Match Report: Slow start for Men proved decisive in Sussex

Sussex Bears 72-42 Ipswich Basketball

NBL Division 2

Sir Robert Woodard Academy, Lansing

A superior opening ten minutes set the tone as Sussex Bears saw off a young Ipswich Basketball squad on the south coast on Saturday.

Ipswich made the journey with five under-18s and only four seniors available, following the slew of departures and injuries which has impacted the team over the past six weeks.

Ben Michaels was part of a competitive second half showing by Ipswich (Photo: Pavel Kricka)

Although a dismal offensive performance in the first half meant a win was probably always beyond the Suffolk side, Ipswich found ways to be competitive in the second half with a focused defensive effort and eventually some success from beyond the three-point line.

Bears guard Tyler Benjamin connected on six threes of his own to lead all scorers with 22 points. While none of Ipswich’s squad reached double figures, Academy players Joe Thomas and Ben Michaels finished with nine and eight respectively.

Ipswich host league leaders Westminster Warriors on Saturday, 11 December (tip-off 6pm) with Luke Mascall-Wright among those expected to be available.