The Plymouth City Patriots were in action once again Sunday afternoon, and despite a gallant effort came up agonisingly short to their visitors, the Surrey Scorchers.
A packed house at Pavilions was full of optimism and excitement, both at the prospect of seeing the clubs new signings, Spencer Levi and Tyrell Green, and at the potential for a win or in the very least a close match against fellow bottom dwellers, Surrey.
The game would remain a tight affair from start to finish, with both teams playing with a clear desire to win the game, and banish the loser to sit in isolation, at the bottom of the table. Neither side managed to gain a firm foothold, or any solid advantage that might indicate who would ultimately take the victory. Stand out performances from Taylor Johnson (24 points, 5 assists, 2 steals), and TJ Atwood (19 points, 7 rebounds), would keep the Patriots very much in the hunt for the win, but it wouldn't be enough. Mason Faulkner also pressed with 23 points, but a missed free throw in the dying seconds opened the door for the Scorchers to tie the game and send it to overtime. In overtime, Spencer Levi continued to crash the boards, finish the game with 12 rebounds, but the visitors depth payed dividends. The Patriots ran out of steam, giving Surrey the 105-110 win and the Patriots eighth loss of the season.
"It's a little heart breaking to lose this way," started Head Coach Paul James. He continued "we came so close to what would have been a well earned win. I thought we played some great basketball at times and showed we can move the ball well." With reference to Coach James newest signings, he added "they've both come in and contributed well, after a relatively short time with the team. I can't wait to get them integrated more and keep us moving in the right direction."
It was the Patriots fifth consecutive loss leaving them firmly rooted to the bottom of the BBL table. With fixtures coming thick and fast, and Friday night's game against the Caledonia Gladiators looming nearer, Coach James and Patriots fans in general will be hoping to see their team grab the initiative and attempt to change the narrative of their dismal season so far.
Pablo Cheeks (Below the rim podcast)