KESTRELS DEFEAT TABLE TOPPERS BARNET AND BOOK CUP SEMI FINAL TICKET
- Team Solent Kestrels
- Dec 5, 2025
- 3 min read
Kestrels secured a pair of huge victories this past weekend at the Solent Sports Complex, as they handed Barnet Bulldogs their first loss of the regular season on Saturday, 82-66, in NBL Division 1 Men’s action. All before booking their ticket to the semi finals of the National Cup on Sunday afternoon, beating London Lions II 82-60.
Greg Durand earned himself a Player of the Week nod with his 22 point, 9 rebound, 4 assist outing against the Bulldogs on Saturday, he was backed up by Andre Arissol who had 15 points and 7 steals, whilst Ethan Round chipped in 11. Sunday saw Arissol in fine form has he replicated Durand’s performance on Saturday with 22 points of his own to go along with 5 steals, Luke Busumbru chipping in 14 points and Durand 12. Wayne Kitenge also had 10 point 10 rebound double-double in just under 15 minutes of action.
Solent opened with purpose, pushing the pace and leaning on Durand’s early scoring touch to take a 21–15 advantage after the first quarter. Arissol set the tone defensively with multiple deflections and pressure on the Bulldogs’ ball-handlers, helping the Kestrels dictate tempo despite Barnet’s efforts to settle into their half-court sets. The hosts’ activity on the glass ensured second-chance looks that kept the scoreboard ticking. The second quarter saw Barnet respond with greater physicality, trimming the deficit and momentarily unsettling Solent’s rhythm. Round steadied the Kestrels with timely shooting, but the Bulldogs’ improved ball movement allowed them to trade baskets more consistently. Still, Solent maintained their composure to reach half-time ahead 38–36.
After the break, the Kestrels delivered the game’s decisive stretch, outscoring Barnet 22–14 in the third quarter. Arissol’s defensive energy sparked transition opportunities, and Durand’s efficiency inside punished Barnet’s rotations. Solent’s bench also made key contributions on the boards, ensuring the Bulldogs had few clean looks as the hosts built a double-digit cushion. The final quarter belonged entirely to Solent, who surged away with a 22-16 finish to close out the game emphatically. Their defensive pressure continued to force Barnet into rushed possessions, while Durand and Round sealed the win with composed scoring in the final minutes. With the Bulldogs chasing the game, Solent’s discipline and shot selection proved too much to overcome.
Sunday saw the opening quarter tightly contested, with both sides trading early runs before Solent edged ahead 22–18 by the buzzer. Arissol’s energy set the tone, combining aggressive drives with early deflections, while Wayne Kitenge provided key second-chance scoring to stabilise the hosts after a brief Lions surge. Despite London’s activity on the offensive glass, the Kestrels’ transition play prevented the visitors from finding sustained rhythm. Solent seized control in the second quarter, outscoring Lions II 24–11 to break the game open. A 13–0 run, sparked by back-to-back steals from Arissol and strong finishing from Durand, shifted momentum firmly in the Kestrels’ favour. London struggled with turnovers under pressure — conceding 33 points from giveaways overall — while Solent’s bench, led by Kitenge and Tom Blower, ensured the hosts maintained tempo. By half-time, the Kestrels held a 46–29 lead and looked firmly in command.
The Lions threatened briefly in the third quarter, pulling within 15 after a series of scores from Ako-Mensah, but Solent responded with composure. Arissol struck with consecutive threes to halt the run, and Busumbru’s drives kept the Lions’ defence rotating. With Solent winning the quarter 21–16, the gap stretched back to 22 entering the fourth. Solent closed the game professionally in the final period, slowing the pace and limiting London to single-shot possessions. Ethan Round and Durand managed the clock effectively, while Dawid Cimochowski and Blower added late scoring to maintain a comfortable margin. The Kestrels’ defensive discipline ensured there was never a hint of a comeback, sealing their progression with authority. Kestrels have been drawn at home against BCU in the semi finals with the date of that game yet to be confirmed!
Kestrels will head on the road this coming weekend where they face CoLA Southwark Pride at 5pm on Saturday in league play, before returning home to the SSC on Saturday 13th December 2025 for the final regular season game of 2025, against Greenwich Titans. Tickets for that game are on sale now here; https://www.solentkestrels.co.uk/tickets
London Lions II Box Score - https://fibalivestats.dcd.shared.geniussports.com/u/BBE/2782272/bs.html
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