MATCH REPORT: Glasgow Rocks crash out of the BBL Trophy
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Match Report by Alan Caldwell
The Glen Luss Glasgow Rocks took on the Cheshire Phoenix in the 2nd leg of the BBL Trophy semi-final after taking a 12-point lead from the first leg at the Emirates Arena. However, a strong third quarter display from Phoenix ultimately won them the semi-final, despite a close contest up to that point.
The game opened up with quite a nervy start from the Rocks looking apprehensive after taking a lead into the 2nd leg. Phoenix started the first quarter with a 4-0 run which was cancelled out by Jordan Johnson getting the Rocks first points of the contest, however, Cheshire looked a tad quicker and hungrier in the opening exchanges.
Despite this, the Rocks after recent results in the league would be eager to make the final of the BBL Trophy, as back-to-back threes from Jordan Johnson and Jonny Bunyan, followed up by a basket inside from Jacdonmi gave the Rocks a 13-7 lead after the first five minutes in the opening quarter.
Closing out the first quarter, the Cheshire Phoenix made another run similar to the start of the quarter which put them ahead, but late free throws from Jordan Johnson who had an impressive first quarter saw both teams tied 19 apiece at the end of the first.
The second quarter started again with the Cheshire Phoenix coming out the blocks quicker out of the two teams as they went on a 7-2 run. The pace really picked up at the start of the second quarter as both teams seemed quite frantic, but Jordan Johnson again was the controller of the pace for the Rocks as his scoring in the opening five minutes of the second quarter kept the Rocks lead from the first leg intact.
Moving into the interval, Phoenix seemed to control the second quarter but again the Rocks were able to stop their momentum, as great point guard play from Jordan Johnson both scoring and assisting for his teammates. Despite this, a strong second half to the second quarter from Cheshire saw them outscore the Rocks 27-19, taking a 46-38 lead into halftime, cutting the Rocks first leg lead down to just four points.
A big second half awaited the Rocks with everything left to play for, as the first shot of the third quarter was a Phoenix three, cutting the Rocks lead down to just one. Things seemed to get worse for the Rocks as another three from Cheshire put them up on aggregate for the first time after the first leg.
Struggling to get their offence going in the third quarter, the Rocks continued to drop behind Phoenix on the scoreboard as the first five minutes of the quarter saw Cheshire outscore the Rocks 18-8, now giving them control of the tie.
Going into the fourth quarter, the Cheshire Phoenix now held a 14-point lead on aggregate over the Glenn Luss Glasgow as they went up 80-54 after outscoring the Rocks 34-16 in the third.
Now on to the fourth quarter, the Rocks had a mountain to climb to come back into this contest as two threes from Jordan Johnson and one from Jonny Bunyan gave the Rocks a promising start to the final quarter of the contest.
Despite this, the Rocks still had a long way back with Cheshire still in control of the tie now. Knowing this, Phoenix stayed calm and composed, unfortunately for the Rocks who will be heavily disappointed not to reach the final despite that impressive first leg win.
The Cheshire Phoenix defeated the Glenn Luss Glasgow Rocks, 115-72, taking a comfortable lead on aggregate and reaching the final. Next up for the Rocks is an away game against bottom of the table Surrey Scorchers for a 7:30pm tip-off on March 11th.
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