A Sam Newman triple-double stole the show as Hemel Storm beat Loughborough Riders 95-82 in Saturday’s KitKing Trophy quarter-final matchup.
The game was tight throughout, with the home side able to pull away in the final quarter to secure a reasonably comfortable 13 point victory.
Captaining the team, Newman played 37 minutes, more than anyone else on the night, and his hard work was rewarded with a standout statline featuring 13 points, 10 rebounds and 14 assists.
The British guard is known for his creative ability on the ball and his defensive work was admirable; all of last year’s Playoff final MVP’s 10 boards coming under his own basket. After a mixed start to this campaign, he will be pleased to have made an impact as he begins to settle into his new role and establish a stronger connection with the squad’s fresher faces.
There were signs that the promising offensive unit assembled by Coach Mark Clark is starting to click, with the speed of the ball movement and accuracy of the shooting much improved from last weekend’s efforts.
The alarming three-point conversion rate of 17% from Sunday’s defeat to Essex Rebels was up to a much more productive 34%, indicating not only that individuals performed better from behind the arc but also suggesting the team’s plays were more effective in yielding more efficient looks.
Storm’s Canadian double-act impressed once more; Trent Monkman in particular showing fierce determination to finish under heavy contact when driving to the basket. His diverse play style, where he can also shoot from long range, will make him a tricky task to guard for opposition defenders and gives him multiple scoring options.
Matt Ellis followed last week’s 30-point display at the StormDome by adding another 22 to his name, clearly enjoying his new home court. Notably, he also showed signs of a feisty competitive nature and a loyalty to protect his teammates on court - sure to make him a valued member of the locker room and a fan favourite in the stands.
Tip-off was delayed due to the late arrival of a referee but Storm were five points down just a minute into the contest; Victor Ndoukou starting brightly for the visitors and providing the warning signs for what was to come. The 6‘8” Brit, who has experience in the top flight with Leicester Riders, had 31 points and combined his immense physicality with a solid display of three-point shooting to trouble the hosts.
Newman helped to fight back, and a three from him saw his side edge the first quarter 25-19.
They had the lead up to 10 points early in the second quarter, but Ndoukou alongside Justin Hedley and Seth Wylie clawed Loughborough back into the tie. Storm could not break away from their opponents and the game was locked at 46 apiece heading into the half time break.
The home side were kept on high alert, as Ndoukou continued to cause problems, but Monkman came to life with nine third quarter points and Storm held a crucial four point lead ahead of the final period’s action.
The StormDome sensed their team wasn't safe yet and roared into life to support them over the line.
Tra’Michael Moton had gone under the radar thus far, doing the unseen work with some strong defence and a selfless willingness to share the ball, but he hit some vital shots as the game reached the closing stretches.
His tally of 13 points made an important difference, and a hit from long range extended the Storm lead out of sight as they eventually cruised to a 13 point victory.
Monkman top scored for the hosts with 24, supported ably by Ellis’s 22 and 14 from Darien Nelson-Henry.
Check out the match day photos here.
Storm will await the draw for the semi-final keenly, with Derby Trailblazers, MK Breakers and Reading Rockets the three possible opponents.
Attention now turns to the start of the league season, with Bradford Dragons visiting the StormDome as NBL Division One kicks off next Saturday. Tickets available via the Fanbase platform.
Written by Callum Humphrey
Photos by Matt Cook