Bristol Flyers 2015/16 Season Review: February

Friday, February 6th 2016: Bristol Flyers 66-106  Newcastle Eagles

Following the biggest win this season against Leeds Force, Bristol Flyers hosted the highly ranked Newcastle Eagles. The Flyers entered the contest with three of their regular starters, Cardell McFalrand, Tyrone Lee and Doug Mclaughlin-Williams missing through injury. Flyers' short line-up struggled to deal with Eagles bigs, as the home team were punished early inside.

As Bristol's offence struggled, their defence became lackadaisical; allowing open looks for the Newcastle guards and not closing out on shooters. Newcastle continued to fire away from the outside, shooting an incredible 51% from behind the three point line. Newcastle took a commanding lead early in the third quarter and never looked back. The final buzzer sounded and Flyers walked off, blown out on their home court, 66 - 106.

Friday, February 12th 2016: Bristol Flyers 55-66 Leicester Riders

After suffering a blowout defeat at home, Flyers hosted Riders looking for a valuable BBL league win. The game opened up and Danish international Matthias Seilund scored ten first quarter points on 100% shooting to give Flyers an early 10-2 lead. Leicester countered with an almost full court press, to entice Flyers into committing more turnovers.

Bristol moved the ball around with meticulous care, finding Roy Owen for a 17 foot jump shot at the top of the key, keeping the game close. Flyers' defensive intensity grew in the third quarter, turning away Riders' first two possessions and forcing them into a shot clock violation.

Leicester would counter, trying to double team McFarland. Splitting the defence, McFarland dished the ball inside to Edozie for the two-handed slam. After a strong finish to the third, Edozie scored an ‘and-one’ hook-shot to pull Flyers within four points at the start of the fourth quarter. But Leicester clamped down defensively and got to the foul line at will, to close the game out 55-66

Friday, February 12th 2016: Leeds Force 90-88 Bristol Flyers

With the season series tied at one game apiece, both teams received a welcome boost with Tyrone Lee and Rob Marsden returning for the Flyers and Force respectively. Throughout the game both teams failed to take control of the contest, trading the lead almost each minute. The game seemed destined to come down to it's final moments.

Enter the fourth quarter and Flyers were down by five points. Force had a chance to ice the game but the otherwise impressive Kwan Waller, uncharacteristically missed a wide open three-pointer. This turned the momentum in the Flyers direction, as they got within two points of the hosts. Force went to the free throw line, however Armand Anebo made only one of his two attempts. Doug McLaughlin-Williams picked up the rebound and found McFarland who sunk a three on the buzzer to send the game into overtime, 80-80.

Spurred on by the home crowd, Force opened up a five-point lead in overtime. Flyers again refused to know when they were beaten, dragging themselves back to within one point, and when Tyrone Lee grabbed a defensive rebound with 20 seconds left there appeared to be only one winner. Solid defensive work from Force meant Flyers were unable to work an easy opening, Streete eventually missing another three attempt, with Force closing the game out with a converted two. The final score: Force 90 Flyers 88.