SOUTHAMPTON SHARKS 100
WEYMOUTH BANDITS 91
WEYMOUTH Bandits missed out on back-to-back wins in Solent League Division One as they went down to a nine-point defeat at Southampton Univer-sity.
The game started at a very quick pace with a couple of baskets exchanged either end, but Southampton were showing their athleticism with a couple of strong lay-ups and a dunk off the fast break.
This did not deter the Bandits despite the opening quarter ending 30-21 in the home side’s favour.
Weymouth refused to give up, so they changed their defence and proceeded to dominate the Sharks. This, coupled with some good offence, pulled the Bandits back into the game.
Ian Manley was the pick of the visiting players with his calm approach from inside, and his big rebounds throughout.
The away side upped the tempo in the third quarter and went man-to-man marking in a bid to reduce the deficit.
Captain Chris Canham and Sam Pearce both weighed in with three-point attempts and fast break lay-ups, helping the Bandits to take a 67-59 lead into the last period.
However, the tables turned once again with Southamp-ton pulling off a number of ambitious attempts to draw level and force overtime.
Weymouth, who had fought so hard over four quarters, began to tire in added time and Southampton took full advantage, finishing the match with a 100-91 advantage.
Bandits’ skipper Canham said: “It was disappointing to lose after a very positive display from all.
“We should have taken advantage of a couple of situations in the fourth quarter that would have kept us in the lead, but it wasn’t to be.
“Overall I’m really pleased with the performance, we just need to convert performances into results.”
Bandits: Fuhrmann 21, Manley 17, Pearce 12, Williams 11, Canham 9, Lawes 8, Harris 8, Dodge 5, Carter.
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