Carnegie made the long journey to Sussex on Saturday to face the Thunder in Worthing.  The Thunder had the better of the opening exchanges and it wasn’t until the second period that Leeds stepped the offensive production up and claimed a 6 point lead to take into the half time break.

Both teams exchanged baskets in the third quarter with Leeds holding onto their 5 point for the final quarter.  Carnegie continued to control the game in the final period stretching their lead out to double digits as the game entered the final 5 minutes.  Worthing however found offensive rhythm in the closing stages and Leeds lead was reduced to just 2 points with 14 seconds left in the game.

Worthing’s Bud Johnston sealed an epic comeback victory for the Thunder with a three from the wing.

Carnegie’s Josh McGinn attempted to reply with the clock running out only for the shot to hit the rim and bounce out.

Worthing secured the 72-71 win on the back of a 23 point game from American forward Rory Spencer.  Carnegie’s scoring was led by Rowell Graham-Bell with 16 points.

Leeds had less than 20 hours to recover in preparation for the National Cup 3rd Round game against Tees Valley Mohawks.  Carnegie came out focused on defending their National Cup crown scoring 20 points in the first period and opening up a 4 point lead.  The Mohawks restructured their defense for the second period and they limited Carnegie to just 13 points in the second quarter, reducing the home team’s lead to just 2 points at the half.

Carnegie came out in the second half firing on the offensive end, scoring a combined 47 points in the third and fourth quarters whilst holding the Mohawks to just 37 points.  This secured them an 80-68 win and place in the National Cup quarter-finals.

Leeds scoring was led by Branimir Mikulic with 22 points supported by Rowell Graham-Bell with 19 points.  Tees Valley’s offense was led by Romonn Nelson with 19 points.

Carnegie will now face Newham Neptunes in the National Cup quarter-finals in East London on the 17th November.

Carnegie will however be fully focused this week on preparing for the first local derby of the season as they face Bradford Dragons this Saturday at the Leeds Metropolitan University Sports Arena.  The game tips off at 7:30pm with tickets available in advance through the club’s website as well as on the door.

Story – Leeds Carnegie

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