A London battle in the Southern Conference and some big wins in the North made for interesting viewing in D2M. Eight games took place across the division as we look at the weekend's results.
London Westside emerged victorious in the London derby and the battle of fourth vs fifth this weekend to climb above Pioneers in the Southern Conference.
It wasn't plain sailing for Westside as a strong second quarter from Pioneers left them with a 10-point deficit at half-time. But the visitors rallied to dominate the third and seal an invaluable win over their rivals.
Pioneers' Yonathan Napoleon and Westside's Donald Morris were both up for the fight with 19 and 20 points respectively, but it was the latter who would come out on top in a hotly contested five-point game.
In the Southern Conference's other game, Ipswich saw off Greenwich Titans at home in a contest which saw some high-scoring performers leave everything out on the floor. Jake Antony Eynon fired in a huge 44 points for the hosts, while Arturo Noha Pascual also hit an impressive 36 for the visitors.
In the Northern Conference, Bristol Academy Flyers needed overtime in an 86-80 home win over Manchester Magic to send the visitors to a fourth straight defeat. Asa Waite clutched two triples when Flyers needed it most to earn a hard fought win.
Flyers were brought back down to Earth the next day, in a 72-55 defeat at home to Myerscough. After winning the first quarter 24-7, the visitors had a comfortable lead that they wouldn't relinquish as they keep a firm grip on second place.
Joseph Baugh's 32-point, 12-rebound double-double helped Derbyshire Arrows on their way to a 90-84 win over Chester. Isaac Ray produced a double-double (27 points, 13 rebounds) of his own in an impressive individual performance but it wasn't enough to stop his side leaving Derby with nothing.
3:30pm - London Greenhouse Pioneers 72-77 London Westside - LIVE STATS
5:15pm - Bristol Academy Flyers 86-80 Manchester Magic (OT) - LIVE STATS
5:30pm - Ipswich Basketball 99-91 Greenwich Titans - LIVE STATS
7:00pm - Derbyshire Spartans 77-94 Team Newcastle University - LIVE STATS
2:00pm - East London All Stars TBC-TBC Team Solent Kestrels II - LIVE STATS
2:00pm - Bristol Academy Flyers 55-72 Myerscough College - LIVE STATS
4:15pm - Derbyshire Arrows 90-84 University of Chester - LIVE STATS
There are eight more games in week 21, as Southern Conference leaders Essex Rebels travel to East London All Stars. Cardiff host BC London Medelynas, Sussex Bears face London Pioneers and in-form Westside face a tough test against Ipswich.
In the Northern Conference, Magic will aim to end their winless run at Bristol Hurricanes, Charnwood travel to Chester, Derbyshire Arrows play host to Bristol Flyers and Sheffield face a daunting task against Myerscough.
Main image credit - Luke Simcock
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