Plymouth Raiders came to within one point of a huge upset against reigning NBL Cup champions Solent Kestrels

Plymouth Raiders came to within one point of a huge upset against reigning NBL Cup champions Solent Kestrels in a gritty and determined performance on Sunday afternoon at Marjon University.

A buzzer-beating Ryan Peard three-pointer could only bring the scores to 76-77, meaning that Raiders are out of the cup, whilst the Southampton side progress to the last 16 of the tournament.

There were some protests that Peard was fouled in the process of taking the shot, with fans arguing that he should have been awarded a free throw and a chance to level the scores, but the officials waved away the claims.

Raiders led the game for most of the first half, until Solent launched an incredible turnaround in the third quarter. A dogged comeback in the final quarter from Gareth Laws’ side saw them get close but, ultimately, they didn’t have enough to get over the line.

Solent, who play in Division 1, one league higher than Raiders, came into this fixture as reigning cup champions, and off the back of a four game winning streak, having defeated Richmond Knights, London Elite, London Stars and Sussex Storm.

Raiders also came into the game with a 100% record, progressing through the previous round with a 72-69 win over Exeter Spartans, followed by a 85-67 defeat of Reading Rockets in their opening league fixture.

Raiders won the opening tip off before taking the lead in what would prove to be a feisty first quarter. The Solent bench would go on to become very animated as their clearly well-drilled side somehow seemed unable to get the upper hand on Raiders. This tension was reflected on the court as seven fouls had been committed by both sides only halfway through the

quarter.

The gritty on-court atmosphere seemed to transfer to the fans, too, as they roared along with every point that Raiders scored. To look at, it seemed to be all Solent in that first quarter but, somehow, Raiders just kept finding themselves in it. Solent were impressive to watch but Raiders just kept racking up the points, as they went into the first break 24-21 leaders.

The game took a turn in Q2. The scrappiness subsided and was replaced by some technical basketball by both sides. Again, Solent appeared to be more in control with the ball but Raiders’ turnovers, interceptions and rebounds kept them well in the game. It was as though they knew they couldn’t compete technically with the well-drilled and younger side, so they used their experience and physicality to keep themselves in it.

Gareth Laws cut a relaxed figure courtside as he watched his side defy expectations; a clear contrast to the much more animated Solent bench.

Solent won the second quarter but Raiders went into half-time unlikely 41-39 leaders.

Solent came out and showed their class in the third quarter. They started the second half incredibly quickly and it was clear they were now looking for the win.

It appeared at times that Solent had too much for Raiders to deal with, as they took control of the game for the first time. Raiders had battled valiantly in the first half but now the younger and better side were starting to dominate. There was a short period of time where it looked as though Raiders were going to capitulate completely, but five points apiece from Jamie Davies and Tom Elliot-Smith kept the game alive.

The visitors won the third quarter 21-12, a massive swing which brought the scores to 53-60 heading into the final quarter.

Raiders knew they had a battle on their hands going into the fourth, and their play showed it. Within two and a half minutes Raiders had pulled the score back to 61-62. Another technical foul was given away by the Solent coaches for their behaviour from the sidelines. It appeared that they were shocked by Raiders unwillingness to roll over.

With less than two minutes to play the scores stood at 68-69. As the time ticked down, there was barely anything to separate the sides.

Then, with forty seconds to play, the home fans roared as Elliot-Smith sank a three to level the scores at 73-73.

Two Solent baskets took the score to 73-77 and the challenge began to look insurmountable for Raiders. With two and a half seconds on the clock, all eyes looked to Peard. Having already sunk three three-pointers in this game, he was the man Raiders needed to find. They needed him to sink another one and be fouled in the process; an unlikely scenario, but it’s all they had left.

It did look as though he was fouled by a Solent defender in the process of his shot but the officials waved away the protests.

The buzzer blew as the ball swished through the net to bring the scores to 76-77.

It was a brilliant performance from the division 2 side against superior opposition. At times it seemed that Solent expected an easier afternoon, but Raiders were far from a walkover.

They will take confidence from this dogged performance as they continue to focus on their NBL Division 2 campaign.