Basketball: Bears boosted by Giants' rift
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.WORTHING BEARS, the defending champions, capitalised on the turmoil at Manchester with a 93-90 win over the Giants last night to move alongside them at the top of the Budweiser League, writes Duncan Hooper.
The Giants were without a number of players: Jeff Jones, who ended a 16-year association with Manchester basketball by leaving the club on Friday, Trevor Gordon, the suspended England international, and the American, Joe Hillman, whose temporary absence is linked to Jones's departure.
Under Rick Taylor, the managing director and stand- in coach, Manchester beat Hemel Hempstead 90-66 on Saturday, but Worthing were in predatory mood. They took control in the second quarter and survived after a late three- pointer from Kurt Samuels.
Guildford Kings won 85-72 at Sunderland Scorpions despite being barred from playing Doug Arnold, their new American import, and the absence of injured Alton Byrd.
Barry Dow, the Kings' owner, convinced Mike Smith, the League chief executive, last week that he had secured new backing from American sponsors and would clear the back- pay owing to his players. Smith warned Dow, however, that until then he would not allow Arnold to play. 'I have a responsibility to protect those players who have been owed money since the start of the season and cannot allow Arnold to be paid while they are still out of pocket,' Smith said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments