An MVP performance from American guard RJ Evans helped the Wildcats to a 72-67 victory over University Plymouth Raiders in front of an exuberant crowd at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre on Saturday evening.
It was a much improved performance from Evans and his team mates who bounced back in style following a BBL Cup quarter final exit in Sheffield the previous night. Evans led the Wildcats with 14 points, while fellow American Mike Allison rediscovered his form contributing 13 points as well as a string of rebounds and key blocks for the home side. The win keeps the Wildcats in the play-off positions and improves there BBL Championship record to 5 – 5.
In a tightly contested first quarter, it was the Wildcats who edged ahead following spectacular three-point plays by Ralph Bucci and Devin Ginty. The second period was played at a similar pace with the two teams trading baskets, however it was the visitors that held the slimmest of leads heading into the locker room at half time.
Both Lee Davie and Raiders head coach Jay Marriott are new to their coaching roles this season, and it appeared it was Marriott who was going to come out on top of this contest, as half way through the third quarter his team had extended their lead to double digits.
Coach Davie called a time-out with four minutes remaining in the third period and reintroduced RJ Evans, the former UCONN guard injected some pace into the game and provided a much needed lift to the Wildcats defence. Danny Huffor made a 2 point play on the buzzer at the end of the penultimate quarter to bring the Wildcats within 4 points.
The final period was one of the most exciting ever to be witnessed by the home fans, as both teams continued to exchange points. Paul Elderkin and Kirk Crecco made key baskets for the home side with big man Mike Allison tieing the ball game at 63-63 with just 4 minutes remaining. Captain Bucci converted from outside the arc to give his team the lead, and when Mike Allison was put on the free throw line with seconds left on the game clock, he held his nerve and made both shots to secure a 73-68 Wildcats victory.
Speaking after the game, coach Davie was delighted with the result, “It was a much improved team performance tonight, the guys really took control of the game and pushed hard to get the win in the final stages.
We were impressive at both ends of the court this evening, which is a very pleasing response to Friday nights defeat in Sheffield. Now we have to go out and do the same against Worcester next Sunday. We are in a good position and will continue to work hard to win every game.”
Durham Wildcats entertain high flying Worcester Wolves next Sunday at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre, tickets are available online now at www.godurhamwildctas.com.
