Around the NBL 16/17 - Week 2 - Hoopsfix.com

Around the NBL 16/17 – Week 2

The second week of the National Basketball League (NBL) season as the National Trophy and Patrons Cup pool action continues.

National Trophy

Lyonell Gaines had a huge game for Worthing Thunder at the weekend after leading his new side into the semi-finals. The American went off for 43 points on 75% shooting from the field in a 72-85 road win at Team Solent Kestrels to secure top spot in Pool 1.

Hemel Storm made it two wins from two as they claimed another narrow success by edging out Westminster Warriors 74-76, away from home. Leon Henry and Jack Burnell netted 15 points apiece, while Tom Adorian and Walid Mumumi both added 11 points in the win. Meanwhile, Essex Leopards bounced back with a 67-68 triumph at London Lituanica after a 17-9 final quarter with David Ajumobi leading the way with 19 points.

In Pool 3, Manchester Magic maintained their unbeaten start with a 52-66 victory away at Lancashire Spinners as they were led by Simon Anumba’s 15 points. Also 2-0 are Team Northumbria after they secured an 80-66 win at home to Bradford Dragons behind 17 points from Blayne Freckleton.

Finally, Loughborough Student Riders started their season with two defeats in a tough double-header. Derby Trailblazers came away with a 55-58 victory on Saturday with Josh Ward-Hibbert starring with 11 points and nine rebounds before Leicester Warriors defended home court with a 69-62 win, aided by Leome Francis’ 25-point haul.

Pool 1: Thunder 2-0; Kestrels/Rockets 0-1
Pool 2: Storm 2-0; Lituanica/Leopards 1-1; W Warriors 0-2
Pool 3: Northumbria/Magic 2-0; Dragons/Spinners 0-2
Pool 4: L Warriors/Trailblazers 1-0; Student Riders 0-2


Patrons Cup

Team Newcastle University made a winning start to their Patrons Cup campaign after defeating Tees Valley Mohawks 70-85 on the road with American Richard Austin posting an impressive 28 points and 18 rebounds, while Romonn Nelson added 24 points against his former side.

Ipswich opened their account in Pool 3 as they defeated London Greenhouse Pioneers, 62-50. Tom Sadler top scored with 15 points with Luke Mascall-Wright adding 14 and Leigh Greenan contributing 10 points and 10 rebounds.

The other game at the weekend saw Newham Neptunes claim a nail-biting 87-86 victory in overtime against Thames Valley Cavaliers. The visitors battled back to force the extra period, but fell short to drop their opener, despite 21 points from Martelle McLemore. Leading the hosts to victory was Lukas Volskis, who netted a game-high 22 points.

Pool 1: Liverpool/Knights 1-0; Mohawks 0-2
Pool 2: Arrows 1-0; Hoods 0-0; Eagles 0-1
Pool 3: Crusaders 1-0; Ipswich 1-1; Pioneers 0-1
Pool 4: Neptunes 1-0; Westside 0-0; Cavaliers 0-1


Division Three

University of Chester made an emphatic start to D3 North after powering past Sefton Stars in a 106-60 victory with James Strong leading all scorers with 26 points. Meanwhile, Myerscough College held off Team Birmingham Elite for an 88-84 victory as Konrad Kantorski went off for 19 of his 24 points in the fourth.

In D3 South, Cardiff Met Archers pulled off a 73-81 road win against Thames Valley Cavaliers II with captain, James Dawe leading the way with a 29-point haul.


Division Four

Team Wolverhampton began the Midlands D4 section with a 91-55 success over Sheffield Sabres, while Warwickshire Hawks claimed a 61-79 win away at Nottingham Hoods II.


National Shield

Team Sunderland edged out Newcastle East Griffins 71-75 and were joined in the next round by Cambridge Cats, who eased to a 40-83 victory away at Anglia Ruskin University. Chelmsford Lions defeated Essex Blades 67-61 for the second week in a row having also beaten them in the First Round of the National Cup.

On Sunday, Tameside crushed Sefton Stars II 115-34 and there was an equally comfortable win for Kent Crusaders II as they eased to a 102-37 win over Folkestone Saints with Ryan Palmer netting 26 points. There was also a win for Manchester Giants II as they defeated Stockport Falcons 56-97 to move into the next round.

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