Thunder missed out on a double-victory weekend after they lost at home in a hard-fought and physical game to visitors, Hemel Storm, 114-109. In a match which went to two periods of overtime, Thunder and Hemel both had chances to win the game, but it was the visitors who secured the victory after Thunder got into serious foul trouble; with 4 players eventually fouled out.
Hemel started the game the better of the two sides and were leading at the end of both the first quarter and half-time by 2 points. Thunder came out after the break to edge into a 4 point lead at the end of the third. Hemel had a chance to win the match with the last play in normal time, but their shot fell short.
Neither side could be separated during the first period of overtime and as the game progressed, Thunder’s fouled-out players were sorely missed and Hemel ended the game with a well-deserved victory.
Zaire Taylor was top-scorer for Thunder with 33 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. Jorge Ebanks scored 32 points and 12 rebounds.
Thunder will wish to put this defeat to the back of their minds as they set off to play in the National Trophy Final next weekend, Sunday 10th February against Loughborough Riders at University of East London, tip off 3:30pm.