Glasgow Rocks dropped out of the British Basketball League’s top three for the first time since November last night following a 93-84 reverse at leaders Leicester Riders.
Kieron Achara had 21 points and 12 rebounds but a late rally from the Scots fell short after they had trailed by as much as 18 at the start of the fourth quarter. Critically, it was further momentum ceded amid a fifth straight loss for Sterling Davis’ men who now sit fourth after rivals Sheffield Sharks moved above them by beating Surrey Scorchers 86-78.
Yet with Gareth Murray forced to the sidelines though injury after only seven minutes on the court, Glasgow made their hosts work for a victory that takes them ever-closer to retaining their BBL title. If not for 18 turnovers that were summarily punished, they might have inflicted a second defeat on the champions in three days.
With Lee Reilly resolute in adding ten points when asked to fill the void left by Murray’s incapacity, the Rocks surged 44-42 ahead late in the second period before a three-point play from ex-Great Britain captain Drew Sullivan pushed the Riders in front at the break.
They would never trail again with a 7-0 run shaking off the Scots to eventually sweep 75-57 clear. With Brandon Clark scoring a game-high 23, Leicester could afford to coast although a 9-0 burst at the start of the fourth briefly gave Glasgow hope, but no more, with the Riders now four points clear of Newcastle Eagles with a game in hand.
Meanwhile Caledonia Pride coach Bart Sengers admits his team’s reserves of resilience shocked even him as they pulled out a first-ever home win in the Women’s BBL. The capital outfit overturned a 76-64 deficit with 4:19 left to stun Sheffield Hatters 79-78 with Natalie Bastian, who scored 24, sealing victory from the foul line after Hannah Robb had hit a pair of three-pointers that ignited an unlikely comeback.
It kept the Pride within four points of eighth-place Cardiff and the door still ajar to making the playoffs in their inaugural season. “We worked hard for that,” Sengers said. “It surprised me how we handled things because we’ve not always dealt with pressure well. We were 12 points down, we had to push but we delivered. Now we need everyone to build off this but it will give us some confidence.”
RESULTS
BBL. Leicester Riders 93 Glasgow Rocks 84, Surrey Scorchers 78 Sheffield Sharks 86, Manchester Giants 88 London Lions 96. Sat: Bristol Flyers 74 Surrey Scorchers 85
WBBL. Caledonia Pride 79 Sheffield Hatters 78
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