Plymouth Raiders got the BBL Trophy competition off to a great start at the weekend after they enjoyed a 109-100 victory over high-flying Cheshire Phoenix.
It looked ominous for the Raiders as the Phoenix jumped out to a 22-6 lead after four minutes, but the introduction of new signing Gareth Murray changed the game in Plymouth’s favour.
Led by 28 points and 10 rebounds from Jordan Clarke, Plymouth put on a shooting clinic with Pierre Hampton and Brent Benson deadly from outside the three-point line, ending the Phoenix’s winning streak at ten.
“Just really happy that we that we could add a player like Gareth,” said Raiders’ coach Jay Marriott.
“I think there were some brilliant performances, but I think that is because we’ve now got the depth and versatility that we can change things during the game.”
Worcester Wolves’ defence of the Trophy will continue after Sunday’s narrow 86-84 win at Durham Wildcats. Alex Owumi led the Wolves with 22 points while new signing Dejan Radojevic had 20.
Last season’s runners-up are also in the next round after Glasgow Rocks romped to a 112-46 victory at Falkirk Fury, Danny Huffor leading a balanced scoring attack with 19 points.
BJ Holmes had a game-high 25 points and was supported by 22 from Nick Lewis as Sheffield Sharks narrowly defeated Manchester Giants, 79-76.
Kramer Knutson (21 points and 10 rebounds) and Elvisi Dusha (20 points) were both on form as Surrey United held on for a 69-64 win at Essex Leopards, United’s first win in the Trophy.
TrayVonn Wright went for 21 points and 13 rebounds as the Leicester Riders comfortably beat Leeds Force, 81-51, to book their place in the next round.
Alex Zurn scored a game-high 27 points but it wasn’t enough to help the Reading Rockets to victory as they lost 112-90 at home to Newcastle Eagles, who were led by 26 points from Andre Jones.
Finally, in the only midweek Trophy tie, London Lions beat Bristol Flyers, 85-73, thanks in part to a 30-point haul from Zaire Taylor.
In the BBL Championship, Worcester Wolves pulled level on points with Newcastle after a dramatic 69-68 win at Bristol Flyers on Saturday. Chavis Holmes, who led the Wolves with 22 points, put his side ahead with five seconds remaining.
The Flyers had one last chance to win the game but Mathias Seilund, who scored a game-high 25 points, saw his shot miss at the buzzer.
Leicester Riders kept up their title push after their 89-86 overtime win at Sheffield Sharks. Rashad Hassan continued his excellent start to 2015 with a 35-point haul, a new-season high for the Riders forward.
Glasgow Rocks bounced back from last weekend’s BBL Cup final defeat to beat London Lions, 89-86.
Rocks’ Kieron Achara, who led the team with 23 points, nailed the decisive three-pointer with two seconds remaining.
“I was happy that our team fought to the very end,” said Achara.
“After a tough loss in the cup, it was great to see the guys show the desire to pull off the win against a strong London Lions team. It’s exactly what we needed.”
Finally, Sam Attah had 20 points as Leeds moved out of last place following their 85-76 win over Manchester Giants.
Source: British Basketball League
