In what has become a great rivalry Myerscough completed the league and cup sweep over local neighbours Preston’s College to strengthen their position in the North Sea Conference.
Preston sent an early message to the home side as they connected on their first five field goals to lead 12 – 5 in the early goings, Benjamin Nkossi found his range from 3 for the visitors as Myerscough looked shell shocked by the efficient Preston offense. A 6 point run by Myerscough saw them settle, Connor Tuxford converting with an up and under move to bring the score to within 4 after 8 minutes. Myerscough chipped away at this deficit and as time wound down the quarter finished tied at 20 apiece.
Preston started the 2nd quarter well as they strung together a 7 point burst, capitalising on loose play by Myerscough. Myerscough struggled to get going, converting only 4/17 from the field but manage to peg back Preston’s scorers in what a tight and nervy quarter for both sides. As time ticked down Ryan Knowles put back a missed shot to bring the score to 35 a piece going into the break.
Montel Dennis converted the first points of the third, connecting from mid-range, a mini run from Preston saw them take a 3 point lead after 3 minutes of the quarter, Kyle Carey proving a threat for the visitors as he found gaps and got to the line, knocking down both. Preston continued to pile on the pressure and extended their lead out to 6 after 6 minutes – up step Andre Gayle who hammered home back to back threes to tie the score at 50, both teams traded for the remainder of the quarter, Preston took a 3 point lead into the 4th, 56 – 53.
Preston again started well, building on their slim lead and with Myerscough uncharacteristically failing to convert they led the home side by 9 after 5 minutes, at this stage it looked although Preston would march on to a strong victory – but with a change in defense Myerscough began their fight back. An Emmanuel Kabengele offensive board and put back sparked Myerscough into life and with back to back triples from Gayle and Trevor Samuel Myerscough tied the game at 65. With 4 minutes to go Myerscough punched out a 4 point lead as Preston struggled for offensive rhythm, Benjamin Nkossi did what he could to halt the Myerscough run converting the last 8 points for Preston but this wasn’t enough and as time wound down Andre Gayle converted from the charity stripe to seal a dramatic win. Myerscough walking out 75 – 72 winners.
Andre Gayle finished up with 22 points (on 4/5 from 3) 9 boards and 4 assists for the home side, Emmanuel Kabengele with an efficient 13 point 12 rebound double double with Montel Dennis adding 15 personal. Benjamin Nkossi collected 19 for Preston College.
‘we didn’t play well for the majority of the game but it was about getting a result today, and somehow we have done that’ Coach Neal Hopkins said after the game ‘Preston put up a great fight and made it difficult for us, I think they will be disappointed not to have walked away with a victory. Full credit to my guys form grinding that one out sometimes you have to win ugly and that is just what we have done today’
Preston travel to Tyne Met this coming Wednesday, whilst Myerscough host Loreto in what could be a championship deciding game’
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