Ty Nsangu’s dominant debut powered Hemel Storm past Loughborough Riders as Tom Baker’s side began their BCB Trophy campaign with an 85-80 victory on the road.
The 6’8” centre powered his way to 30 points and 20 rebounds, as his new side saw off a third-quarter Riders comeback to secure a five-point win.
American Jabari Nurse also chipped in with 18 and Sam Newman picked up 12 assists, with Jalen Cook’s 39-point haul coming in a losing cause.
Former Reading Rockets big man Nsangu controlled the paint with aplomb, bullying opponents, producing clutch plays and pulling down vital rebounds.
Nurse caught fire towards the end of the second, displaying immense athleticism and pummeling the rim with a pair of hammering dunks.
Fellow American recruit Jared Small amassed 13 points, despite suffering a cut to the face, and the ever-energetic Kai Walker picked up 10 points and five rebounds.
New Zealand international Alex McNaught made himself a nuisance on his first appearance in England, snatching four steals from the bench, while Victor Olarerin, Yves Nkomba and Daniel Kostadinov all made their Storm bows as substitutes.
Baker’s side played with electric pace throughout, pushing the floor to accumulate a 14-point first-half lead, before the Riders responded to narrow the margin to one by the end of the third quarter.
But the visitors held their nerve and some defiant defence saw them to their third straight win over the Riders.
Baker and his men will reflect on a morale-boosting victory as they settle into their work and begin to find their groove, with a trip to Birmingham awaiting next Sunday.
Written by Callum Humphrey