BBL Cup Semi-Final Line Up Decided

Holders Eagles make short work of Worcester Wolves with a dominant 107-85 victory over Paul James’ team. In a game that saw some excellent three-point shooting from Eagles, Joe Chapman hit three consecutive treys to put his side in charge as they rattled off a 22-7 and never looked back. Eagles’ point guard Damon Huffman top-scored with 25 points, made 7 of 10 shots from long range and also added five assists while reigning BBL MVP Chapman scored 23 points, converting six of nine three-point attempts and had seven assists.

2011 Cup champions Sharks secured their semi-final spot with a 72-71 win against Glasgow Rocks that saw them come back from a 59-46 deficit at the beginning of the fourth quarter when they scored the first 12 points.

Sharks’ Micah Williams led all scorers with 23 and Mike Tuck picked up a double-double.

Great Britain international Kieron Achara finished with 22 points, ten rebounds and four blocked shots for the Rocks.

Riders earned their final four spot after winning 90-74 at London Lions in a contest they led from tip-to-buzzer, never letting the Lions back in the game after building their lead up early on.

Plymouth became the final side to seal their place in the last four when they gained revenge for last week’s Championship loss against Surrey Heat by winning 79-74 at Surrey Sports Park.

The Raiders – last year’s losing BBL Cup finalists – were led by Jeremy Bell’s 28 points and a double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds from Colin O’Reilly. The hosts were led by 20 points and eight assists from Chavis Holmes.

Raiders also collected a BBL Championship victory on Friday night as they edged a tight contest with Manchester Giants 86-83 to take the BBL Championship points at Wright Robinson College. Raiders’ Michael Ojo led all scorers with 23 points off 8/11 field goal shooting and 100% free-throw shooting. The Giants scorers were led by David Watts, who scored 22 points.

All of Sunday’s action was in the BBL Championship, and Durham Wildcats secured their third victory of the season with a 69-64 victory over Manchester Giants after they came back from as many as 18 points down early in the third quarter. Wildcats’ Mike Baldarelli led all scorers with 19 points and also made four steals, while Andrew Keister finished with ten points and picked up 18 rebounds.

Glasgow Rocks’ player-coach Sterling Davis led by example with 20 points and seven boards as his side built on a good start to win 85-79 against Worcester Wolves – a result that saw them move into the play-off spots.

The north-west derby at Northgate Arena saw hosts Cheshire secure their second victory of the season with a 79-73 victory over Mersey Tigers in a close game. Cheshire’s Chez Marks led all scorers with 21 and Kenny Moore scored 18. Alif Bland finished the game with a double-double, three blocks and two steals. Chris Bigley and Martin Calvo jointly led the Tigers scorers with 16 points each.

Despite the loss, Bigley believes that the Tigers are making progress: “We played a lot of unselfish basketball – each starter in double figures, whereas previously it was two at most – and I think it was our best showing to date. I guess it’s a sign of the work in progress.”

Story – BBL

Raiders’ Photo – Matt Elliott Photography

Sharks’ Photo – MPhotography