Team Solent Kestrels avenged their early season defeat to NASSA on Saturday, as they handed them an 89-70 loss in the capital. The win sees Kestrels improve to 14-1 in NBL Division 2 South and move into joint first place with Barking Abbey.
It was a real back and forth start to the game as both sides came ready to impose themselves on the ball game, Kestrels Andre Arissol picking up from where he left off last weekend, whilst Leome Francis scored well inside for the hosts. With nothing to split the sides over the first ten minutes, it was 17 a piece after one.
A 10-0 run to open the second quarter saw Kestrels move into the driving seat in the match up as they held NASSA scoreless for a 3 minute spell. The home side would stop the drought briefly but another 3 minute unanswered run for TSK meant they would blow this one open at 41-21. Joe Lloyd would round off a fine second quarter for the Kestrels as he stroked a triple, giving his team a 48-26 lead at the break.
The early part of the second half saw the trading of scores from both teams with the lead staying out at 20 plus in favour of the visitors. An 8-0 run for the Kestrels at the back end of the period pushed the deficit to 28 at 67-39, however NASSA did rally to close the quarter 67-45 TSK.
Russ Gariepy and Isa Brandon ticked the scoreboard over for Kestrels as the fourth quarter got underway and although NASSA responded with scores of their own, TSK were still firmly in charge 74-55. A 10-1 run though saw NASSA stage a late fight back attempt cutting the gap to just 10 points with 2.55 remaining. Back to back scores from Greg Durand and Russ Gariepy effectively ended any hopes of a late come back for NASSA, as they restored a 15 point cushion with just under 2 minutes to play. Kestrels would go on to close out the game 89-70.
It was another team effort from the Kestrels with Andre Arissol leading the way posting 22 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists whilst Isa Brandon added 16 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists and Russ Gariepy also chipped in 16 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds.
Kestrels face another tough road test this coming Saturday as they head to London Stars (2pm). Meanwhile you can purchase your tickets for TSK’s return to the Solent Sports Complex on Saturday 15th February 2025 where they welcome London Elite (6pm).
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