Pre-season loss but plenty of positives for Worthing Thunder ahead of new season
4 September, 2016 10:25 AM | Worthing Thunder
Worthing Thunder lost 81-74 to the USA Select side in a pre-season friendly at the Worthing Leisure Centre on Saturday night.
Despite the result, Thunder coach Daniel Hildreth was happy with how the team competed against a physical American outfit and he successfully gave everyone minutes, while trying out new plays ahead of the new season.
With player announcements coming this week, Hildreth still aims to sign one more player ahead of the arrival of American Lyonell Gaines and the first home game against Reading Rockets on September 17.
“Today went very well I regards to its purpose,” Hildreth said. “I wanted to get the guys out there and get the cobwebs away, I wanted to test a few sets, give everyone some time and most importantly play against a physical pressing team.
“We had some very solid performances and there are some glaring issues we need to work on. We still have to introduce Lyonell and hopefully another player that will both be huge additions.”
Tom Ward led Thunder with 22 points on the night, supported by 16 for Josh Brown. Brendan Okoronkwo added 12.
Thunder started the game shooting the ball well and holding a naturally quick USA Select side to just eight points in the first five minutes. The hosts would take a 23-19 lead after one.
But the touring Americans fought back and hit their stride in the second, taking a 38-36 advantage heading into the half-time break before pulling away in the third.
Worthing narrowed the gap to 69-67 half-way through the fourth quarter but the hosts, still showing signs of rust allowed the Select side to edge to victory.