With Sunday's fixture between East London and Solent getting postponed, that left seven games on the week 12 schedule for D2M. A 1 point win for Southern Conference leaders Essex kept them top of the pile, but Northern leaders Newcastle suffered their first defeat of the season.
Our game of the week lived up to its billing as Essex escaped with a win by the narrowest of margins, beating London Westside 91-90.
A Rory Winter free throw put the Rebels into the lead with 45 seconds to go, but there would be no further scoring the rest of the way. Lisandro Lussenhoff and Santiago Leon would both take jumpers to grab the glory for Westside, but neither shot would find the mark.
Winter's free throw would cap a game high 25 point performance, with the former Ipswich man also dishing four assists. Donald Morris top scored for the hosts, he had 20 points.
BC Medelynas finished their 2019 schedule on a high as they beat London Greenhouse Pioneers 108-77. The hosts raced out to a 55-33 lead by half time and never looked back, powered by 26 points from Mylo Mitchell. Yonathan Napoleon had 36 points for the Pioneers but no other player made it to double digits for the visitors.
In a clash near the foot of the table 25 points apiece by Ian Berry and Thomas Seduikis helped Sussex Bears defeat Cardiff Met Archers 100-86. In an otherwise even game, a 27-17 2nd quarter provided the Bears with the push they needed to secure their second win of the season.
In the Northern Conference, leaders Newcastle University lost their first game of the season as they fell 62-53 to University of Chester.Missing the 2nd top scorer in D2M Thomas Horvat, Newcastle lacked fluidity on offence and scored just 8 points in both the 2nd and 4th quarter, a testament to Chester's defensive efforts. At the other end , UoC were led by Kevin Ozoemelam, who had 15 points and 17 rebounds.
Defeat for Newcastle allowed Charnwood to make up some ground from 3rd place, but only just as they narrowly defeated Derbyshire Arrows 94-93. Dropping to 5-5, Derbyshire's season has been full of excitement so far. The Arrows have experienced an incredible four one point finishes so far this season, going 2-2.
Team Birmingham, who lost to the Arrows 86-85 last weekend, got back to winning ways on Saturday as they beat Bristol 73-68. Ian Rodriguez was once again in fine form for Birmingham, scoring 30 points and dealing six assists in the victory.
Finally, Sheffield Hallam Sharks have just one more game next week at home to Myerscough if they're to avoid finishing 2019 without a victory. A 98-75 defeat to Derbyshire Spartans pushed Sheffield's record to 0-8 on the year, thanks in part to a 31-19 opening quarter and 24 points from Ronald Oberia. Jacob Cauthorn had an impressive 34 point, 10 rebound double-double for Sheffield in reply.
Full results and stats
2:20pm - Sheffield Hallam University 75-98 Derbyshire Spartans - LIVE STATS
3:00pm - Team Birmingham Elite 73-68 Bristol Academy Flyers - LIVE STATS
3:30pm - Charnwood College Riders 94-93 Derbyshire Arrows
5:00pm - Cardiff Met Archers 86-100 Sussex Bears - LIVE STATS
6:00pm - London BC Medelynas 108-77 London Greenhouse Pioneers - LIVE STATS
6:15pm - London Westside 90-91 Essex Rebels - LIVE STATS
7:00pm - Team Newcastle 53-62 University of Chester - LIVE STATS
Just one weekend remains before the mid-season break to end the year, with five games planned for week 13.
Sheffield entertain Myerscough and Bristol Hurricanes welcome Derbyshire Arrows as both teams look for their first win of the season.
Bristol Academy Flyers are at home to Charnwood, whilst Manchester travel to Derbyshire Spartans and Essex host Cardiff.
Main image credit - Luke Simcock
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