Team Solent Kestrels booked their spot in the 4th round of the Men’s National Cup on Sunday afternoon as they handed Plymouth Marjon Patriots a 105-80 defeat. After a slow start Kestrels went to work in the second half to see off the hard working Patriots.
Isa Brandon led the scoring charge as he poured in 38 points, while Greg Durand and Matt Hughes added 16 a piece.
Kestrels got up 9-0 early as they raced out of the blocks forcing turnovers and easy transition scores, however Plymouth quickly responded and cut the gap through Will White. Kestrels rallied to weather the hosts run and closed the quarter with the lead in their favour 22-17.
The second quarter was a period of two halves as the Patriots upped the intensity and trimmed the deficit to tie things up at 25. They eventually swung the lead in their favour forcing a coach Guymon timeout - 26-31 Plymouth. Post timeout Kestrels regained control of the lead as they swung the game back in their favour. Isa Brandon cashed in on a number of trips to the foul line,
as he scored 13 straight points for TSK, 53-43 Kestrels at the half time interval.
TSK moved through the gears to open up the second half as Greg Durand converted an and-1 before Matt Hughes and Isa Brandon also found scores in the paint. The lead quickly reached 20+ with the Kestrels bench providing the additional scoring, through Wayne Kitenge and a pair of Dan Fawell-Molloy triples. Kestrels 86-58 up with 10 minutes to play.
The pace slowed dramatically in the fourth quarter as Kestrels looked to keep the Patriots out of sight. Jaidan Dawes was his physical self as he barrelled his way inside for an easy 2 whilst Ash Briggs used his soft touch around the hoop, to keep the scoreboard ticking. A late flurry by the hosts saw them trim to arrears but Kestrels had already done enough to secure a victory, 105-80.
Kestrels advance to the 4th round where they’ll travel to Worthing Thunder on Sunday 17th November 2024, details to be confirmed.
Meanwhile TSK face another road trip this weekend as they are back in league action, against Essex Rebels II (Saturday - 4pm).
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