Tees Valley Mohawks’ season is back on track after two crucial wins.
Bryan Hockaday made an impressive debut as they won 86-76 away to Hemel Storm and continued his good form the following day in a 92-81 home victory over Bradford Dragons.
Though Storm scored first on Saturday, Romonn Nelson and Hockaday gave Mohawks a 7-2 lead and they remained in front for the rest of the match.
They led 24-16 at the end of the first quarter and although Simon Kearney and Walid Mumuni replied with some good baskets, Nelson and Lee McLaughlin hit some big three pointers.
Mohawks remained in control and though Hemel cut the gap to six points at one stage, great play from Hockaday and Charles Rhodes pushed the lead back up to 10 points.
“It was very important we got the win,” said coach Steve Butler. “We needed that confidence booster and now I’ve got my full squad together I really feel we can assert ourselves on this league now. Bryan, Charles and Romonn were fantastic.”
The following day Hockaday was again on the scoresheet early, along with Rob Donaldson while 6ft 10in Norwegian debutant Mattia Bradascio snuffed out the Dragons’ fire as Mohawks led 21-18 after the first quarter.
Good play from Richard Sulcs saw Bradford tie the game up at 38-38 going into the locker room but Mohawks controlled the third quarter, to lead 61-56.
Mohawks fell behind in a sloppy final session but Hockaday and Bradascio made the difference as the clock ran down and though Jason Swaine hit a three-pointer with just 5.1 seconds to go, Mohawks clinched it in overtime.
“We ground that win out,” admitted Butler. “Bradford are a very good team and I’m really pleased to get that victory as two weeks ago we would have folded.”
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