Loughborough defend BUCS title with win over UEL

Image Credit: Loughborough

Loughborough won their sixth men’s BUCS basketball title in the last seven seasons with a 77-75 win over University of East London in the championship final on Wednesday afternoon in Loughborough.

Blake Bowman picked up MVP with a 23-point, 17-rebound effort as Loughborough fought from behind in the fourth to win in a thriller. Sam Akano’s 15-footer to force overtime bounced off the back of the rim as time expired and the celebrations began.

“That one was for the leavers,” Bowman said after the game. “Super happy with the win such a great game to be a part of. Shout out to UEL for pushing us to the end and bringing the best out of us. Alhamdulillah!”

Elijah Bailey was the only other player in double figures for Loughborough with 15, while Akano and Igor Stokic led UEL with 15-a-piece.

Down by seven to open the final period, the Riders hit six three-pointers in the quarter, including three straight in a 9-2 run to take their first lead of the period.

Battling through foul trouble and injury; Conner Washington fouled out with two and a half minutes left, while Bowman went to the bench with suspect cramp for a period down the stretch, Loughborough’s experience prevailed as they continue one of the most dominance runs in BUCS history.

“Always an amazing feeling to be crowned champion,” Loughborough Head Coach Will Maynard commented.

“Credit has to go to Dave (Greenaway) and UEL I thought they were very well prepared and made everything tough for us. Our players made huge plays down the stretch when we needed it! Couldn’t be happier for everyone involved for this one.”

University of Worcester have the most dominant 10-season stretch, winning eight titles between 2005-2014, but with the victory, Loughborough need another three straight to break the record and become the first BUCS team in history to win five consecutive championships.

Box score.

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