The Seconds Reverse Cup Opener

Preston II: 72 v Tameside II: 69

We entered this game on a high after last week's outstanding result, hoping to show Tameside what we were really about after dumping us out of the cup at the beginning of the season.

This was a nail-biting game where no one managed to create any real separation throughout. The only time really, was late into the third when they opened up an eight-point lead and with the game had been going, we could have been forgiven in wondering if we had what it took to pull ourselves back in. Tameside certainly showed in their emotions in that period that they thought the job was probably done. However, we managed to build steadily in the fourth and get ourselves to the line on a regular basis, chipping away at their lead.

Lots of people had contributed to the game and the comeback. Pauli had been rebounding and stealing at unprecedented levels. Lincoln teeing people up for fun. Leo rebounding like a power forward and getting to the line with ease. Diddy getting his hands in the lane and hurting their rhythm. It came down to a key moment though and Tom Cookson had ice in his veins, ignoring advice (thankfully) and draining a three with seconds to go. We played the time well from there, heading to the line and so on. They had two seconds on the clock after a time-out to find a 3 to take it to overtime...but we weren't letting it happen!

MVP: Tom Cookson. He's building back into form and this match winning shot is sure to take him to new levels.
Points: Ewan and Pauli 12, Lincoln, Tom Cookson and Leo 10
Rebounds: Paulino 18, Nathaniel 9, Leo 7
Assists: Lincoln 14, Leo 6, Diddy and Pauli 5