Tees Valley Mohawks’ winning streak came to an end with a 77-69 defeat away to title-chasing Essex Leopards.
Yet again they were affected by injuries, with Bryan Hockaday and Rob Donaldson still unavailable. But Lloyd Samuels and Charles Rhodes gave the visitors an early lead as Essex struggled to get the ball in the hoop.
The first session ended with Mohawks leading 16-15 but the hosts turned it around to lead 35-33 at half-time.
Essex dominated the third quarter and opened a 17-point lead by the start of the final session. That gap went up to 24 points but a time-out reinvigorated the Mohawks.
Rhodes, Romonn Nelson and Alex Moore all got onto the scoresheet as the margin was whittled down to eight points, leaving Essex clinging on at the end.
“We struggled offensively but our defence was exceptional,” reflected coach Steve Butler.
“Spirits were high in the locker room as we hadn’t played well but in the third quarter we went away from what has worked in the past few weeks and Essex took advantage of our sloppy errors and scored freely.
“I was disappointed because this game was winnable. I’m confident if we meet them in the play-offs we can beat this squad.”
Mohawks are hoping to have Hockaday back from injury this weekend when they visit Derby and entertain NASSA Neptunes.
They will also have 6ft 10in Mattia Bradisco in their side.
He signed in November but studies and family commitments have prevented him playing.
“It’s taken a few weeks of discussions but Mattia has committed himself to the final few months of the season which is a big bonus for the club,” said Butler.
No comments:
Post a Comment