After their defeat less than 24 hours earlier it was essential that Thunder got back to winning ways if they were to maintain their challenge for a home-spot in the post season play-offs and an assured performance saw them notch up a 81-73 victory at Barking Abbey.
Although the home side edged the first quarter finishing 16-14 ahead, the lead frequently changed hands in the second period until a late rally by the visitors saw them win the second session 23 -15 to go into the locker room with a 6 point advantage. After the break Thunder’s experience began to dominate the match with Thunder extending their lead to as much as 16 points in the fourth quarter at 74-58.
Barking however were not prepared to give the game up and twice got back to within 6 points in the last three minutes of the match. Nevertheless, Thunder were not be outdone and four late free throws (2 each from AJ Basi and Alex Owumi) saw Thunder home by an 8 point margin to pick up another valuable win (81-73).
After the weekends’ matches Thunder now lie equal fourth in the league with Thames Valley Cavaliers both with a 10 and 4 record 2 points behind and both 2 games in hand on third-placed Reading Rockets (11-5). Second-placed Hemel Storm are 4 points ahead (12-3) having played one more match then Thunder and Cavaliers. Solent are top with an unbeaten 15-0 record.
Thunder scorers:- Alex Owumi (27 points); Zaire Taylor (17 points); AJ Basi and Dominic Ives (12 points each); Tom Ward (7 points) and Cameron Hildreth (6 points)