Report: Bristol Flyers 88-67 Leeds Force

Saturday, January 30th 2016

Bristol Flyers put their January blues behind them with their biggest win margin of the season, beating Leeds Force 88 to 67.

On their way to a blow-out victory, Cardell McFarland led Flyers with 23 points. Bristol moved to 6-12 for the season.

Following a big loss against the Glasgow Rocks, Bristol looked to finish the month with a win at home. Flyers hoped to get back on track as they hosted Leeds Force at the SGS WISE Arena.

Flyers opened the quarter with three straight three-pointers in quick succession, jumping out to a rare double-digit early lead. Bristol turned up the heat defensively, pressuring Leeds' guards, picking off stray passes and streaming out for fast breaks.

The only thing that could stop the Flyers was an official's time out to rearrange the basket stanchion, after Daniel Edozie's two-handed power dunk. Bristol charged out to a 21-point lead, and as the quarter came to a close Tom Tinsley hit back-to-back jumpers to put Flyers up 37-16.

The assault continued after the break, McFarland hitting a step-back, no-look assist to Mathias Seilund for an easy layup. The Bristol guards continued to have success with penetration dribble and clever cuts, leaving the home crowd wanting more and the Leeds defence chasing shadows.

As the Flyers soared offensively, Leeds struggled against the suffocating Bristol defence. Holding the visitors to 34% shooting for the half, the home team put a hold on the Force attack. After a fast-paced first half, Bristol led 55-36.

Force searched in vain to contain a red hot Flyers squad, but the home team elevated their game even higher. Roy Owen opened the third with six straight points; a shot clock beating three-pointer and converted and-one. Daniel Edozie would follow with an 18-foot jump-shot at the top of the key and multiple trips to the foul line on his way to nine points for the game. The Flyers would enjoy a 16-point lead going into the fourth quarter.

Leeds burst out into the final period with the intent to push the pace, but Bristol ran with them. Trading baskets, the home team held their composure and kept their large lead. The Force continued to run the break but were grounded by Flyers' defence, which was epitomised by Seilund's chase down block.

In an end-to-end final quarter, Bristol ultimately cruised to an 88-67 victory.

Report by Luke Bennett.