City of Birmingham Rockets’ Men’s First Team recorded a comprehensive 105-74 win in Nottingham yesterday afternoon – moving to 9-0 in the league and maintaining their place atop the league standings.
Rockets came into the game as the division’s only remaining unbeaten side whilst Nottingham were the only side yet to register a victory.
Despite this, Nottingham had demonstrated their quality on more than one occasion this season; pushing some of the leading teams in recent weeks as they searched for their maiden win.
A strong Rockets start looked to have put paid to Nottingham’s ambitions, with Rockets storming to a 33-14 first quarter lead.
Taiwo Badmus impressed on his return to NTU, scoring eleven points on 66% efficiency off the bench.
Simon Hoar also took advantage of increased minutes, starting the game and scoring sixteen points as Rockets took advantage of our host’s size.
Nottingham would put up a fightback in the second quarter, winning the period 18-16 and forcing Rockets to refocus after the interval.
Malachi Nelson proved a constant thorn in Rockets’ side, putting up a game high 21 points in just 25 minutes – leading NTU’s offence throughout.
It wouldn’t last, however, as Coach Gayle’s side came out in the third determined to put the game beyond doubt.
Two 28-point quarters in the third and fourth extinguished any hope of an unlikely Notts comeback, with our hosts falling short of our size and quality despite a valiant effort.
The highlight of the game came in the third quarter courtesy of Kayne King, with the guard showcasing his footwork and ball handling skills to devastating effect; dancing his way through the Notts defence before finishing well from close range.
Rockets would comfortably see the game out and in doing so move to 9-0 in the league – topping the league standings in dominant fashion as we approach the season’s halfway point.
We face three home games in the run up to the winter break, with Bristol Flyers, BBU & Charnwood Riders all visiting Nechells Wellbeing Centre before Christmas.
Make sure you join us and play your part in what is proving to be a fantastic season for basketball in Birmingham!
Click here to get your tickets – a discounted rate is available for those attending all three games!