Rockets fired! Worthing Thunder top 100-pint mark again

At a packed Worthing Thunderdome, it was an action-packed match with old rivals the Rockets. It was close until half-time but as the game progressed the all-action energy of the home favourites saw Thunder to victory with a third 100-plus points on the board in three games.

The first quarter brought exciting basketball but the visitors were doing all they could to frustrate Thunder, giving as good as they got.

At the first break it was level (22-22). Without the unwell Tom Ward and injured Ty Nsangu, it looked like it was going to be a tough night for the hosts.

In the second period, having pulled away early on, Thunder were pulled back by the tough no-nonsense Rockets and at halfway Thunder held a slender four-point lead.

The Rockets were giving the home favourites a tough time but the fouls were mounting up. Hafeez Abdul, Ronald Blain and Orlan Jackman were scoring well but the visitors were not making it easy.

Thunder started the third quarter with their normal high-powered attacking basketball, hitting 13 unanswered points. The lead grew as the Thunder began to take control.

At the final break the lead had grown to 80-51. Abdul, Andre Arrisol and Jackman peppered the basket with Jackman also strong in defence.

Blain was beginning to entertain the excited crowd with dunks, assists and massive three-point attempts.

In the final 10 minutes Thunder’s David Moya hit five massive treys, sending the crowd wild. The introduction of the bench helped bring another 29 points to push Thunder above 100 – 109-63 the final tally.

As well as the first team sitting proudly at the top of NBL Division 1, Thunder’s second team now top Division 3 with a 100 per cent record. Veron Eze topped the seconds’ scoring on Saturday with 45 points.

Thunder make the long journey to Manchester Magic this Saturday before returning to the Thunderdome on November 6 v Essex Rebels.