Basketball: Scorchers Left Disappointed by Home Defeat

Published on: 10 Nov, 2015
Updated on: 10 Nov, 2015

Nick Schlitzer’s 17 points weren’t enough to prevent defeat for Scorchers. Photo Rob Sambles.

Surrey Scorchers suffered a frustrating defeat at the hands of the Bristol Flyers on Sunday afternoon, taking a 72-80 loss at Surrey Sports Park.

In a game that coach Creon Raftopoulos dubbed as being important in the championship play-off race at the end of the season, Scorchers were unable to take full advantage of the turnovers handed to them while still suffering to find three point opportunities which resulted in their 3rd league defeat of the season.

Coach Creon was without Henry Wilkins for the tie, who is still awaiting medical clearance after sustaining light concussion in the previous game against the Plymouth Raiders.

And it didn’t take long for Surrey’s injury problems to worsen. GB star Will Neighbour pulled up just over a minute into the game due to a recurring shoulder problem which would see him sit out the rest of the afternoon.

There was little to call between the sides in the opening quarter, with neither taking a clear advantage over the other, leaving a 19-all game at the first break.

Bristol flew out of the blocks quickest in the second period, with various Surrey players missing vital jump shots that where being made at the opposite end. A McLaughin-Williams put the visitors into a double figure lead which they saw out until half time (29-41).

Flyers continued to extend their lead in the third quarter, with a Christian Behrens brace of 2s providing the only points for Scorchers until mid-way into the period. Bristol led by as much as 18 points during the quarter, before Surrey turned the game around and mounted another late comeback with an 11-1 run to end the quarter just 9 points down (47-56).

Tyrone Lee opened the final period with a dunk to reinforce some dominance on the hosts, who struggled to stop Bristol creeping into double figure advantages. Chances came for Scorchers but a string of misses from across the attacking end, and a single three point effort made, prevented them from pegging back their opponents who eventually took a 72-80 win.

Tayo Ogedengbe led the scoring pack on court with 21 points, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Bristol from taking revenge for that opening night defeat back in September.

Scorchers hit the road this Friday for their second trip to Leeds Force this season (7.30pm tip-off) before another two week break to prepare for the next home tie against the Manchester Giants on Saturday 28th November (7pm tip-off).