Slim 3 point victory for Thames Valley Kings against Plymouth Raiders to remain top.

Thames Valley Kings made the long journey to Plymouth in the Division 3 South West league in their first encounter of the season against Plymouth Raiders. Kings who have previously faced the Plymouth based team In the previous two seasons had never beaten them. With both teams fighting for a promotional place, this lived up to the high-octane match that was expected.

An evenly matched first quarter saw Raiders on the scoreboard first and an end to end high-scoring quarter followed. Both Reece Baker and Chris Nash finding the basket for Kings. Kings edging the first quarter 16 – 14.

Both teams came back out onto the floor with Raiders fighting back every step of the way, in another close quarter. Kings manage to edge out in front towards the end of the quarter, helped by a 3 point shot from Reece Barker. At the halftime break, Kings were out in front by 11 points, Kings 35 v 24 Raiders.

A change in tactics for both teams saw a lower scoring quarter with Raiders only scoring 2 baskets and one additional point from the free throw line. Kings added 4 more baskets to the tally to leave the game – Kings 43 Raiders 29 with a quarter to play.

In the final 10 minutes, Raiders really put the pressure on Kings with a valiant fight back and were determined for the win, but the Kings players held the points advantage until the final buzzer edging this close game, Kings 50 – 47 Raiders.

Kings Club Captain, Wayne Burton stated after the game “What a fantastic game to be involved! There was some great basketball players from both sides that’s why it ended up in a thrilling result. We weren’t at our best but it’s a great result to end our 4-time losing streak against Plymouth. Well done to all involved that’s now 7 wins from 8! Let’s keep this going”