Although Glasgow Rocks have yet to field a full-strength roster this term, their strength in depth remains a key platform around which coach Sterling Davis hopes to construct a pitch for silverware. Despite injuries and ailments, the American saw his side quell Leeds Force 84-65 at the Emirates Arena last night in the opening round of the BBL Cup, setting up a trip to holders Newcastle Eagles in the quarter-finals on October 30 in a repeat of the 2014 final.
With Scotland cap Jonny Bunyan and team captain Kieron Achara providing a much-needed spark off the bench, and Warren Gillis scoring a team-best 18 points, their side reinforced their victory with a late flourish. Six games into the campaign, Davis' is seeing flashes of the picture he wants to imprint.
“You see guys coming on in spurts, like Jonny, like Adam Hammerschmidt, like Bantu Borroughs, who can help us when we need it,” he said. “The biggest problem these first few weeks has been dealing with injuries and not having Kieron fully fit has set us back. But we’re not far from having everyone and when we do, I really believe we can move forward.”
The hosts shook off early shooting struggles and early pressure from the Force to lead 18-15 after the first quarter but it was in the second that their decisive push arrived. A three-pointer converted through Bunyan’s assured hands capped an 11-0 run that kept Leeds scoreless for over three minutes as their rhythm was knocked out of sync.
Up 45-31 at half-time, Glasgow quickly extended their lead to 18 but their unfancied guests did not easily buckle, reeling off nine straight points and compelling Davis to take an unexpected time-out. With Riley Grabau sidelined through a sprained ankle the American asked others to plug the gap and despite the Force’s persistence and a game-high haul of 23 from DeAndre Bullard, they could not reduce the deficit to any less than eight before the dam burst with a closing 13-4 push.
Elsewhere, London Lions needed overtime to see off Surrey Scorchers and book their last eight spot while Bristol Flyers progressed with an 88-77 win over struggling Plymouth Raiders.
Meanwhile it has been confirmed Vanessa Ellis of Sheffield Hatters will remain as Great Britain women’s assistant coach for the forthcoming EuroBasket qualifying campaign. The ex-England international will join ex-Spain Under-20 coach Susana Garcia on the staff of new head coach Jose Maria Buceta.
RESULTS
BBL Cup, 1st Round. Glasgow Rocks 84 Leeds Force 65, Plymouth Raiders 77 Bristol Flyers 88, Surrey Scorchers 81 London Lions 89 (OT). BBL. Leicester Riders 82 Manchester Giants 62
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