NBL Division Two Sussex Bears 87 Ipswich 104 Missing two starters and down to seven available players in the second half, Ipswich Basketball Club’s Men produced an outstanding team performance to defeat Sussex Bears on Saturday.

Ipswich Star: Ipswich guard Rabi Rai scored 23 at Sussex. Picture: PAVEL KRICKAIpswich guard Rabi Rai scored 23 at Sussex. Picture: PAVEL KRICKA (Image: Pavel.Kricka@btinternet.com)

With Jonny Hall and Tendai Simbai unavailable, Ipswich’s front line was further depleted when Colin Dockrell pulled up during the warm-up.

But Jed Robinson and Ryan Wilson helped Ipswich to hold their own down low throughout and John Ellis’ side produced an imoressive offensive display powered by Wilson, Rabi Rai and Cameron Hawes.

“I thought our approach to today, mentally, was very impressive,” said Ellis.

“We all knew we were short-staffed today but the guys we did have played their tails off.”

The first quarter saw Ipswich build an initial lead before Sussex got key men Tomas Seduikis and James Felstead going to end the quarter ahead 22-18.

Ipswich retook the lead in the second as young guard Ben Winter knocked down three three-pointers and the defence slowed Seduikis down. Ipswich led by seven at the break.

Ipswich Star: Cameron Hawes scored 20 for Ipswich at Sussex. Picture: PAVEL KRICKACameron Hawes scored 20 for Ipswich at Sussex. Picture: PAVEL KRICKA (Image: Pavel.Kricka@btinternet.com)

Winter took a knock to the knee before the break, further limiting Ipswich’s rotation, but impactful performances by Tola Okiki and Ben Mobee in extended minutes made up for that.

In the second half, early threes by Okiki and Hawes pushed the lead to double figures and from then on, with debutant Wilson increasingly effective and the team offense operating at a high level, Ipswich were rarely pressured.

“It was great to see Ryan in an Ipswich jersey at last, and he was as effective as we know he can be,” added Ellis.

“Several people have put a lot of effort into getting him registered this week, so particular thanks to them because he made a huge difference.”

Wilson finished with 24 points and 12 rebounds. Rai filled up the stat sheet, adding 23 points, six assists, six steals and five rebounds, while Hawes tacked on 20 points.

For the hosts, Joe Carter scored 27, while Seduikis finished on 24 and Felstead had 18.