Saturday saw Force’s final league home game of the season, which in turn saw the now customary pre-game presentation and acknowledgements from the club chairman. In addition to the Chairman’s Player of the Season award to Simon, there was a presentation to Coach Daniel for his hard work over the last three seasons and as a parting gift as he moves away after the season finishes.

Player of the season decisions are always interesting as everyone has different views and criteria (just look at the NBA GOAT arguments between MJ and LBJ). All I say is that I had someone else in mind, but everyone on the squad has excelled in different aspects of the game this season and could justify getting the award. This shows how much of a team we have the opportunity to watch on Saturdays.

A High-Octane Start

On to the game, WOW, what a start! In fact, I think that was the highest-scoring first quarter in a competitive game I’ve witnessed. 38-32 (70 points in a quarter!) gave everyone in the 400+ crowd something to talk about during the quarter break. Was it good offence or poor defence? That was the question on everyone’s mind.

Once again, Force shared the scoring across the team, while Raiders also spread their points out well. The second quarter slowed the pace to a more “normal” level, with the Raiders controlling the play and winning the quarter. However, Force was able to hold onto the lead going into halftime, 54-53.

Raiders’ Game Plan Shifts the Momentum

The Raiders’ game plan was paying off, as they had identified Force’s scoring threats and worked hard to throw those players off their stride. The second half returned to the high-scoring pace, as the Raiders’ outside shooting heated up. They knocked down five three-pointers for their first five baskets, finishing the quarter with six three-pointers overall, to take an 84-75 lead into the fourth quarter.

A Late Push Comes Up Short

This shooting accuracy allowed the Raiders to withstand the Force’s final-quarter fightback, which saw the Force outscore the Raiders 28-22 but still fall short, 103-108.

With four defeats this season, Force’s chances of winning the league have now evaporated, but a final win away to today’s visitors on March 22nd can still secure a playoff spot and continue the season.

League Standings with One Weekend to Go
• Crawley – 14 Wins, 3 Defeats (1 game remaining)
• Force – 13 Wins, 4 Defeats (1 game remaining)
• Oxford – 12 Wins, 4 Defeats (2 games remaining)

One huge away game remains—can Force bounce back and secure their place in the playoffs?

Report written by Andy Rowlands.

Portsmouth Force Basketball Club

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