Hemel Storm saw defeat on the road, losing 100-88 to a strong MK Breakers side in front of a sold out Bletchley Leisure Centre.
With the hosts dominating in front of their vocal fanbase, especially in the second and third quarter, Storm were unable to create any momentum throughout the game, meaning that the Breakers progress through to the KitKing Trophy Final.
Adrenaline was certainly high with both teams, as both sets of supporters created a spectacular atmosphere. This resulted in the game’s first points to come within two minutes of the beginning of proceedings. After Storm took an early 0-5 lead, Breakers responded in style, with three pointers from Robinson and Walker to open their account. Both teams looked to be working out each other’s tendencies, as they traded baskets at each end of the court. Despite a three pointer from Eze, two successive three pointers from former Storm player Blayne Freckleton put the hosts into a 24-23 lead to end the first quarter.
After what was a closely-fought opening quarter, the second period proved to change the dynamic of the tie completely, with the Breakers gaining momentum. An 11-3 run in the opening 3:30 of the quarter moved the hosts into a nine point lead before Sam Newman responded with a three pointer of his own. Storm began to claw back the deficit before a strategic timeout from Breakers Coach Billy Beddow-Patel put an end to any Storm momentum. The home side once again asserted their dominance, punishing missed opportunities from Storm to lead 50-42 heading into the half time break.
Storm had to respond in the third quarter after the first half setback, however, were forced into a timeout after a frantic start. Storm began to relax after the timeout, with Eze’s and-one dunk looking to inject a new burst of energy into the visitors. However, the dominance of the agile KJ Johnson, alongside the presence of Scarborough and Nate Robinson were proving too tough to handle, giving the Breakers a double digit lead heading into the fourth quarter of play.
It was crucial for Storm to start the fourth quarter with purpose, with a place in the Trophy Final up for grabs. They did so within the first two minutes as a three pointer from Matt Disu forced the home side into a timeout in an attempt to break up the momentum. Turnovers and missed shots looked to haunt Storm following the timeout, as MK’s strong defence proved hard to get through. The Breakers thrived off this, punishing Storm with a showcase of good midrange accuracy, alongside their precise shooting from outside the three point arc. After Scarborough’s dunk to end proceedings, the game was brought to a close, with Storm losing 100-88.
It was a disappointing loss for Storm as they struggled to take control of the game in a hostile environment. With both sets of supporters in full voice, the Breakers thrived off the home advantage at key moments.
Storm have the opportunity to right their wrongs next weekend as they take on Milton Keynes Breakers in the league in front of their home crowd. Tickets will be high in demand so make sure to secure your tickets via the Fanbase platform.
Written by Ollie Heathcote
Photos by TGD Visuals