BCB WEEK 21: NEWCASTLE FLEX AT THE TOP; HURRICANES EDGE FLYERS IN BRISTOL DERBY

Week 21 saw the Newcastle Knights’ title credentials firmly tested by the BCB’s hottest team, the Milton Keynes Breakers, and a closely contested Bristol derby was also on tap.

There was also a thriller in Leeds, as the Yorkshire Dragons hosted the Derby Trailblazers at the Leeds Beckett Arena for the first time this season.

Key Storylines

• Newcastle extend lead at top as Reading-Birmingham postponed
• Derby ruins Yorkshire's landmark first game in Leeds
• Hurricanes beat Flyers in all-Bristol showdown

Recap

Newcastle Knights (18-3) were able to extend their lead at the top of the standings with a thrilling 100-95 win over Milton Keynes Breakers (15-5) at Bletchley.

The win strengthens Newcastle’s grip at the summit over the Breakers, who suffer their first defeat in ten games, and the Aldermore Reading Rockets, whose pivotal game against the City of Birmingham Rockets on Sunday had to be postponed due to internal venue issues.

JaRon Thames had 28 points and five rebounds, helped along by Sam Trunley’s 22, as the latter drained six three-pointers. The Knights needed both of their stars, and as a team, they all delivered, fighting back from a 12-point third-quarter deficit to secure the win.

Newly minted BCB Molten Player of the Month for February, Jordan Spencer, paced the Breakers with 24 points.

Derby Trailblazers (10-10) kept their post-season hopes ticking by as they ousted the Yorkshire Dragons (12-10) 79-76 at Leeds Beckett Arena.

Conner Washington scored a clutch basket with less than 15 seconds left, plus he split his foul shots as time expired to hand the Trailblazers a much-needed win. Jai Pathmarajah led the way with 26 points and four assists for Derby.

Jordan Jefferson had 28 for the Dragons.

Towards the bottom of the standings, there was joy for the Bristol Hurricanes (4-15) as they claimed bragging rights over the Bristol Flyers II (0-21) with a 74-69 victory at the SGS Wise Campus.

Vilmantas Dilys led the way for the Hurricanes with 21 points and 13 rebounds, with Daniel Edozie adding 19 points and 13 boards, but they were pushed all the way by a Flyers side, still searching for their first win of the BCB season.

Lanre Aylinla poured in 17 points and six rebounds for the Flyers.

Tyrone Williams starred for the Nottingham Hoods (11-9) as they defeated the London Cavaliers (12-8) 109-69 in the East Midlands.

Williams went off for 32 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists and got four steals in an all-around clinic for the Hoods. Bryce Johnson supported with 21 points and 11 rebounds. Daniel Delsol-Lowry had 17 for the Cavs.

 Miles Brown was a human flamethrower as he helped the Essex Rebels (9-12) clinch a 99-93 success over the Hemel Storm (5-15).

 Brown had 41 points on 13-for-15 shooting, along with seven assists and six steals in an eye-catching display. Kai Walker led the way with 25 for the Storm.