Team Solent Kestrels continued their strong form with a 93-62 win over the Richmond Knights at the Solent Sport Complex. A game that saw flashes of temper and brilliance ended with the home team retaining bragging rights over the team they had only beaten by eight points in their first match up earlier in the season.
Isa Brandon recorded a hard-fought double double of 25 points and 14 rebounds whilst Russell Gariepy scored 23 points in a strong offensive performance from the men in red. Matt Hughes also impressed with 11 points and 6 rebounds.
The first quarter started evenly as both teams showed good perimeter defence, forcing points to be scored on the interior. Brandon led the way for the Kestrels with some strong finishes in the paint whilst Hughes helped build the lead. The Knights weren’t going anywhere without a fight and saw some passing plays end in success as they used ball movement to their advantage but it wasn’t enough to stay level as the first quarter ended 27-10 to the home team.
The second quarter was controlled by Gariepy. He started things off with a corner three before finding more success from both the long and mid-range. Brandon and the Knights soon followed his example as the mid-range jumper became the theme of the quarter. Both sides found success with jump shots as the first half ended 47-31.
The third quarter saw a lot more physical action from the sides. Tough lay-ups were forced through the hoop before tempers reached a peak when Brandon was fouled by a Richmond player in rough style, causing a confrontation between the two teams that required the referees and Kestrels’ coach Matt Guymon to step in and break it up. Fouls started to appear more often, resulting in frequent trips to the free-throw line as the third quarter ended 64-48.
The final quarter pitted Solent’s determination against Richmond’s desire for a comeback and in the end there was a clear winner. The tempo of the game was consistently halted by fouls as Richmond started to struggle to maintain their discipline. The Kestrels were happy to take the opportunities given to them, highlighted by a one-handed slam dunk by Brandon to put the finishing touch to an impressive win.
Kestrels travel to Wales to take on Cardiff Met Archers next weekend and are next in action at the SSC on Saturday 17th February 2024, where they'll take on Endeavour Ipswich Basketball, you can secure your tickets below.
Great result, well done lads. Thanks for the great article