Two games and two wins for Thunder
Worthing Thunder played two games in two days, and came away with hard fought victories on both occasions.
On Saturday the Thunder travelled to central London to face an experienced Westminster Warriors side in the EBL National Trophy. Worthing were understrength, without leading scorer Courtney Small, but gave a debut to speedy 5’9” point guard Vinnie Darpino who has recently joined from German side Schalke.
Missing the production from Courtney Small, 6’7” American Marcus Tullis stepped up to lead the Thunder in both points and rebounds, finishing with an impressive double-double of 28 and 10.
The Warriors were led by the stellar play of guard Edmir Lucas, and ex-Guildford Heat play-maker Lekan Popoola, they combined for more than half of the London side’s points on the night. Former Thunder players Marvin Addy and Damian Harris also produced solid performances for Westminster.
The game was a very tight affair with neither side ever establishing more than a seven-point-lead. With Westminster leading 78-74 with 10 seconds left, the Warriors appeared to have the game won. But some last seconds heroics from Thunder’s new-boy Darpino saw him score the final five points of the match, netting a three-pointer at the final buzzer. Certainly a good way to make a first impression, as Thunder came away with the 78-79 win.
On Sunday the Thunder were visited by Plymouth Marjon for a National Cup tie. The game was played in the unfamiliar “home” venue of the University of Chichester due to a lack of availability for Worthing Leisure Centre.
Even with Courtney Small returning Thunder were not at full strength, missing American guard Chris Talley, and with Greek big-man Francesco Amato nursing a minor injury. Once again Marcus Tullis came up big, taking the lion’s-share of the points with 27.
Extended minutes for Worthing’s younger contingent saw a decent game from Adam Martin, and a near double-double for Liam Mitchell, who finished with 11 rebounds and nine points.
Thunder took the game 87-76, and can now look forward to a tough third round match with Bristol Academy Flyers.
