Posted on January 17th, 2014

Blackburn Phoenix 1 vs. West Craven Turbines

This week Turbines focused on their second league fixture of 2014 just after losing out to Blackburn Phoenix 3 (respectively their first team) last week in what was a good effort from Turbines despite missing key players. This week the Turbines again were missing key individuals as both Oliver Hylands and Pete Marshall out through injuries and adding to the troubles Turbines they were also missing point guard Phil Smith away on personal business and Jake Dawson unavailable as he returned to Leicester University forcing the Turbines play with just six players. Despite the short roster West Craven could show some confidence as the last time these two sides met they took the win at 85-35 back in October.

The Turbines started out slow on defense with failure to guard the perimeter allowing two threes leading to them being 6-0 down early on. The Turbines would then have some good spells on offense with Widdup shooting well early on, from then on it was all Turbines on the offensive end with Widdup scoring multiple jump shots from the right side baseline, Gonzalez with some astonishing moves through the middle and Robinson hitting a three down in the right corner. Turbines then went on to score on the break, which put them up 21-12 at the end of the first quarter. Interestingly Blackburn had only scored their four baskets from the three-point line highlighting the Turbines interior defence.

The Turbines then went into the second quarter on top with two baskets from Gonzalez and Robinson, which put West Craven 13 points ahead. A comfortable lead saw Turbines step of the gas and loss of concentration which then saw an exchange of baskets which would then see Blackburn score enough to go one point ahead at the half with the score at 34-33.

Turbines had to play sensible defense as they lacked and depth of rotation having only one bench player to use and give players a rest in Roman “Dragon” Bradshaw. However, despite scoring the first basket of the second half the Turbines then went 6 points down from transition offence. Guard Ben Capps managed to step up on offence and delivered baskets while also being rewarded with trips to the free throw line. Despite this the third quarter ended with Blackburn 5 points clear of the trailers 47-42.

The fourth carried on as the third ended with Capps driving to the hoop and Ireton getting a high arcing shot down the lane. Fast breaks came from Robinson and Gonzalez as Turbines turned up the gas and went ahead with 3 minutes to go. Bradshaw was able to enter the game at critical points to give key players a rest. Coming up with a number of rebounds Bradshaw proved useful, however, Turbines Robinson could not convert from the line to take Turbines ahead in the final minute of the game and Blackburn would advance to gain another 2 from the paint and win the game 62-58.

A close game for Turbines and a good effort all around from the players despite missing team mates due to injury. Turbines need some improvements on the defense intensity as Blackburn managed to hit 9 from the three-point line compared to Turbines single three. MVP goes to Gonzalez for his rebounds at both ends and slicing moves through the centre of the Blackburn defense. Individual scorers Robinson 21, Widdup 12, Gonzalez 12, Capps 7 and Ireton 6. Turbines play next week in the week against Hyndburn. 

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