Anglia Ruskin University 67-74 Manchester Swarm
(Q1: 14-18, Q2: 21-25, Q3: 13-20, Q4: 19-21)
Manchester Swarm senior men travelled to Cambridge to make a victorious NBL playoff debut. Sixth-seeded Division 3 East champions Anglia Ruskin University were the hosts at Steven Perse Foundation. Seeded 11th after a second-place finish in Division 3 North, the Swarm belied their underdog tag to emerge victorious on the road after a hard fought contest against a well drilled outfit.
The long journey looked to have an effect on the Manchester side early on as they struggled to tick the scoreboard over, registering only 8 first quarter points. Solid defence kept them in the contest as they allowed their hosts only 14 points in the period. The second quarter would see Swarm settle into the contest and chip away at their early deficit. Young point guard Henry Lythe-De Pee led the way, turning defence into instant offense on numerous occasions to help swing momentum.
This run would continue after the halftime break, as a decisive stretch of scoring saw Manchester take their first lead of the game in the third quarter. Joshua Houghton began to impose himself on proceedings as he scored freely in the period. The fourth quarter saw the experience of the Swarm roster come to the fore. They fought of foul trouble to see the game out and progress to the quarter-finals. Division 3 Midlands champions Worcester Wolves lie in wait.
Coach Mbongeni Greg Mpofu said after the game: "It's always enjoyable winning in the playoffs after a long grind in the league, and doing so on the road gives it that little bit extra. We are a different animal when we're locked in defensively, and that's what it took today. We could have been way out of it after the first quarter. As much as we struggled to score, we didn't allow them to get away from us. The guys deserve to enjoy this one, but it's straight back to work to prepare for Worcester next Sunday. If we can stay solid defensively and avoid another slow start, I give us a shot at progressing again. We're under no illusions about the task at hand."
Swarm travel to University of Worcester Arena on Sunday 3 April to take on the Wolves. Keep an eye on our social media channels for updates and information.
