LMS pull the plug on the Chargers

The Chargers three times recovered a seven-point deficit, twice in the second quarter, which ended 37-32, and again in the third, where at one point they were 43-36 down, to take the lead within three minutes and set up a nip-and-tuck final quarter.

Michael Beausire, the main man when these two first met in the league this season, was well-controlled by Martin Yabsley on this occasion and it was LMS’s other ‘big man’, Dan Marriott, who came to the fore with 17 points, including some crucial points towards the end of the game.

Early in that fourth quarter Chargers were eight points behind, but inspired by energetic point guard Lucas Ozanne, who collected four points within a minute, including a breakaway steal, they drew level with just three minutes left on the clock.

Then Marriott scored and although James Alderton answered back with a two and two free-throws, Marriott also kept his cool to sink two from the free-throw line to give his side the lead.

Chargers missed a chance to counter when they failed to beat the shot clock, but Yabsley then grabbed a basket to keep his side on level terms.

Inside the final minute Marriott was breaking down court when he was smothered by player-coach Shek Sesay on the halfway line. Chargers were dismayed to see the officials signal for a free-throw. The table was checked and it was confirmed that Chargers had moved into team fouls territory.

Marriott hit the rim with the first but sunk the second to give his side a one-point lead.

Chargers had 30 seconds to seize the game, and concluded their move down court with Kaine Hyde trying his luck from out wide on the right of the basket. The ball bounced out to Sesay, but he fumbled, LMS stole possession, and ran the clock down to win 66-65.

Marriott was joined on 17 points for the winners by Ciaran Hamilton, while Yabsley’s personal haul was 17, with 14 from Alderton and 12 from Ozanne.