Butler is still tipping his side for honours despite being knocked out of the National Trophy by Reading Rockets
Tees Valley Mohawks coach Steve Butler
Coach Steve Butler still believes his Tees Valley Mohawks side can challenge for play-off glory despite being knocked out of the National Trophy.
Butler’s men were given a reprieve in the competition after quarter-final conquerors Nassa Neptunes were found to have fielded an ineligible player.
But they were denied a second successive place in the final when they lost 90-66 away to Reading Rockets, who had also beaten them in the EBL National League Division One the previous weekend.
Mohawks travelled to Berkshire with a full squad and with hopes of causing an upset against last season’s league and play-off champions who recently added the National Cup to their silverware collection.
And they started brightly with Jerome Narcisse scoring the first four points of the game as the teams tested each other’s defences.
But with five minutes gone Reading went 10-7 up and it was a lead they held onto throughout the game.
Mohawks had no answer to Reading’s next five minutes as they went on a 20-6 run to finish the first quarter in control at 30-13.
The second quarter went from bad to worse for the visitors and Reading opened a yawning 25-point advantage at one stage before a a late rally reduced the lead to 16 points.
Butler told his side he expected better in the second half and quick baskets from Jorge Ebanks, Alex Greven and Acho Anyigbo cut the gap further to 10 points.
Mohawks were back on track but a quick time-out by Reading refocused them and they soon found their range again.
The Mohawks tide was stemmed as the home side increased their lead to 20 points at the end of the third period.
The fourth quarter saw teams trade baskets so, although they were scoring, Mohawks couldn’t reduce the deficit and Reading ran out comfortable winners to head to their second final of the season so far.
“We were beaten by a better team,” conceded Butler.
“They started well and we couldn’t get back into the game.
“We made a run early in the second half but Josh Wilcher and the Reading team made some big shots and extended their lead.
“We didn’t play to our best ability. It was not through want of trying or not giving 100% but it showed why Reading are National Cup champions.
“I believe they are a few steps ahead of every team in the league and have such strength in depth they will be very hard to beat.”
Mohawks get back to league action in a tough double header away this weekend against league leaders Hemel Hempstead and third-placed Essex Leopards.
“We have got to get back to playing tough defence, and team offence,” said Butler.
“I am confident that my squad can challenge at the end of the season for the play- offs and league.”
Mohawks II also tasted defeat, losing 96-85 at home to table toppers Northants Thunder in Division Three (North).
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