NBL Division Two Ipswich 97 Nottingham Hoods 103 Ipswich came within a whisker of a major upset when they hosted league leaders Nottingham on Saturday, writes Rob Schatten.
The visiting Hoods have lost just once all season, and came to Copleston looking for a third win of the season over an Ipswich team whom they had defeated by 56 points as recently as October.
But coach John Ellis’ side went off like a train through the first half, making an outstanding 67% of their first-half shots to lead by one at half time, 52-51.
The Hoods are not top of the league without reason, and clamped down on Ipswich’s offense in the third quarter, limiting the hosts to 13 points as the third quarter ended 73-65 to the visitors.
This was followed by two quick three-pointers from Luke Mitchell and scores for Janes Mestre early in the fourth quarter, and Ipswich were now 16 points adrift.
Following an Ipswich timeout, Colin Dockrell and Ben Winter keyed a 12-1 run for the hosts which brought them straight back into the game.
The rest of the game played out in staccato fashion with Ipswich forced to foul the Hoods and stop the clock.
Ellis’ men continued to shoot at a high percentage and took advantage of tenacious defence by Rabi Rai, Rory Winter and Ryan Wilson to edge within two at 95-97, but the Hoods were absolutely clinical at the free throw line, making 15 of 18 across the last three minutes to deny Ipswich the opportunity to tie the game up.
“It’s a very frustrating loss in the moment, but I think we have to be nothing but proud of how we played today,” said Ellis.
“We had a 60-second lapse in defensive effort that cost us about ten points, and that gave us a mountain to climb.
“I’m always saying I’m very proud of the resilience this group shows and our veterans are great leaders, but today was a prime example – that team floored us three months ago and today we almost came back for the upset of the season.”
Ipswich travel to the struggling London Pioneers on Sunday.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here