ROCKS ARE HARD NUT TO CRACK

Glasgow Rocks destroyed Essex Pirates 71-55 on Saturday night in Southend to move into the British Basketball League’s top three.

Sterling Davis’ men cruised clear of their hosts with a 21-10 run in the first quarter with the player-coach leading the way as the Rocks pulled 18 clear by half-time.

And Essex, who have now lost all 20 games this season, fell away as Glasgow moved as much as 60-30 in front in the third period.

Elsewhere, Worcester Wolves held off a late Leicester Riders rally to take a 93-86 win at the JSC.

Friday: Lions cannot crack Rocks

Milton Keynes Lions debuted new signing Demarius Bolds against Glasgow Rocks but his presence failed to prevent his side from falling to a 97-88 defeat on Friday.

Bolds, who hit 18 points, received international clearance from FIBA and the Serbian authorities hours before the game but the 6’4” guard couldn’t prevent the Rocks from racing into an uncatchable 36-16 lead after a frenetic first quarter.

The Lions still trailed by 20 at half-time and although Bolds sparked a rally of sorts, Glasgow were barely troubled in collecting a seventh league win in eight attempts, paced by 17 from EJ Harrison.

Elsewhere, Newcastle Eagles romped to an 111-75 victory against Leicester Riders, led by 36 points from Charles Smith.

It was the Riders who started strongly as they led 8-5 early on, but that was the only lead that they enjoyed in the game as the home side broke the game open with an 18-4 burst to close out the first quarter leading 35-19.

Fab Flournoy’s men continued to extend their lead throughout the game as they picked up their eighth successive victory in the Championship and a 20-4 tear to close out the game handed the Eagles their biggest lead of the game at 111-85.

Liam Potter had 5 points and 6 rebounds on his Leicester debut with Ryan Zamroz adding 20.