After a thrilling win last weekend to beat the visiting Haringey Hawks, the Under-14 Boys were in action again in the Second Round of the NBL U14 Boys Playoffs. There they would face the talented London United, who went 17-1 in the Regular Season to top the South Premier Conference. London United's Under 14 Boys had recently hit the headlines for their exploits in Europe, becoming the first English team to make it to the EYBL Superfinal. This meant that the Second round match up would be a big ask for the young Suffolk side.
After a slow start in which Ipswich gave up 43 points in the first half, Ipswich put in a valiant second half display, holding their hosts to just 16 points after the break. Ipswich, having trailed by as many as 24, brought themselves back to within eight points but were unable to get over the finish line on the front foot. Some crucial turnovers late on meant London United held on.
The passion and hard work from the boys, especially defensively, made for an incredibly entertaining game, but ultimately a lack of experience in the crucial moments told and led the London side to the next round, with a final score of 59-50.
“The boys have had a great season,” said Coach Adam Robinson, who stood in for Bradley Potter on the day. “This group and Coach Potter should be very proud of their achievements and given a little more experience in tight games the boys may have had a playoff quarter final game to look forward too.
“The passion and hard work, especially defensively from the boys made for an incredibly entertaining game.”
Harrison Gregg led scoring with 18 points while Nojus Bzukas added 13.
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