Storm take down reigning Trophy champions to continue perfect start
Hemel Storm made it two BCB Trophy wins from two as they overcame reigning champions Birmingham Rockets 98-73 at the Nechells Wellbeing Centre on Sunday evening.
Ty Nsangu impressed again in a well-balanced Storm performance, as Tom Baker’s side laid down a marker with a statement win in the Midlands.
They took the lead midway through the first quarter and never looked back, playing at a relentless pace and shooting with great accuracy to ensure the hosts were offered no way back into the contest.
Nsangu started where he left off in last Sunday’s Player of the Week-winning performance against Loughborough Riders, compiling a double-double before the half-time buzzer had even sounded. He eventually worked his way to 16 points and 15 rebounds, including a monstrous poster on top of two Rockets players which nearly hauled the hoop down, such was its ferocity.
American Jabari Nurse is another who’s enjoying a fine start to life at the club, again displaying immense athleticism to post a comprehensive stat line of 18 points, seven rebounds, four assists, four steals and an index rating of 29.
The depth of talent in the squad allowed Baker to utilise his bench with confidence, and he was rewarded with a whopping 34 points from his substitutes.
Kai Walker battled as hard as ever and shot with pinpoint precision from behind the arc, going four from five from three-point range on his way to 14 points.
Fellow British guard Victor Olarerin, acclimatised after returning from China late last week, played an increased role and showed why he was named BCB British Player of the Year last time out, pushing the pace and throwing down a huge putback dunk as he ended with 13 points.
Encouragingly, everyone played their part in a commanding victory that will have Hemel fans purring with excitement.
Eight straight Olarerin points helped Storm build up a six-point advantage by the end of the first quarter, and long-range hits from captain Sam Newman and American Jared Small increased the gap to 14 points midway through the second period.
The Rockets reduced the deficit to eight, 36-44, by the half-time buzzer, but a strong third-quarter showing had it back up to 13 ahead of the final break.
It was tight enough to keep Baker sweating, but his side eased any fears as they stretched the lead out of sight, eventually sealing a 25-point victory to send the travelling contingent home happy.
They return to the StormDome for the first time this season next Sunday at 6pm, as they look to continue their unbeaten start to the Trophy campaign against Oaklands Wolves.
For your first chance to catch the new-look roster in action on home soil, you can purchase tickets on the Fanbase app now.
Written by Callum Humphrey