Hemel Storm delighted a packed crowd at Sportspace on Saturday with a virtuoso three point shooting performance on their way to a crucial 100-73 National League Division One win against Bradford Dragons.
And Storm won again on Sunday when they travelled to Derby and defeated the Trailblazers 93-88 in a nail-biting clash that went into overtime with the scores locked at 80-all. The wins move Storm into a play-off spot as they jump to seventh place in the table.
On Saturday, Storm connected on ten long range efforts at a 48 per cent success rate and were relentless as they bombarded the visitors from all over the court.
After Bradford had scored the first two baskets of the game, Storm were quick to respond and grab the initiative as their free flowing offence and aggressive pressing defence helped them open a 27- 18 first quarter lead.
By half-time the visitors were trailing 51-37, and in a carbon copy second half Storm hit 100 points for the first time this season when substitute Jake Barr drove inside Bradford’s defence to lay the ball in to an ear-splitting roar from the crowd.
Hemel’s coaching director Dave Titmuss said: “I think 27 assists and 48 per cent shooting from behind the arc for 30 points just about says it all.
“Bradford caught us on one of those nights, it was a terrific team performance and reward for the focus and commitment that the guys are showing in practice.”
The following day, a thrilling battle in Derby saw the lead change hands 14 times.
Hemel raced to an early 28-18 lead through fast break baskets, but Derby fought back to stay in the contest.
From the start of the second half there were never more than a few points separating the teams.
With 11 seconds left and trailing by a point, Storm’s GB U20 international Louis Sayers went to the free-throw line and tied the score.
Derby had time to win the game but Hemel stifled their last attack and the match went into five minutes of overtime.
From the tip-off Storm played with great control and took a commanding lead when Williamz Omope scored back-to-back three pointers to seal a memorable victory.
> Pic - Diminutive Hemel guard Bode Adeluola scores over Bradford’s 6’ 8” Rob Feske.