20/04/2015
MATCH REPORT - Raiders take the points in season curtain call
Report by Jack McNally
Heading into the last game of the season, and without their captain Elvisi Dusha due to injury, the odds were stacked against Surrey United to make an impact in the game against the Plymouth Raiders.
And in the first quarter it looked to be going that way. The Raiders interior defense was making it increasingly had for United players to score inside, and their ball movement was allowing them to get uncontested open looks at the basket.
Plymouths front court of Pierre Hampton and Emile Hopkins were battling down low against Surrey, while also punishing Kramer Knutson wit intense physical plays to try and stop United’s premier big man.
The Raiders were forcing Surrey to make shots off of isolation plays rather than get better looks closer to the basket. And on the other end of the floor, Plymouths ball movement was outstanding as they managed to keep the ball out of any United players reach, and push their lead to 31-19.
However after a timeout, Erick Forson came out shooting and managed to spur Surrey onto a 9-0 run that got them within only three points.
Surrey started to move the ball much quicker, keeping their heads up and looking for the better passing lane. Anthony Downings brilliant handles led to many penetrating dribbles inside and then dishing off to an open man for the points.
And by the end of the first half the score was much closer with Surrey only back 32-35.
But heading into the second half, both teams came out with guns blazing as both teams were red hot shooting the ball. Just four minutes into the quarter the score was 42-47, with Plymouth still leading, as both teams traded buckets.
The sparing match would continue throughout the quarter as by thet start of the fourth the score was Surrey 55 – 60 Plymouth.
But in the fourth quarter the Raiders started to pull away from United as their transition pull up jumpers were falling, and dagger three pointers from Plymouths Ben Mockford took the wind out of Surreys sails.
The game would finish Surrey 72 – 78 Plymouth. And despite the loss, United finished the season with a dramatic and entertaining game that saw both brilliant offense and clinical defensive effort.