Myerscough beat Preston College 84-78 behind 32 points from Andre Gayle

Coach Neal Hopkins talks it over with the team
 during a late game timeout

Myerscough College emerged victorious from a hard fought game away at Preston College in their first EABL victory. The visitors took a 12-2 lead in the first quarter behind two quick-fire three pointers from Andre Gayle.

Preston struggled to stop Myerscough converting on the break as a layup in transition and another Gayle three saw the visitors take a commanding 17-4 lead.

Following a timeout Preston stepped up their defensive intensity, piling pressure on

Myerscough's ball handlers and successfully preventing further fast-break scores.

Myerscough slowed down towards the end of the 1st. However a failure by Preston to convert defensive stops into points at the other end meant Myerscough held a comfortable 21-13 lead at the end of the quarter.

Pre-game huddle

Preston came out strong in the 2nd quarter, scoring 4 quick points and hammering down a fast-break dunk. Half way through the quarter Preston had narrowed the gap to just 2 points (27-29).

Coming out of a timeout Myerscough stepped up their rebounding and intensity on both ends of the floor, regaining control of the game following 6 straight points by forward Emmanuel Kabengele. Myerscough held a 44-36 lead at the end of the first half. 

A scrappy third quarter, which saw both teams in the penalty early on ended up as a back and forth scoring affair. Going into the fourth quarter Myerscough held onto a 66-56 lead.

Foul trouble hurt Myerscough in the fourth with key players Trevor Samuel and Chris Bwana fouling out in the quarter. Preston narrowed the lead to 6 with 5 minutes remaining in the game, following 11 points early in the quarter.

Andre Gayle at the line late in the 4th quarter

A free throw and a fast break score for Preston saw the Myerscough lead narrowed to 3 (75-72). Both teams went to the line several times in the final minutes, with Myerscough converting 4/5. An easy layup after an offensive rebound and an impressive mid-air jumpshot by Montel Dennis, followed by two made free throws for Andre Gayle was enough to clinch victory for Myerscough. The final score was 84-78.

Myerscough were led by Andre Gayle who scored 32 points, connecting on all 7 of his three point attempts and converting 9/11 free throws. Emmanuel Kabengele added 12 and pulled down 8 rebounds, shooting 80% from the free throw line. James Harvey's distribution (4 assists) also helped Myerscough on their way to victory, and crucial shots by Montel Dennis down the stretch secured the win for Myerscough. Trevor Samuel notched 10 points on 5/9 shooting. The team put on an outside shooting clinic, posting an impressive 81% mark from three point range.

Benjamin Nkossi top scored for Preston with 30 points whilst Kyle Carey added 18.

The two teams meet again on the 6th of November in the first round of the BCS cup.

Report by Ed McNally