With the Northern Conference dominating the week 8 schedule, there were big wins for Derbyshire Arrows, Manchester Magic and leaders Team Newcastle. Let's take a look at all the weekend's action in our weekly recap.
For the second time this season, London BC Medelynas got the better of Solent, this time defeating them 80-63 on Sunday evening.
Medelynas started fast and restricted their opponents to just 23 first half point, using that advantage to go on and grab victory. Ausridas Petraitis top scored for the visitors with 26 points, adding 13 rebounds for the double-double.
Solent picked up the pace in the 2nd half but their deficit was too great to overcome. Ashley Briggs went 6/7 to finish with 12 points, also pulling down five rebounds, dishing three assists and nabbing two steals.
A 35 point, 13 rebound double-double from Phil Kelly-Brandreth wouldn't be enough as Derbyshire Arrows beat University of Chester 102-95. The Arrows got solid contributions from across their roster, with Eddie Brownell and Xavier McIntosh both finishing on 24 points.
Leaders Team Newcastle maintained their grip on top spot following a comfortable 80-60 win over Derbyshire Spartans. The Knights outscored their opponents 29-9 in the 2nd quarter, creating an advantage they'd never relinquish.
Manchester Magic stayed in the hunt near the top of the standings with a 64-57 victory over Bristol Academy Flyers. Jesse Ani top scored for the Magic with 19 as former Player of the Week Richard Bell added 16 more to go with an impressive 16 rebounds.
Elsewhere, there was a comfortable win for Team Birmingham Elite as they easily handled Sheffield Hallam University 86-42. Young prospect Ian Rodriguez continued his solid start to the season with 18 points as only Jacob Cauthorn (17 points) was able to muster any resistance for Sheffield.
Finally, Charnwood secured a straightforward 92-61 victory at home to the winless Bristol Hurricanes, sending the visitors to an 0-6 record in the process. Blaize Sagna had a 24 point, eight rebound, four assist stat line in that one.
6:00pm - University of Chester 95-102 Derbyshire Arrows - LIVE STATS
6:30pm - Manchester Magic 64-57 Bristol Academy Flyers - LIVE STATS
7:00pm - Team Newcastle University 80-60 Derbyshire Spartans
7:00pm - Team Birmingham Elite 86-42 Sheffield Hallam University - LIVE STATS
3:30pm - Charnwood College Riders 92-61 Bristol Hurricanes - LIVE STATS
6:00pm - Team Solent Kestrels II 63-80 London BC Medelynas - LIVE STATS
There's 9 games on the slate for week 9, all packed into Saturday.
The top two in the North face off as Team Newcastle head to Myerscough, with Charnwood looking to keep pace as they play the winless Sheffield Hallam. Bristol Academy Flyers host University of Chester and Derbyshire Spartans welcome Team Birmingham Elite.
In the South, leaders Essex Rebels are at home to 4th placed East London All Stars, whilst London BC Medelynas take on Cardiff Met Archers and London Greenhouse Pioneers go up against the visiting Sussex Bears.
2nd place Ipswich will look to keep their good form going as they head to London Westside, and Greenwich Titans and Team Solent Kestrels II lock horns in the capital.
Main image credit - James Darcey/Manchester Magic
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