Starting off the game with high defence, both teams would go at one another - attacking the rim yet contested strongly. Utilising a strong midrange game, the Lightning would pull ahead of the Tropics, whilst the opposition struggled with their offensive runs. Balancing a mixture of youth and experience, both teams managed to create high energy plays. With some poor communication on the Tropics’ end, the Lightning would draw out a 7 point lead to end the quarter.

Over the break, it was clear that coach Claffey was unhappy with the reigning champion’s performance as coming back into the game, we would see the Tropics clawing back at the deficit, with Rowe - no.21 becoming a crucial part of the teams game, scoring 100% from the freethrow line. The Lightning would, however, outscore the Tropics again - sharing the ball between Carter - no.31 and Wilkins - no.22, to achieve another double digit quarter and increasing the lead to 10 points at the end of the half. 

Although all seemed lost for the Tropics, the second half would prove how quickly a game of basketball could change. Once again, Claffey would call upon his youth players to keep the intensity high, with both Sowden - no.35, and Dawson - no.2 contributing greatly to the defensive aggression - although unfortunately getting little stats to prove this. Pressuring the Lightning with a full-court press, the Tropics would prevent scoring and reduce the gap to only 4 points.

Entering the final quarter with a surprisingly close game, both teams would produce fantastic offence, pushing towards the rim rather than shooting from range. Unfortunately, the Lightning were unable to defend without causing fouls, going into the bonus with only a few minutes left. This led the Tropics to cash out at the charity stripe, with a 93% free throw percentage proving to be the decider, pushing the lead in their favour with 4 seconds remaining. 

In what was a high heat game, both teams displayed fantastic composure, with fouling ultimately being the dagger for the Lightning. Despite this loss being a stain on their perfect streak, the Lightning played fantastically and managed to remain a close game until the very end. However, this was the Tropics’ win and was undoubtedly their hardest fought. 

The game MVP is undoubtedly Rowe - no.21, who amassed an incredible double-double with 23 points and 10 rebounds, going perfect from the free throw line and getting a 50% field goal percentage. His contribution to the Tropics’ win was undeniable, whilst also helping out his teammates with his fantastic defence. 

Now with a week of rest until their rematch against the Oddities, the Tropics can relax and enjoy their much needed win. However, the Lightning must fight against the Hawks in the hopes of keeping the top spot. Will they manage to fix their scoring drought?

You can find out first hand by joining us at 6:45pm on Thursday 14th of November at The Deans College, Lincoln.

See you there.

Tropics Highlights:

• Rowe (#21) dominated the game with 23 points, shooting 50.0% from the field (8-16) and a perfect 7-7 from the free-throw line. He also added 10 rebounds, achieving a double-double.

• Prov (#17) contributed 8 points, shooting 50.0% from the field (2-4) and 75.0% from the free-throw line (3-4), while adding 2 steals.

• Jordan (#43) chipped in with 3 points and contributed 2 rebounds.

• Parker (#45) scored 4 points, shooting 100% from both the field and the free-throw line.

Lightning Highlights:

• L. Carter (#31) led the Lightning with 13 points, shooting 50.0% from the field (6-12), while also adding 4 rebounds and 3 steals.

• Wilkins (#22) contributed 10 points, shooting an efficient 71.4% from two-point range (5-7).

• Rice (#20) added 6 points, including 33.3% from three-point range (1-3), and contributed 4 rebounds.

• S. Grant (#35) scored 4 points, shooting 66.7% from the field (2-3), while contributing 2 assists.

Team Performance:

• The Tropics shot 35.9% from the field overall and an impressive 93.8% from the free-throw line.

• The Lightning had a better field goal percentage at 48.6%, but their free-throw percentage was only 42.9%.

• The Tropics forced 8 turnovers and recorded 5 steals, while the Lightning forced 7 turnovers and had 6 steals.

• The Lightning had the edge in rebounds with 29 total rebounds compared to the Tropics' 16.

Scoring by Quarter:

• Q1: Lightning 13, Tropics 6

• Q2: Lightning 14, Tropics 11

• Q3: Tropics outscored Lightning 8-2

• Q4: Tropics surged with a 19-13 performance to take the win.

Final score: Tropics 44 - Lightning 42