Tigers win BBL Trophy

Sandwiched between the first NBA games to played in the UK was today’s BBL Trophy Final which saw the Mersey Tigers put their BBL Cup defeat behind them. In a closely fought first-half both sets of supporters were confident that their side could be taking home the silverware. but as the third quarter tipped-off the Tigers found their rythym and put the game out of Guildford’s reach with a stunning spell.

The Tigers scored 29 points to the Heat’s 8 in the quarter with a three pointer from Nate Reinking giving them a 20 point lead going in to the last ten minutes. Reinking finished the game with 12 points as the Mersey Tigers won the game 84-66 at the O2 Arena.

Carlos Medlock was Guildford’s top scorer as he bagged 18 points in the game, but that along with Joseph (14) and Martin’s (10) contributions wasn’t enough. Medlock’s form did help the Heat to the half-time lead, but their hopes faded away after the break. Reinking’s colleagues stepped up to the plate with Andrew Thomson posting the highest numbers as he amassed 21 points for the Tigers. None of those players picked-up the games’ MVP however, as GB Captain Andrew Sullivan led by example in the impressive Tigers’ victory. Sullivan won the accolade for his contribution of 16 points and 8 rebounds.

With an extra metre to contend with between the basket and the three-point line, the Tigers’ long range specialists weren’t phased as they dealt telling blows from distance to down the Heat. Ironically it was the Mersey Tigers who turned up the heat at the O2, and when everything clicked they played solid defence, and were aggressive wth the ball. The Tigers will hope to build on this victory as they look to put the league trophy in their cabinet in the coming weeks.