes!! What a game, what a result and what a performance. I am so proud of my boys. It has been a tough year and tonight they showed how good they are against a very good opposition. We have one game left away at Derby next weekend, with both of us tied on points at the wrong end of the league table, but we will be full of confidence going into what is sure to be an exciting finale to a tough season. The atmosphere tonight was electric and I want to thank everyone who came down to support us tonight, but especially want to thank all those that keep coming week after week despite the close losses – this win is for them”
Guard Ryan Westley simply added, “I love my team” before jumping onto his teammates shoulders amidst wild celebrations.
