Team Solent Kestrels moved into pole position at the top of NBL Division 2 South on Saturday afternoon as they improved to 9-0, after a huge 119-65 victory over London Stars. The win saw the Kestrels pour in their 3rd 100 point plus performance in a row, as they controlled proceedings from start to finish in the capital.
Kestrels would race out to a slender 5 point lead inside the first 4 minutes behind Isa Brandon and Matt Hughes who got off the mark early. Stars would respond however as they trimmed the deficit but by the close of the quarter Kestrels would find themselves 9 points to the good, up 29-20.
Elliot Dadds opened the second quarter up with a trip to the foul line to extend the TSK lead, before the visitors would force the Stars into a timeout now up 42-26, having ballooned the lead to 16. Kestrels would go on to push the gap out to 18 by the half, taking a 57-39 lead into the interval.
After a back and forth opening to the second half Kestrels would eventually take full control of the ball game as they swung the lead out to 24 points, behind scores from Ilias Taiwo and Hughes again. TSK would hold London scoreless over the final 3 minutes of the quarter whilst continuing to pile on the scoring, to leave the scoreline at 87-53 with 10 minutes to play.
A 13-3 run scoring run to get the 4th quarter started meant Kestrels were now in cruise control, up 100-56. Shaun Mboura would connect with Ilias Taiwo for another high flying alley-oop dunk to round off an impressive performance on the road, Kestrels 119-65 winners.
Matt Hughes had a 24 point outing as he led the scoring charge for the visitors, with Isa Brandon and Ilias Taiwo added 22 and 19 points respectively. 7 TSK players would reach double figures in perhaps their most balanced scoring effort of the season so far.
TSK Head Coach Matt Guymon was pleased with his sides display, “This was another really professional performance from our guys, where we had a number of positive contributions, that was reflected with 7 guys in double figures. I liked our intent defensively through-out the game and that fuelled a lot of our offensive production, particularly in transition. We now look forward to back to back home games to close out 2023.”
Kestrels now turn attentions to a pair of home games at the SSC over the next two weekends, before the Christmas break. This Saturday sees D2 Men play host to Westminster Warriors (6pm) with the D1 Women welcoming COB Rockets (3.30pm). You can secure your tickets now!
Comments