Rocks go the distance, hand Raiders third loss of season, 97-84

by UK American Sports Fans

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UCP Marjon Plymouth Raiders 84 – 97 Glasgow Rocks

BBL Championship

Saturday 17th November

 Starting Fives:

Raiders: Bell, Ojo, Potter, Schneck, O’Reilly

Rocks: Davis, Harrison, Robinson, Murray, Achara

The Glasgow Rocks travelled the just-under 500 mile trip down to Plymouth on Saturday as they faced the UCP Marjon Plymouth Raiders at the Pavilions, leaving with only their second road win of the season and their fourth win overall in the league as they defeated the Raiders, 97-84.

The loss for the Raiders now means they have suffered three defeats this season before the end of November and places them firmly behind the league leading Leicester Riders who are top with a 10-1 record.

The home side struggled against the Rocks from the outset, leading briefly early on in the first period but never taking the lead again. The Rocks took control of the game midway through the second quarter as a Gareth Murray score (he finished with 15 points on the night) capped a 15-6 run by the visitors and gave the Rocks a 14 point lead with just over 15 minutes gone in the game.

A nine point output in the third quarter from Raiders guard, Michael Ojo (22 points in the game), and two late Jay Barnett free throws saw the home side cut the Rocks lead to just two at 68-66 with time winding down in the third. But that was just enough time for the Rocks’ EJ Harrison to nail a three pointer and deflate the home crowd, as the Rocks led 71-66 at the end of three quarters.

The Raiders, again, reduced the visitors lead to a single score – this time at 79-76 during the fourth period – but a Schneck (16 points and 10 rebounds) turnover followed by a Murray dunk started an 18-8 run by the Rocks and saw the visiting side close the game out and leave the Plymouth Pavilions with a memorable 97-84 victory.

The Raiders’ Javaris Barnett finished with a BBL career high 16 points. Jeremy Bell was unable to continue his superhuman scoring  efforts from last week, scoring only 12 points as he struggled from the field on 3/13 shooting (0/4 from three).

The Rocks’ Kieron Achara finished with 23/6 in the win.

Game MVP:

Glasgow Rocks forward, Kieron Achara.

Next up:

UCP Marjon Plymouth Raiders vs London Lions, BBL Championship, Sunday 18th November, Plymouth Pavilions, 4:00pm

Glasgow Rocks at Surrey Heat, BBL Championship, Sunday 18th November, Surrey Sports Park, 3:00pm