Newark BC Starts Strong

Newark BC came out with energy, taking an 11-7 lead in the first quarter behind aggressive inside play. Mockus (12 points, 6 rebounds) and Stankus (9 points, 5 rebounds) set the tone early, using their size to challenge Tropics inside.

Tropics Respond in the Second

After a sluggish opening, the Tropics found their rhythm in the second quarter. Their defensive pressure forced turnovers and led to transition points, and they outscored Newark BC 13-5 to take control of the game. J Epton (17 points, 6-7 FG, 5-6 FT) was the key factor, dominating inside and keeping the Tropics' offence flowing.

Trading Blows in the Second Half

Newark BC wasn’t going down without a fight. A 15-point third quarter brought them back into the contest, with Taurinskas (14 points, 6 rebounds) stepping up with strong perimeter shooting, hitting 3-5 from deep. But Tropics held their nerve, keeping a narrow lead into the fourth quarter.

In the final frame, the game remained in the balance. Newark BC kept pushing, but clutch baskets from Parker (7 points, 3-8 FG) and Jordan (6 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal) ensured the Tropics did just enough to escape the win.

Key Performers

• Tropics’ J Epton: 17 points (6-7 FG, 5-6 FT), 2 rebounds, 1 steal – the most efficient scorer on the floor.

• Newark BC’s Taurinskas: 14 points (3-5 3PT), 6 rebounds, 2 steals – led the offensive charge.

• Mockus (Newark BC): 12 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist – strong inside presence.

• Parker (Tropics): 7 points, 2 assists, 1 steal – contributed crucial plays in the fourth quarter.

Game Stats Breakdown

• Shooting Efficiency: Tropics shot 32.1% from the field, while Newark BC had a slight edge at 34.7%.

• Rebounding Battle: Newark BC won the rebounding game 27-23, but Tropics capitalised on second-chance points.

• Turnovers: Both teams struggled with ball security, but Tropics forced 10 steals to create fast-break opportunities.

Final Thoughts

This game could have gone either way, but the Tropics held their nerve to improve to 4-2 on the season, keeping them firmly in the playoff hunt. Newark BC, despite falling to 1-5, showed they can compete with any team when they play at their best.

As the season moves into its final phase, both teams will need to sharpen their execution down the stretch. Tropics will look to build on this momentum, while Newark BC will seek to regroup and turn close games into wins.