Flyers Off To A Flyer

Alif Bland and Doug McLaughlin-Williams led the BBL newcomers with 14 points apiece as they opened up with a 65-56 victory over Plymouth University Raiders on Saturday, and McLaughin-Williams continued a great weekend with 20 points in Sunday’s 79-62 win at Glasgow Rocks.

“It’s a new chapter for the club and a great way to start this new chapter,” said Flyers’ coach Andreas Kapoulas, whose side kept the Rocks to just nine points in the final quarter.

“The Rocks are a very talented team and I felt we did a very good job at the defensive end not to allow them to play to their strengths.”

He added, “The players worked really hard this weekend, stuck to the game plan and it’s a very good way to start the BBL campaign.”

BBL rookies Tyler Bernardini and Neil Watson led the way for Leicester Riders as they also recorded two victories to move joint-top with the Flyers.

Bernardini (25) and Watson (24) combined for 49 points in Saturday’s 104-82 win over Manchester Giants and on Sunday, they had 16 points apiece in a 65-59 victory at Cheshire Phoenix.

After ending last season with a win over Esh Group Eagles Newcastle in the BBL Playoff final, Worcester Wolves opened up with another win over their rivals on Friday.

The Wolves came away from Newcastle’s Sport Central home with an 86-81 victory, thanks in part to 27 points and 13 rebounds from debutant Robert Thurman.

“To go up there and beat them in the manner we did was fantastic,” said Wolves’ coach Paul James.

“We always know that we when play them that we have to play well and it’s always going to be a close game.”

James added, “Thurman, you have to give credit to the team for finding him when he was open, and he did a great job of putting the ball in the hole.”

Surrey United are still searching for their first win after following up an 89-73 loss at home to London Lions with a 94-74 defeat at Plymouth University Raiders in Sunday’s BBL TV game.

Despite missing new signing Zaire Taylor, Lions were led to victory on Friday by an impressive double-double of 27 points and 12 rebounds from debutant Makal Stibbins, while on Sunday, Raiders’ David Evans was the difference, scoring a game-high 28 points.

Another BBL rookie, Allen Payne, was the difference on Friday as his 20 points helped the Sheffield Sharks to an 83-70 victory over Durham Wildcats, who were led by a game-high 21 points from Tom Knight.

Sharks missed a chance to move joint-top of the table when they lost 76-72 at Manchester Giants on Sunday. A tight game throughout, Giants were led to victory thanks to a 24-point haul from Stefan Gill.

Finally, Durham Wildcats have their first win on the board after a convincing 80-46 win over new boys Leeds Force on Sunday, Panos Mayindombe leading the Wildcats with 19 points.

Story – BBL