KESTRELS BOUNCE BACK IN FINAL LEAGUE GAME OF 2025
- Team Solent Kestrels
- Dec 16, 2025
- 2 min read
Kestrels got back to winning ways on Saturday evening as they handed Greenwich Titans an 85-75 defeat at the Solent Sports Complex. The win is the second victory for Solent over the Titans this season and improves Kestrels to 7-2 in NBL Division 1 for the season.
Kestrels set the tone early with a strong first quarter where the hosts moved the ball well and pushed the pace to open up a 28–18 lead, with Ethan Round and Luke Busumbru providing early scoring punch. Defensively, the Kestrels forced turnovers that translated into easy transition points and early control of the game.
The second quarter saw Solent continue to apply pressure at both ends of the floor, extending their advantage through disciplined half-court offence and dominance on the glass. Busumbru remained influential getting down him and into the paint, while the bench contributed valuable minutes to maintain intensity. Greenwich battled to stay in touch, but Solent’s defensive rebounding limited second chances as the home side took a 46–33 lead into the interval.
After the break, the Kestrels delivered their most complete spell of the night, outscoring the Titans 20–13 in the third quarter to seize firm control at 66–46. Ethan Round caught fire from the perimeter and attacked the rim with confidence, while Wayne Kitenge’s energy around the basket helped Solent control the paint. The quarter also saw valuable exposure for junior prospects, as Under-18 trio Javen Osei-Owusu, Marley Edwards and Richy Radu earned their call-ups and minutes with the first team.
Greenwich showed resilience in the final quarter, pouring in 29 points and briefly threatening to reduce the margin. However, Solent stayed composed, managing the clock well and continuing to share the scoring load to close out the game 85–75. Round finished with a game-high 30 points, supported by Busumbru’s 19, as the Kestrels capped a confident home performance built on depth, defence and development.
Kestrels now turn all attentions to this weekends National Cup Semi Final match up with Birmingham City University, Saturday evening at 6pm. Tickets are available now and 1 ticket gets you access to both the Women’s game vs. Reading Rockets at 3:30pm and the Cup Semi Final at 6pm.
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