Team Solent Kestrels moved to 21-0 and within just one game of a perfect NBL Division 2 South campaign, with an 88-63 win in London over Greenwich Titans. Kestrels overcame a slow first half performance as they moved through the gears in the second half to eventually take control of the ball game.
Isa Brandon powered the visitors with 34 points whilst Elliot Dadds added 19 points and Will Taylor 12 off the bench.
It was a scrappy affair early on as neither team were able to establish any scoring rhythm, the hosts started the better of the 2 squads however as they got up 4-9. Brandon and Dadds found ways to slice through the Titans zone to edge their side in front, TSK 16-13 after one.
The second quarter was perhaps the most frustrating for the Kestrels as their perimeter shooting dried up and some defensive lapses allowed Greenwich to grow in confidence. Brandon continued his scoring tear as he found a number of mid range opportunities whilst Matt Hughes and Dadds also scored in the paint, Kestrels 36-34 to the good at the half time interval.
Whatever Coach Guymon said at the break translated into instant impact for his side as they wasted no time building a double digit lead through Ash Briggs and Dadds. However the hosts did not go away that easily, they responded with successful trips to the foul line to slow down the Kestrels ascendancy. TSK would hold Titans to just 9 points in the quarter though and that was enough to ensure they were up 67-53 with just 10 minutes to play.
Kestrels continued to build their advantage as Sean Mulhern provided the energy spark early in the 4th before Will Taylor raised the roof with a poster dunk in transition. Greenwich had their highest scoring quarter of the game, although so did TSK so that saw the visitors push the advantage further as they closed the game out, 88-63.
TSK now face what will be their toughest test of the season on Saturday (23rd) evening, as they welcome Milton Keynes Breakers in a hotly anticipated climax to the regular season, a Kestrels victory or a loss by 6 points or less will see TSK crowned NBL Division 2 South Champions.
Tickets for this game are now sold out and there will be no tickets available on the door.
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