West Brom Basketball Club got 2020 off to the perfect start, as their men’s Premier Division side got the better of local rivals MLC 73-67 in their opening game of the year.
After a turbulent start to the season culminating in just one win from five games, West Brom took on their fellow Black Country rivals seeking to avenge their 100-73 defeat earlier in the season.
Things didn’t start perfectly for Tim Rudge’s side however, with MLC coming out of the blocks quickly as they made use of their sizeable height advantage to cause immediate problems offensively.
But West Brom fought back to ensure there would be no insurmountable lead for the hosts, ending the quarter on the wrong side of a 12-9 scoreline.
Tempers began to flare during the second quarter, with questionable calls for both sides riling players and coaches alike, but it was MLC who would take advantage of the feisty atmosphere – dominating in the key to build a double-digit advantage by half time.
Despite a spirited effort from West Brom, it seemed as though the game may have been running away with them with the score at 36-23 in favour of MLC. However, Rudge gathered his troops and mounted a third quarter comeback to remember.
Spurred on by Ezran Little’s brilliant 33-point showing, West Brom turned the tables on the hosts with a stunning second half blitz, drawing themselves within a single basket by the end of the third period.
They didn’t stop there either, with MLC still reeling from West Brom’s third quarter performance, the visitors continued to produce in the fourth quarter to quickly bring the game level.
With their offence flowing nicely, West Brom then turned the screw defensively as MLC’s roster began to get themselves into foul trouble – further hampering their efforts to regain control of the game.
Rudge’s charges weren’t to be stopped, as they eventually saw out the memorable win in style to claim the 73-67 win.