Raiders back to winning ways

Plymouth Raiders returned to winning ways over the weekend as they faced fellow title contenders Bath.

Raiders made the trip up the M5 to Bury Sports Centre in Bath as they looked to return to winning ways. Without a win in 2024 the team in green were desperate to get another check in the W column.

The two teams tipped off at 6.30pm and it looked like Raiders were going to continue their losing streak as the first 10 minutes finished 20-10 in favour of the hosts.

Raiders weren’t ready to roll over though a very dominant second quarter saw the boys in green score 30 points and keep their opponents score to only 8. The teams headed into the locker room 28-40 and Plymouth seemed to be fully back in control.

The second half saw the visitings team lead slip and the home side regain some of the control, after the third 10 minutes the score was 41-49 and suddenly we had a game on our hands with one quarter remaining.

In the first two games of the year Raiders have been bad at closing games out but with the title still in their site they flipped the script and made sure they remaining in the race for the number one spot. After 40 minutes Raiders chalked up their first win of the season deafening Bath 57-63.

Raiders ever consistent Tom’s topped the scorers list with Woods picking up 17 points and Elliott-Smith 16 points. Captain Marcus Cronin and James Horrell both added 9 points to round of the list of top scorers.

Head Coach Gareth Laws said “I'm so proud of my team, they displayed such drive and determination to come out and deliver exactly what was asked of them and was able to put together possibly our best game of the season as we emerged with the win in a hard-fought battle against Bath, who for most of the season so far, have been the team to beat in NBL Division 3.”

“Our performance showcased our true potential and shows that the last 2 games were merely a bump in the road and put the league on notice that we are a force to be reckoned with.”

“From the opening tip-off we brought energy, passion and intensity, not just from the on court players but our bench were incredible.”

“We exhibited a combination of offensive prowess and tenacious defense.”

“Our guys embraced what what we worked on over the previous week and stuck to our plays. We moved the ball well and made some great plays but what we really excelled on was the defensive end keeping Bath’s scoring limited.”

“It was a true team effort, every player on the roster contributed to the win.”

“Even though we celebrate this well-deserved win, our focus remains on the journey ahead with a big game approaching this weekend against league leaders Cardiff City, who narrowly beat us the last time we met. They are a well drilled team who play great team basketball and shoot the ball well, we will need to bring the same energy and fight to the game and the win against Bath showed that we are capable of winning every game if we play to our potential and gives us the confidence to do so heading into this weekend.”

Raiders now have back to back home games as they face league leaders Cardiff City and Exeter Spartans. First up on Sunday 11th February is league leaders Cardiff City, tickets are currently still on sale and can be purchased by visiting the Raiders website. The following weekend, 18th February, local rivals Exeter Spartans are in town and tickets will be on sale soon. Make sure you follow Raiders on all their socials to keep up to date with all things Raiders.