EBL Division 1 Reading Rockets 83 v Tees Valley Mohawks 80
Sunday 5th February 2012 Rivermead Leisure Complex Tip off 4 pm
DOUBLE VICTORY WEEKEND
This is exactly what Head Coach Samit Nuruzade was demanding of his players and he must have been pleased especially as one of his key players, Kastytis Normantas, pulled a hamstring on Saturday night and couldn't play any part yesterday and another experienced guard, Jon May could only do short stints on court due to a shoulder injury he also picked up on Saturday night. These absences just meant the remainder of the squad had to step up once more against Tees Valley.
Rockets scored first through captain Ryan Lohfink, who was to have an outstanding game and lead from the front, but Mohawks hit the first of their 14 three pointers moments later. They held the advantage for just 19 seconds and then Rockets were never behind for the remainder of the game. Harrison Gamble had a spin move and drive whilst Robbie Parker again hit consecutive threes as he did the previous evening. With Lewis Champion on fire in this opening period with 14 points , a 100% shooting record, four assists and three rebounds, Rockets shot to a 37 - 19 lead and a score they've not bettered in a quarter this season. The supporters were in awe at the drives and dishes for the shooting guards to enjoy scoring whilst Lohfink worked inside and the whole team's interpassing was a joy to behold.
Mohawks hit a treble of threes to stay in touch in the second period but Parker hit his third trey as Champion went coast to coast and Lukas Aleksandravicius sent a great pass to Lohfink to spin and score. Moments later Lohfink took his own rebound to give him 14 points and 9 rebounds at the interval with Champion also on 14 points and Gamble on 13. Mohawks were very dependent on three guys for scoring 84% of their total points as Rockets went to the locker room with a 54-41 advantage.
During the interval, the spectators were treated to dance routines from the Bradfield Dance Group led by Michelle Legg of The Performing Arts Institute (TPAI) whilst Coach Nuruzade headed off to keep his players firmly focused for a second win of the weekend.
Lohfink continued where he'd left off, taking down boards at either end and finishing excellently inside whilst Mohawks Dodd, who had hit five from seven threes by the break missed his first three attempts. May took a defensive rebound, released Aleksandravicius who passed to Lohfink to finish a sweet move moments before May initiated a fast break and released to Gamble to finish, drew the foul and made a 3 point play. As last night’s outstanding player, Luke Nelson, was well guarded by Mohawks , it was great to see him hit an audacious three from way down town to see Rockets improve their lead to 14 points at 68 - 54 as the final quarter approached.
Gamble opened Rockets’ account with a score off an inbound pass whilst Aleksandravicius scored with a dunk to give Rockets an 18 point lead. However the three key Mohawk shooters hit everything in this period including six three pointers to cut the deficit to single figures as the last minute beckoned. Gamble and Aleksandravicius kept their nerve from the foul line to maintain a 5 / 6 point lead until the final play when Mohawks hit their 14th three pointer to make the score very respectable, though Rockets were deserved winners as they climb the league table.
Top scorers for Rockets were Lohfink with 28 and 15 rebounds, Gamble with 15 points and 7 rebounds, Champion with 14 points and 6 rebounds and Parker on 13 points.
