08/11/10 - Hemel Storm maintained their position at the top of the table and moved to a 4-0 record as they secured an 84-70 victory over Mansfield Giants on Saturday evening. Storm, who lined up with Bobby Edmonds, Simon Kearney, Joe Mathews, Rich Wellings and Tom Frederick, were without the injured Fred Stephens, who had performed so well in recent games.

An almost full Sportspace watched a cagey opening as the two sides traded baskets until 3 minutes from the end of the first quarter when an increased defensive intensity held Mansfield scoreless for 3 minutes and Storm establish an early lead at 24-16. The pattern of the game was set though as Mansfield struggled to cope with the inside presence of Tom Frederick whilst Storm found their hands full with the outside shooting of Watts and player-coach Richards.

4 unanswered points from Frederick, displaying great footwork and finishing under the basket, stretched the lead to 10 at the start of the second stanza, but an 8 point reply from the Giants closed the game to 2. Close games have been the order of the day at Sportspace this season, and this game looked to be heading the same way as the game headed into the last quarter with Storm holding onto the slim advantage gained in the first quarter.

When the going gets tough…whatever the wise words the coaches imparted to the players at the end of the 3rd period, a fired up Storm came out for the last period and held the Giants to 2 points in 5 minutes. Led by Bobby Edmunds, who converted his defensive smartness into incisive drives to the basket, the lead reached a game high 20. Joe Mathews and Simon Kearney found their shooting form and Storm started to look a top of the table team. With Edmunds controlling the pace of the game and running his team like a true leader, Storm looked set for a big win.

Mansfield, however, showed how well drilled they are and their refusal to accept defeat as they hit 4 three pointers in the last three minutes. Having made 4 points in 7 minutes, they converted 14 in three. Tactically, they fouled the Hemel team to stop the clock but Edmunds kept his composure and sealed a hard fought victory for Storm. Frederick top scored with 23, Edmunds 20 and Kearney added 14. For Giants, Richards hit 17 and Watts 16.

Storm are away at Medway Crusaders next weekend and return to Sportspace on 20th November to face Tees Valley Mohawks, tip off 7pm.

Check out these other photos from the game! Click on each thumbnail to make them super big.

Photos: Andy Brain

Rich Wellings looks to feed Mark Quashie inside the Giant’s defence.

Bobby Edmunds hits the second of his back to back three pointers to put Storm in control.

Mark Quashie signs autographs for some young fans after Storm’s victory.