Box Score: Hemel Storm 88 – 68 MK Breakers
The MK Breakers fell 88-68 to Hemel Storm on Saturday night in front of a sold out crowd at Hemel Leisure Centre.
Despite 21 points from KJ Johnson, the Breakers were not able to repeat the outcome of last Sunday’s KitkKing Trophy semifinal which saw them take down the Storm 100-88. 29 points from Tra’Michael Moton led a balanced attack for Hemel, who used a 32-17 third quarter to exact revenge on the MK side.
The Breakers started the brighter of the two teams with Adrian Scarborough converting two put backs to put the visitors ahead 4-9, forcing Hemel Coach Mark Clark to call an early timeout.
Hemel slowly found their footing behind front court duo of Darien Nelson-Henry and Matt Ellis. Jack Burnell then gave Hemel their first lead of the game at 18-16 before Chris Tawiah answered for the Breakers with a pair of free throws to tie the game at 18. Hemel would strike last in the opening quarter as Sam Newman connected on a 3-pointer to edge the hosts ahead 21-18 after 10 minutes.
KJ Johnson opened the Breakers scoring in the second quarter with a lay-up before Storm’s front-court duo of Nelson-Henry & Ellis combined for 7 points to force Coach Billy Beddow-Patel in to a timeout. Kai Williams returning from injury offered an offensive spark for the Breakers off the bench keep things close, but it was Hemel in the lead at half time, 39-32.
Tickets: MK Breakers vs Reading Rockets 23rd November
Hemel Storm came out in the third quarter firing on all cylinders, with Moton finding his rhythm from behind the arc. The Breakers struggled to respond and found themselves down 71-49 with 10 minutes to play. With the fourth quarter all but a formality, the Breakers fought to end, edging the final period 17-19.
The Breakers are back in action next Sunday with a trip to NBL 2 side Ipswich in the fourth round of the National Cup. The game is schedule for a 3pm tip off at Copleston Sports Centre. There will be a fan bus departing from Shenley Brook End School at 11am, fans can book their seat on the fan bus HERE.
The team return home the following weekend for a league game with Reading Rockets, a rematch of last season’s National Cup Final. Tickets are available HERE for the game which will tip off at 5pm on Saturday 23rd November.
