Ipswich battled their way to another significant win on Saturday as they ground out a 73-69 victory against a very strong East London All Stars team to move to second in the league table.
Both teams went into this game with identical 4-2 records, both part of the early pack that are chasing pacesetters Nottingham Hoods and Loughborough Riders.
Ipswich started the slower of the two teams, struggling to find their rhythm before a late run in the quarter, led by Sam Newman and Caleb Fuller, got them back into the game.
Newman sealed the momentum swing with a spectacular buzzer-beating three-pointer to give Ipswich an 18-16 lead after the first.
In the second quarter, the teams traded baskets, but Ipswich held a slight advantage.
Taner Adu came alive for the home team, while Tendai Simbai again made a huge impact off the bench with his shot-blocking and rebounding, as the Suffolk side extended their lead to seven as the quarter came to an end, 36-29.
The third quarter saw East London fight their way back to tie the game.
For Ipswich, Tyme Regent-Bascombe and Josh Johnson led the charge, as the home side weathered the storm, with Ipswich holding onto a slender two-point advantage going into the game’s final act, 50-48.
In the fourth, Sam Newman made a key three, Josh Johnson again came up with key scores, assists and rebounds, while Leigh Greenan and Tom Sadler made plays for the team.
However, it was a pair of clutch three-throws from Adu that sealed the win for Ipswich, who held on for a huge three points.
Ipswich were led by Newman’s 17 points and five steals while Johnson added 13 points and eight rebounds. Tyme Regent-Bascombe added nine points and twelve rebounds.
Head coach Nick Drane said: “What a great game and huge win for the team, a real collective effort.
“I still think we make things way too hard for ourselves, but that’s something we will continue to work on in practice. I still think its hard to put everything right in just one session – especially with so many injuries and players having to limit how much they do in practice.
“Guys have really bought into their roles, which is great.
“Leigh being hurt has forced us to put our emphasis into other areas.
“We are playing some excellent defence and guys are really stepping up.
“I thought Tyme was excellent today as were Colin (Dockrell) and Caleb off the bench, but it’s a real team effort and you can’t underestimate the difference Tendai has made.
“He’s a defensive specialist, he talks to everyone out there and he’s a great role model. A massive member of the locker room too.
“Tom’s leadership was again brilliant, Taner continues to help in a number of ways and Sam and Josh are leading the line very well.”
Ipswich travel to the legendary Brixton recreation centre on Sunday to face the famous ‘Topcats’.
Their next home game is on Saturday, December 12 against London Pioneers, the team’s last home game of 2015.
The club is running a special offer of just £1 entry for everyone to the game, at which there will be a Christmas theme.
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