Wildcats captain Ralph Bucci led his team to victory on Saturday evening against the Glasgow Rocks, and was unfortunate not to be on the winning team on Sunday afternoon as the Wildcats went down in a close contest on the road at Cheshire Phoenix. Durham put 85 points on the board against the Rocks at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre on Saturday.
Leading from the early stages of the game, Bucci controlled the final quarter to finish with figures of 16 points, 9 rebounds, and 10 assists, one further rebound would have given the Wildcats captain a well-deserved ‘triple double’ for the evening.
With less than 24 hours to recover, Bucci and his teammates were on the road to take on Cheshire Phoenix, a team they had beaten 3 weeks previous in the BBL Cup 1st round. Durham dominated the early exchanges, with captain Bucci once more leading from the front with a string of baskets and rebounds in the first quarter, at the end of which the visitors led 17 points to 13.
Cheshire hit back with a strong second period to take an eight point lead into the locker room at half time, leading the contest 38-32. Durham managed to reduce the deficit to just 4 points going into the last, but Cheshire took advantage of some tired Durham legs in the final quarter to eventually run out 75-68 winners. Despite ending up on the losing team, Bucci continued his excellent form with an impressive 15 rebounds and 21 points.
Coach Davie and his team will now turn their attention to next weekend and another double header. On Friday evening the Wildcats travel to Sheffield to take on the Sharks in the BBL Cup quarter-final, Newcastle Eagles await the winner of this one. The schedule doesn’t get any easier for Durham, as 24 hours later they take on Plymouth Raiders at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre, 7pm tip-off. Tickets are available in advance online at www.godurhamwildcats.com.
