Basketball: Kings tame Tigers
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.THE GUILDFORD KINGS are determined to retain at least one of their crowns. Last night at a packed Bracknell Arena they defeated the favourites, Thames Valley Tigers, 84-83 in the second leg of their National Cup semi-final to reach the final 167-164 on aggregate.
The Tigers, who have already won the NatWest Trophy to deprive the Kings of one of their titles, only fleetingly overturned the two-point first-leg deficit.
With just over seven minutes remaining, Kevin St Kitts sank a long-range three-pointer to give Thames Valley the lead, on the night and overall, at 62-59. But Guildford's response was immediate, Lorenzo Duncan putting them back in front.
The Tigers never led overall again but stayed close enough to Kingston for Michael Obaseki to make it 74-72 with a thundering dunk 66 seconds from the end, scoring the final basket of regular time and forcing the extra period.
Guildford took the game by the throat with Duncan scoring the first six of their points in the extra period, and once Guildford had opened an 82-77 lead there was no way back for Thames Valley.
Guildford will play Worthing in the final after the Bears defeated Leicester 90-77 for an 190-176 aggregate victory.
LEADING SCORERS: Thames Valley Tigers: Lloyd, 20, St Kitts 20, Scott 17. Guildford Kings: Duncan 26, Henlan 18, Gordon 17.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments