Worthing Thunder returned to the top of the table with an exciting 1-point victory over pre-game leaders Solent Kestrels.
Solent started the game stronger with their physical presence in the paint, providing a dominant attack which Thunder often found hard to repel. At the end of the first quarter, Solent were leading by just 2 points (24-22) and the lead exchanged hands frequently in the second quarter, but Thunder went into the locker room 3 points ahead (46-43).
Thunder had the better of the third quarter and extended their lead to 4 points at the end of the period. The fourth quarter was a pulsating affair in which both teams had an opportunity to win at the death. With 12 seconds to play, Thunder looked to have won the game when Alex Owumi drove to the basket for a two-point layup to give Thunder a three point lead. However, after some debate, the basket was disallowed for an offensive foul and Thunder had to defend with a single point lead with just 12 seconds to play. This was sufficient time for Brendan Okoronkwo to make a steal and a foul by Solent player, Herm Senor, sent him to the line with a chance to wrap the game up. Brendan was unsuccessful with both shots and with just 4 seconds to play, Solent missed their last chance to win the match, leaving Thunder victorious by a single point, 73-72.
Top scorers for Thunder were Jorge Ebanks with 24 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals; Zaire Taylor with 19 points and Alex Owumi with 14 points. Jorge Ebanks won Thunder’s Barkers of Tarring Man of the Match. Click here to read more.