No result was bigger this weekend than Team Solent Kestrels winning against Loughborough Riders and Nottingham Hoods to go 16-2 and shape the title race in their favour, whilst there were positive results elsewhere for Hemel Storm (12-5), London Lions II (9-9) and Thames Valley Cavaliers (12-4).
There's a recap of all this weekend's scores below, and each result is also clickable if you wish to view the live stats.
Nottingham Hoods were the latest team to try and topple reigning champs Solent Kestrels as they met in the Midlands on Sunday.
Both teams won their Saturday fixtures, with the Hoods grinding out a 75-70 win over the Oaklands Wolves (2-14) and the Kestrels dominating the Loughborough Riders in a 102-73 victory.
However, the Kestrels remained steadfast in the Sunday match-up and converted nearly 60% of their field goals to win 93-73 against the Hoods. There is now daylight between them and the chasing pack, with Worthing Thunder four-points behind.
NBL D1
— Team Solent Kestrels (@SolentKestrels) February 13, 2022
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Hoods' Morakinyo Williams was top scorer on the day, but his 30-point shift wasn't enough to topple a rampant Kestrels squad, who had five players in double-figures; all seemingly ready to share in the scoring spoils. Coach Matt Guymon will be pleased that his team were also able to capitalise on their fast-break basketball and solid defence, adding 24 fast break points and 15 points from Hoods' turnovers to their tally.
At the National Cup Finals, Orlan Jackman made it clear that losing out on the L Lynch Trophy had galvanised the Kestrel's season and their intention was not to give up any more silverware. It looks like the Kestrels are making good on their word.
Reading Rockets (9-9) did their playoff hopes the world of good by beating Bradford Dragons (7-11) 78-48 at home. Double-digit scoring performances from Dixon, Bains, Carter and Lufile helped the Rockets earn their 30 point W.
And although the Dragons improved on their woeful 17/71 field goal offering against the Rockets, with Zach Gachette scoring 38, it wasn't enough to beat Team Newcastle University (10-7), who won by 14.
In a replay of the L Lynch Trophy final, Derby Trailblazers (11-6) beat Team Newcastle University 94-80 and are now only two points away from pushing into the top four.
Newcastle bounced back with a 98-84 victory over Bradford Dragons on Sunday, while in Leicester, the Warriors (2-16) edged a little closer to relegation as they were soundly beaten by Hemel Storm 101-73. With a 12-5 record and 24 points, Storm are keeping the pressure up on Thames Valley Cavaliers and Worthing Thunder for the superior playoff seedings.
London Lions II won at home against Worthing 88-83, with Lions captain Bradley Kaboza recording a double-double of 19 points and 10 rebounds. Their victory means they hold onto that last playoff spot for now.
In the last of the games from the weekend, Thames Valley Cavaliers (12-4) won both their back-to-back games against the Essex Rebels (2-16), who are in danger of slipping back into relegation territory. The Cavs took their first in Colchester by two points 74-72 and made easier work of the return at home the following day, winning 105-72.
3pm - Oaklands Wolves 70-75 Nottingham Hoods - LIVE STATS
3pm - Leicester Warriors 73-101 Hemel Storm - LIVE STATS
4pm - London Lions II 88-83 Worthing Thunder - LIVE STATS
4pm - Loughborough Riders 73-102 Team Solent Kestrels - LIVE STATS/LIVE STREAM
5pm - Reading Rockets 78-48 Bradford Dragons - LIVE STATS/LIVE STREAM
5pm - Team Newcastle University 80-94 Derby Trailblazers - LIVE STATS
5pm - Essex Rebels 72-74 Thames Valley Cavaliers - LIVE STATS/LIVE STREAM
3:30pm - Thames Valley Cavaliers 105-72 Essex Rebels - LIVE STATS
6:30pm - Bradford Dragons 84-98 Team Newcastle University - LIVE STATS
6:30pm - Nottingham Hoods 73-93 Team Solent Kestrels - LIVE STATS
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Main image credit - Luke Simcock/Team Solent Kestrels
