After an interesting start to the season a week ago, the NBL Division One action continues this weekend with eight games spread across the 5/6 October. We take a look at all of Week 2’s contests in the preview below.
As a rematch of last season’s playoff final, Saturday’s match up between Worthing and Solent is sure to capture the attention of NBL regardless of their allegiances.
Both teams started the season with impressive home wins as Worthing beat Barking 103 - 75 and Team Solent knocked off Essex & Herts Leopards 122 – 61. The hosts can call on the services of reigning NBL D1M Player of the Week Cam Hildreth after the 17-year-old notched a 30 point, 11 rebound double-double a week ago, but American Travis Charles also started the season well for Solent, scoring 27. With Worthing’s former captain Brendan Okoronkwo now lining up for Solent, that adds yet another plot line to an already intriguing match up.
Solent only lost 4 of their 26 regular season games in 2018/19, but one of them was on the road in Worthing.
2018/19 result – Worthing Thunder 73 – 72 Team Solent Kestrels
Malcolm Smith received strong consideration for D1M Player of the Week after his 35-point performance in week 1, he and his Derby side take on a newly promoted Liverpool team who lost to Hemel a week ago.
Leicester Warriors were on the receiving end of that Malcolm Smith performance last time out, falling to a heart breaking 91-90 loss. The Midlands side will look to rebound at home this weekend against the 0-1 Bradford Dragons.
There’s an all-London clash in the South tomorrow as Barking host Jon Johnson’s Westminster side. The Warriors are fresh off an impressive victory over Reading thanks in part to Johnson’s 22 point, 10 rebound performance.
Thames Valley and Martelle McLemore host Reading in somewhat of a local derby, with the two teams less than an hour away cross country. The Rockets will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing loss in week 1, but they’ll need to keep McLemore quiet if they want to grab a win here. He had 29 points for the 1-0 Cavs last Saturday
Two sides are doubling up this weekend, with Loughborough opening their season against Essex & Herts Leopards whilst Nottingham Hoods start their campaign on the road against Hemel. The Riders and Hoods then meet in Nottingham on Sunday to round out the D1M action.
2:00pm - Loughborough Riders v Essex & Herts Leopards - LIVE STATS
3:00pm - Leicester Warriors v Bradford Dragons - LIVE STATS
4:00pm - Barking Abbey Crusaders v Westminster Warriors - LIVE STATS
5:00pm - Liverpool v Derby Trailblazers - LIVE STATS
6:00pm - Thames Valley Cavaliers v Reading Rockets - LIVE STATS
7:00pm - Hemel Storm v Nottingham Hoods - LIVE STATS
7:30pm - Worthing Thunder v Team Solent Kestrels - LIVE STATS
5:00pm - Nottingham Hoods v Loughborough Riders - LIVE STATS
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