Heading into week 3 of the NBL Division One season, there are still four unbeaten teams and four who sit without a win. With seven games spread across the weekend of 12/13 October, let’s have a look at what the schedule has to offer.
Derby Trailblazers take their unbeaten record on the road to Worthing to play against a dangerous Thunder team looking to bounce back after a disappointing loss last weekend.
Despite losing to Solent, Worthing are still a difficult team to play and with the likes of Zaire Taylor, Tom Ward, Alex Owumi, Cameron Hildreth and former Trailblazer Kayne King, the Thunder have plenty of weapons to call upon offensively. Owumi, Taylor and Ward all average 15 points or more per contest this season and need to be guarded closely.
After exploding for 35 points in week 1 against Leicester, Malcolm Smith was much quieter last time out against Liverpool. That allowed captain Oli Stanley to come to the fore, contributing 22 points and 17 rebounds. With Sergio Gomez also growing into his role with the team and exciting young duo Blake Bowman and Charlie Brown both finding their feet, the Trailblazers look a solid outfit that should provide Worthing with plenty to think about.
These teams played out a classic in Worthing last season, NBL fans will be in for a treat if that is repeated this weekend.
2018/19 result – Worthing Thunder 89 – 91 Derby Trailblazers
There’s an all Midlands clash at Gateway College as TJ Henderson’s Leicester Warriors (1-1) take on local rivals Nottingham Hoods (0-2). Henderson currently averages 26ppg on the young season, he’s an exciting player to watch.
Liverpool (0-2) will need to find success on the road if they’re going to pick up their first win of the season, they travel down to Uxbridge this weekend to face Thames Valley Cavaliers (1-1).
Undefeated Team Solent Kestrels (2-0) will look to keep a zero in the loss column for another week as they host Barking Abbey (1-1). Last time BA ventured to the South coast it didn’t go well as the London side suffered a 103-75 defeat against Worthing in week 1.
One of the division’s 0-2 sides will get off the mark this week as Essex & Herts Leopards travel north to Bradford to face the Dragons. Essex have lost by 28 and 61 in their two games to date, they’ll be looking for a sharp uptick in form sooner rather than later.
Hemel Storm (2-0) host Westminster Warriors (1-1) on Saturday night. Storm's Lee Hodges currently averages a double-double of 21.5 points and 11.5 rebounds per game and will be looking for more of the same tomorrow.
The weekend’s D1M action wraps up with a single game on Sunday as Loughborough Riders (2-0) take a trip to Rivermead to play Reading Rockets (1-1). Liam Davis (25.5ppg, 7.5rpg) and A.J. Carr (18ppg, 9apg) currently make a formidable duo for Reading, with the likes of Matias Boho Sayo, Ben Dixon and EABL standout Sam Grant all chipping in.
4:00pm – Leicester Warriors v Nottingham Hoods - LIVE STATS
6:00pm – Thames Valley Cavaliers v Liverpool - LIVE STATS
6:00pm – Team Solent Kestrels v Barking Abbey - LIVE STATS
6:15pm – Bradford Dragons v Essex & Herts Leopards - LIVE STATS
7:00pm – Hemel Storm v Westminster Warriors - LIVE STATS
7:30pm – Worthing Thunder v Derby Trailblazers - LIVE STATS
5:00pm – Reading Rockets v Loughborough Riders - LIVE STATS
Main image credit - David Amabilino/Derby Trailblazers
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