Thunder top Tees Valley
Another huge game from American star Marcus Tullis lifted Worthing Thunder to victory over Tees Valley Mohawks. The game ended 105-98 on Saturday. The under-sized Mohawks had no answer for Tullis, who poured in 38 and 14 rebounds. But the game was tighter than Thunder would have liked, especially as Tees Valley turned up with only seven players.
The game got off to a competitive start with the Mohawks using their quickness to match Thunder’s inside power. However, it wasn’t long before Tullis’ good work inside paid off, and Worthing finished the quarter up seven points. The second started well for Worthing, and they pushed their lead out to double-digits courtesy of a long two from Liam Mitchell. But some solid play from 6’4” Mohawks forward Michael Odumoso and lackluster Thunder defending saw the home side’s lead reduce to three at half-time.
Tees Valley took the initiative after the break, and some excellent long range shooting from British guard Will Spragg saw them take the lead for the first time since the first quarter. Thunder’s point guard Vinnie Darpino found himself in foul trouble mainly thanks to the quickness of Mohawks background of Spragg, and American play-maker David Glavin, who has joined Tees Valley from BBL stragglers Durham Wildcats.
In the fourth quarter Thunder finally found another gear, and it was the strong play from guard Courtney Small that once again proved to be the catalyst. His run of seven quick points pushed Thunder’s lead back past ten, and then there was no way back for the Mohawks. Small finished with impressive numbers of 22 points and 6 assists.
Worthing dominated the inside, in the paint they outscored Tees Valley 64-26, and the Mohawks only really held on through some excellent three point shooting. They connected on 43% of their shots from downtown, including a lights-out performance from Will Spragg, who went 5/5. The Mohawks were missing key big-man Ike Attah, and were pushed around easily inside.
Most impressive for the home side was the confidence they appear to be gaining playing alongside each other. There was some high quality link up play, especially in the fourth, with British forward Liam Mitchell often the beneficiary. He scored 15 points, off of 6/8 shooting, in just 20 minutes of action.
