Lincolnshire Bombers moved second in the league after scoring 11 points in the final six minutes to beat Grimsby Phoenix 49-40 on Thursday.
With the game tied 38 all, a huge three-pointer from Jamie Gray set the RAF Bombers on their way to a 9-point win in the Central Venue League at Dean’s Sport and Leisure.
The Bombers went into the game missing key players who were away playing a European tournament against other armed forces teams.
Phoenix made the short trip down from Grimsby with a full squad available, attempting to get some form behind their belt after just one win from five this season.
The game got underway, with the Bombers starting on fire from outside the arc.
Jamie Gray and Matt Baker shared three 3’s between them, giving the Bombers a seven-point lead into the first quarter with the score at 8-15.
The second quarter saw Phoenix gain more momentum, with power forward TJ Stinson providing four points and a ridiculous assist to cut the game to just 20-23 going into half time.
Jamie Gray eyeing up a shot
(Photo: Lincoln Basketball League)
Matt Baker took his 3-point tally up to five in the third quarter, but his sharp shooting was balanced out by some poor defending.
Great shooting from the line allowed Phoenix to get back into the game, leading to Stinson tying the game 38 all with six minutes left.
Bombers then turned on the style, with Jamie Gray starting a late flurry to retain the cushion and win the game.
Phoenix MVP, Stinson, said “We know that we’re starting to play better, we just need to be picking up wins”.
Bombers step in coach, Paul Wyatt, praised his makeshift team for their character after coming back to win.
“We had a really unfortunate loss against the University a few weeks ago and with a changing team every week, it’s hard.
You saw how those five pulled together to be a steady team, and to be second is really good news!”
Both teams are next in action on December 14th, when the Bombers face the Hawks, and Phoenix play UoL.
The league table can be seen here.
