There were some entertaining results in D2M this weekend as a number of sides took an opportunity to throw the two conferences into a spin. To find out who picked up valuable wins in week 11, let's recap all the action.
27 points from Rory Winter were enough to push Essex to a 101-94 win over BC Medelynas in a clash at the top of the Southern Conference. The victory lifts the Rebels back to top spot in the standings, with three sides including Medelynas now forming the chasing pack in 2nd.
Winter was supported by 24 points from Michael Swain, and 15 points from Andre Lavinier. The Rebels led by as many as 14 but midway through the 4th quarter Medelynas still managed to get themselves into the lead. A triple from Winter immediately corrected that however, and the hosts would then lead until the final buzzer.
Mylo Mitchell put together a solid performance for Medelynas to finish with a team high 25 points, with Modestas Paulauskas and Ausridas Petraitis both scoring 22.
For the 2nd week in a row, there's been another 50+ point performance in D2M! This time it was London Greenhouse Pioneers' Yonathan Napoleon as his 50 point, 20 rebound double-double helped his side beat Ipswich 111-91. Jake Eynon had an impressive 42 points for the Suffolk side, but it wouldn't be enough.
East London All Stars were unable to join the group on five wins as they lost out to a resurgent Greenwich Titans 82-71. After starting the season 0-4, Greenwich are now on a four game win streak, with their latest victory coming courtesy of a 23 point, 10 rebound double-double from Spyridon Kapsalos.
London Westside overcame a 31-15 opening quarter to eventually seal a 91-82 victory over Cardiff Met Archers. Joshua Akinbiyi helped fuel the Westside comeback as he finished with 24 points, James Dawe's game high 26 points for the Archers would eventually be in vain.
In the Southern Conference's remaining fixture, Team Solent Kestrels II utilised a solid first half performance on defence to beat Sussex Bears 79-67. The visitors were held to just 25 points by the main change, with Solent building a double digit lead in reply. 24 points and 12 boards from Ashley Williams helped the Kestrels seal the win.
In the North, bottom side Bristol Hurricanes once again dropped a close contest, coming out second best against Derbyshire Spartans 79-76. It was Bristol's third loss of the season by single digits and 2nd by three points or less, dropping them to 0-8. Derbyshire enjoyed a team high 19 points from Ronald Oberia.
The other Bristol side in the North also lost this weekend, with Bristol Academy Flyers travelling to Team Newcastle before suffering a heavy 102-62 defeat. Thomas Horvat was in his usually impressive form to score 20 for the hosts as they moved to 9-0.
In a thrilling contest, hosts Derbyshire Arrows managed to outlast Team Birmingham Elite to claim a win by the narrowest of margins, 86-85. Daniel Penkov had a solid outing for the West Midlands side, clocking up 29 points, but it wouldn't be enough as the Arrows snagged the W.
In Sunday's remaining game, Myerscough won the battle of the 6-2 teams as they saw off Charnwood 79-66. Bradley Kaboza top scored with 15 for the hosts, supported by Lewis McGlasson on 12. Blaize Sagna led the way for the Riders on 17.
3:00pm - London Greenhouse Pioneers 111-91 Ipswich - LIVE STATS
3:00pm Greenwich Titans 82-71 East London All Stars - LIVE STATS
6:15pm - London Westside 91-82 Cardiff Met Archers - LIVE STATS
7:00pm - Derbyshire Spartans 79-76 Bristol Hurricanes
7:00pm - Team Newcastle 102-62 Bristol Academy Flyers
7:00pm - Essex Rebels 101-94 London BC Medelynas - LIVE STATS
3:00pm - Team Solent Kestrels II 79-67 Sussex Bears - LIVE STATS
4:00pm - Myerscough College 79-66 Charnwood College
4:15pm - Derbyshire Arrows 86-85 Team Birmingham Elite
The D2M fixtures keep coming in the penultimate week before the mid-season break, with 8 games scheduled for next weekend.
In the North, leaders Team Newcastle host University of Chester, Derbyshire Arrows travel to Charnwood College Riders, Sheffield Hallam University entertain Derbyshire Spartans and Team Birmingham Elite meet Bristol Academy Flyers.
In the South, Medelynas lock horns with London Pioneers, Cardiff Archers play host to Sussex Bears and Essex Rebels travel to London Westside.
In Sunday's only game, East London All Stars and Team Solent Kestrels II face off at UEL Sports Dock.
Main image credit - Nick Winter
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