BG SUNS 72
BRIDPORT EVOLUTION 78
BRIDPORT Evolution secured a narrow 78-72 win at BG Suns to continue their perfect start to the Dorset Association Conference A season.
Having won all three of their previous games, Evolution were looking to continue their success against the Suns who were looking for revenge after suffering a heavy 98-46 defeat to Bridport just weeks before.
The first quarter took Bridport by surprise as, after starting strong in all games so far this season, this game proved more difficult.
Seeing an early trail in points, Bridport played and hustled hard but struggled to get shots to drop. Piotr Lason drew a technical foul, putting pressure on Evo to keep their heads cool.
READ MORE: Bridport Evolution 98-46 BG Suns - match report
The second quarter was much the same story, with Bridport struggling to pull a lead but keeping the game close and exciting.
Many shots traded back and forth, Bridport fought hard to stay in the game with great rebounding from Angus Pudge and Jack Trivett helping keep the team energised with their hustle.
Despite their fighting efforts, Evo ended the first half 37-34 in the Suns’ favour.
Bridport entered the second half and third quarter and started to find their rhythm with players like Pudge, Chris Canham and Craig Sorrell making their way to the free throw line by drawing fouls during a physical quarter from both teams.
Entering the fourth quarter, Bridport looked to continue their form from the third quarter in the hopes of continuing their perfect start to the season and came out strong.
Struggling in parts but playing solid defence throughout the quarter to force turnovers with Lason and Canham managing to pick the pockets of BG Suns’ passes leading to some good fast break points for Evo.
The game still remained close until the final moments with Suns fighting hard throughout, but it was Bridport who came away with the win in a tense finale.
Scores: A Pudge 31 (MVP), P Lason 17, C Sorrell 10, C Canham 9, B Stocker 7, N Gray 2, J Trivett 2, G James, A Staples, D Smith.
BRIDPORT EVOLUTION 73
DORSET STORM 63
BRIDPORT Evolution made it five wins from five Dorset Association Conference A games with a 73-63 victory over Poole-based Dorset Storm.
With both teams undefeated, this was destined to be a fast-paced and exciting game as neither team wanted to drop points going into the Christmas break.
The first quarter got under way with a solid start from both teams playing strong defence and making it difficult to find lanes to the basket.
Chris Canham started the ball rolling for the home team with the first five points converted but Storm answered back quickly to take the first quarter 14-10.
Evolution dusted off the rust and dug deep going into the second quarter with Angus Pudge and Piotr Lason finding their range from deep to help Bridport get back in front for a 32-30 half-time lead.
It was all to play for going into the third quarter and Bridport’s Jeff Robertshaw started to heat up with a couple of quick transition buckets to open the gap between the two teams.
Lason and Pudge also combined for 18 points in the third to give the home side an advantage going into the final 10 minutes.
With Bridport up by 11 points it was all about the experience and composure to maintain stability and structure to see the game out.
Evolution held their nerve to eventually win the game 73-63 against a very talented young Storm.
Scores: A Pudge 22, J Robertshaw 17 (MVP), P Lason 17, C Canham 9, J Trivett 3, D Ormsby 3, G James 2, A Staples, B Stocker, N Gray.
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