The Nottingham Hoods Basketball Club knocked over the Newcastle under Lyme Knights in a 80-72 win and extend their winning streak to 10 games.
The Hoods started slowly as the Knights came out gunning for the league leaders in a very physical encounter. The Knights stunned the home team through tough defence and leapt into an early 2-11 lead. The Hoods clawed their way back though and finished a high scoring first quarter down 23-27.
In the second, the Hoods set the tempo and came back hard as Polish star, Lukasz Siczek, left defenders in his dust; blasting by them and scoring some easy fast break layups, with other points coming from Wright, Mitchell and Guerra. The first half was ended with Dameatric Scott stealing the ball and smashing home a Slam dunk over a knights player raising the crowd to their feet and leaving The Hoods up at the half 49-43
Coach Phil Waghorn’s words had a huge impact during the break, as The Hoods kept control of the game. Defensive stops and forced turnovers leading to fast breaks with full control now in the hands of the Hoods as they closed the third extending their lead to 64-54.
The Knights remained tough but couldn’t hold the Hoods back as Stanley, Assinder, Westley and Davis scored crucial points keeping Nottingham in the driving seat, whilst captain Apostolidis did a fine job from the foul line as they ran out 80-72 winners to stay top of the league.
Top Scorers: Siczek 20; Scott 19; Guerra 10
General Manager, Lee English said, “at times I was worried at the start but by nerves were settled after seeing the experience of our team shining through and shutting down the young and impressive Knights team.”
The Hoods still sit on top of Division 3, with a perfect 5&0 record, with Liverpool the only other unbeaten side in the division, whom they meet just before Christmas.
Unfortunately, the Hoods II lost their second game in a row, going down to their league leaders Loughborough Riders 68-44, with Menakaya again leading the Hoods with 13.
This weekend sees The Hoods at away to Sefton on Saturday before returning home on Sunday for a 3rd round Shield tie against local rivals Mansfield Giants 5pm tip off at the Nottingham Wildcats Arena in Bakersfield, NG3 7EB.
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