Titans turned in a strong performance to sink Shropshire 92-45 at the Northampton Academy in this EBL Under 14 Boys Midlands Conference clash.
Following a convincing win, but not their best performance on the road at Warriors earlier in the season, Titans had a point to prove.
It was not going to be an easy one by any means with some players missing and four playing despite not being 100 per cent fit due to injury or illness.
With many points from Hayden Alcindor and Trei St Vie Hutchinson in the opening, Titans took the first quarter 32-10.
Titans came out into the second with plenty of confidence and put away 17 of their 19 points before Warriors were on the score sheet again, and at half-time it was 51-20.
Warriors started the third quarter well but Titans responded and increased their advantage as they went into the final 10 minutes 72-30 ahead.
Connor Brown showed new-found confidence which lead to him scoring a season best of eight points and lead the way in the final quarter.
Top scorers were Hutchinson (20), Alcindor (18) and Elliot ‘Bosh’ Farrar (13).
Northamptonshire Titans 46 Bracknell Cobras 97
The Titans youngsters put in a brave performance before falling to an EBL Under 13 Boys Midlands South Conference defeat to Bracknell.
Cobras were 28-8 ahead by the end of the first quarter.
Titans settled down into their new style of team play and were able to start to find the route to basket with good passing. The second half was a continuation of the second quarter with Titans battling and improving with every made pass.
Coach Powell said: “Once again the players have delivered on many different levels and have embraced the team ethic which I have asked of them.”
Top Scorers for Titans were McGrady with nine, Preston with eight and Mutemasango with seven.
Northamptonshire Titans 68 Notts Nova 70
Titans pushed unbeaten leaders Nova all the way at Weavers Leisure Centre before being narrowly edged out in this EBL Under 15 Boys Midlands Conference showdown.
Their effort fell just as they were denied victory in the final minute.
In the last meeting between the sides, Titans were well beaten, but it was a different story this time around.
Titans led 40-39 at half-time and it was nip and tuck right up until the final whistle, when Nova just held on to win by two points.
Top scorer was James Andrews with 22 points, and he was well supported by Sam Stopps (17) and Mussi Tijani (12).
Titans completed a nervy EBL Under 16 Boys Northern Premier Division victory against City Of Birmingham.
Earlier this season the two sides met in Birmingham where the Titans completed a routine 62–43 victory against an injury hit squad.
On this occasion Birmingham entered into the game with a full strength team and were a stronger proposition.
Titans started well and were 31 -20 ahead going into halftime.
But the Birmingham side came out of the blocks quickly in the third quarter.
Titans struggled at the offensive end and only managed to score seven points in the quarter which allowed their opponents to close the gap and get within one point at 38-37.
Titans regained their composure and responded with an 11-3 run which enabled them to effectively close out the game and take their league record to nine wins and four losses.
They have consolidated fourth place and remain in the last play-off spot in the North Premier.
Titans’ top scorers where Terrell Salmon 15, Timi Grill 11 and captain Jordan Francis with 10.
Particular praise must go to Reuben David’s rebounding at both ends of the floor which was instrumental in the 13 point victory.
The Titans next opponents are top of the table Manchester on Saturday 17th February 2:30pm at Weavers Leisure.
Northamptonshire Titans 72 Bromsgrove Bears 62
TITANS women shrugged off the rustiness of a two-week break as they secured an excellent EBL VCARS.co.uk Division Two Women SW Midlands win over the Bears.
In the first half Titans struggled to find their rhythm and at half-time theyr trailed 35-37.
Titans were able to regroup at halftime and came out blasting the Bears with a 17-4 run in the final five mins of the third.
Titans just edged the final quarter and ran out 72-64 to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Coach Powell said: “Bromsgrove gave us a wakeup call today and we responded in the right way, we now need to focus on our national trophy semi final this weekend and will need to take what we learnt today and bring that to Mets next Saturday”
Top scorers for Titans were Nauel Cali 32 and Angeline Browne 19.
Fixtures
Saturday, February 9
12.20pm: Team Wolverhampton Slam v Titans Under 14 Boys
2pm: Birmingham Met v Titans Women’s team in the Womens National Trophy
Sunday, February 10
Midday: Titans Under 13 Boys v Milton Keynes Lions at The Northampton Academy
3.20pm: City of Birmingham v Titans Under 15 Boys
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