BLAST FROM THE PAST: Worthing Thunder 88-107 Guildford Heat

Worthing Thunder 88-107 Guildford Heat
Saturday 14th October 2006
British Basketball League Trophy (BBL Trophy)
Worthing Leisure Centre Shaftesbury Avenue, Goring by Sea, Worthing,
West Sussex, BN12 4ET, England
Tip-Off: 20.00

SCORES - THUNDER COME FIRST
1st quarter: 25-27
Half-time: 43-55
3rd quarter: 60-88
Final score: 88-107


TOP SCORERS:
WORTHING THUNDER: Wellington 23, Ott 16, Vear 14
GUILDFORD HEAT: McKnight 27, Dux 19, Gilbert 16


TOP REBOUNDERS:
WORTHING THUNDER: Rivers 8, Ivanoskis / Bates / Wellington 5
GUILDFORD HEAT: Martin 7, McKnight 6, Dux / Gilbert 4


The Guildford Heat secured an 88-107 win on the road at the Worthing
Thunder thanks largely to 27 points from Chad McKnight. McKnight had
his best game of the season so far, as he begins to understand that
Head Coach Paul James is using him as an impact player off the bench.

The Heat edged a close opening quarter and led 25-27 by the first
break, with Danny Gilbert successfully defending Alfredo Ott the
Thunders biggest offensive threat. But it was in the second period that
the Heat put the game away, as their offense started to produce and
their defense stifled the Thunder. The Heat were able to score from
both inside and out, as well as scoring a number of fast break baskets.
The Heat won the 2nd period 28-18, and led 55-43 at the mid point.


With a large lead, that was extended to over 20 in the 3rd period,
Coach James was able to give extended minutes to his bench, giving them
much needed experience with a long season ahead, and in the end all
Heat players got on the score sheet. John May was once again terrier
like on defense, which was particularly important as new Heat star
Danny Gilbert left the game at half time with 16 points and a sore
knee. Ex-Heat player Rod Wellington was the stand out player on the
night for the Thunder, in an effort to prove himself against his old
club, with 23 points. At the final break the Heat were in command,
88-60.


The final period was a scrappy affair as the Heat were in total
control, Brian Dux continued to show why he is so highly thought of in
the BBL with 19 points and numerous assists. The Heat's long range
shooting was also on fire, as they hit 8 from 16 from outside the 3
point arc. The Heat now top the South 2 group in the BBL Trophy in a 3
way tie with the Thunder and Plymouth Raiders. It is looking likely
that the qualifier from this group will be decided on 4th November when
the Heat travel to Plymouth.