Arrows Edged Out by USA Select
Linbraze Arrows 103
Team USA Select 104
The Linbraze Arrows were edged out by a buzzer beating finish, 103-104, as they brought their pre season to an end. A great time was had by all at Dronfield Sports Centre as the young Arrows team went toe to toe with a group of USA professional prospects.
The Arrows were under the coaching of Jonathan Kelly while Team USA were coached by former Arrows super star Noah Brown. The Arrows were slow to start but a “3 pointer” followed by a 2 by the impressive Joseph Baugh got the Arrows underway. Joseph Baugh, Dennis Scott and Alex Burt carried the scoring load for the Arrows plus a smart finish by Paul Heymann saw the Arrows trail by 27 – 28 as the quarter came to an end.
There was plenty of fight in the Arrows after the break as they took the second quarter 29 – 23. Point guard James Kelly led a more experienced unit as Scott, Baugh, Burt and Jonny Broodie produced a very athletic and high paced tempo to see the Arrows ahead 56 – 54 at the half time interval.
Coach Kelly continued to explore several combinations in the third quarter in preparation for the season. However, the Arrows lost the quarter 16 – 32 as Team Select took control. The Arrows struggled to deal with the non – stop full court pressure applied by the visitors which exposed the newness of the Arrows group.
The Arrows began the final quarter behind 72 – 86. However, the Arrows with Andreas Lycoudis adding consecutive 3 pointers and a powerful exhibition by Burt, Scott, Broodie and Baugh saw the Arrows level the contest at 101 – 101. Nathan Dacres capped a great defensive display by producing a huge dunk. The Arrows led 103 – 102 when they were called for a shot clock violation with 6 seconds of the game remaining before losing to a buzzer beating shot 104 – 103.
Scorers; Burt 31, Baugh 27, Scott 13, Broodie 11, Lycoudis 8, Kelly 4
Despite the result, Coach Jonny Kelly was up beat about his sides outing at Dronfield last night. He said:
“It was a real pleasure to coach in this contest. It genuinely had everything! Momentum shifts, highlights and a lot of encouraging signs for the team moving forward. It felt like a different group to last week as they dealt with all the pressures and played with freedom and enjoyment. We will move on to Sunday with confidence and a new belief in our ability as a group.”
Arrows overseas player, Alex Burt, made his first appearance for the Arrows last night just 10 hours after landing in the UK. The American from Plymouth State University said:
“Although we lost at the buzzer, I think our team overall made good progress. Our energy and intensity was great, but our defensive communication must be more consistent as we enter Sundays game. It felt great to put on the Arrows uniform for the first time and play in front of our fans, who brought a tremendous level of energy and support.”
The Arrows now move on to their first competitive game of the season as they head to the EIS Sheffield to meet Sheffield Hallam Sharks in the National Cup 1st Round. Tip off on Sunday is at 1:20pm.