Birmingham Rockets’ Men’s First Team extended their unbeaten run to 6-0, beating Leicester Warriors 92-63 in a fiery encounter at Nechells Wellbeing Centre on Saturday evening.
After overcoming Doncaster away from home the weekend prior, our men faced a Leicester Warriors side who started the season with two wins from five after suffering relegation from Division 1 last season.
Rockets started strongly with player/coach Martyn Gayle, who previously played for Leicester Warriors, posing a real offensive threat.
Rockets did well to limit Warriors to a few opportunities from the perimeter as we imposed ourselves on the game early on.
Sam Toluwase and Ronald Oberia looked effective in offense as Rockets moved the ball really well.
The first quarter ended 30-16, with Rockets taking a 14 point lead into the second.
The second quarter saw Warriors get much of their scoring success from the three point line as they slowly began to edge their way back into the contest.
Luke Okosieme and Sam Toluwase took control for Rockets, demonstrated by them putting up eight and ten rebounds respectively.
Rockets came out of the traps slowly in the second, allowing Warriors to close the gap, with the difference at the half down to just six as Rockets took a 45-39 lead into the interval.
Martyn Gayle took control after the interval and was his usual clinical self from three point range; playing a vital part in Rockets being able to build on their lead as his side came out firing to start the third.
Christian Prince was also on fine form in the third with his rebounding crucial in keeping out Warriors offensive dangermen.
A productive third saw the lead grow to a more comfortable 64-53 by the end of the quarter.
The fourth quarter saw us really turn it on as Warriors began to struggle to nullify waves of Rockets attacks.
Coach Gayle’s side scored 28 points whilst limiting Warriors to just 10; with Rockets going on to win the game in convincing fashion by way of a 92-63 score line.
Gayle top scored for Rockets with 18 points whilst Sam Toluwase put up a double-double as he recorded 17 points and 10 rebounds.
Michael Gayle was the game’s top assist maker as he put up six assists.
We visit Bristol Hurricanes on Saturday 12th November as we look to extend our unbeaten run to seven games.