Report: Plymouth Raiders 85-62 Bristol Flyers

Raiders came to the game on the back of a thumping from Leicester Riders in the BBL Trophy final last weekend, but looked like a team with a point to prove as they racked up a big win in front of a delighted Plymouth Pavilion.

Corey Dixon led the way for Plymouth with 32 points 11 rebounds and three assists, whilst Aaron Cosby top-scored for Flyers with 17 points.

What Happened?

Both teams started well trading threes in the early stages, with the South-West rivals both shooting above 50% in the first quarter. 

Raiders were finding their shots well but Brandon Boggs had a strong first quarter to keep Flyers in touch. Boggs finished a fast breakaway with an emphatic single-single handed slam after Hameed Ali and Leslee Smith had picked the pockets of the Raiders offence.

Raiders shooting performance faded as the first quarter continued, Flyers defence working hard to limit the home team's shooting opportunities. 

Raiders managed to score the last points of the first period to edge ahead, 20-19.

Points were harder to come by in the second period. Raiders were however putting Flyers to the free throw line repeatedly to help the away team into a three point lead early on.

Raiders were showing some increased physicality in the second with some much improved defence, Mike Vigor feeling the full brunt of a challenge from his former Raiders team mate and coach Daryl Corletto.

The increased intensity from the home side saw them wrestle control of the match in the second quarter, a three from Rhys Carter before a Corey Dixon alleyoop put Raiders into a commanding ten point lead heading into the half.

Had Ali not made the three on the buzzer it could have been worse for Flyers, following a poor quarter in and out of possession for the away team, the half-time score reading 41-31.

Plymouth picked up where they left off, their higher energy levels telling as they increased their lead to eleven early on in the third.

A Cosby three cut the lead to eight before Raiders called a timeout to try and halt any momentum the away side could build.

Flyers were really struggling with their offensive rebounds, Raiders making back-to-back threes off from defensive rebounds to build their lead to 18 as time ticked on in the third period. 63-45 to Raiders heading into the final quarter.

The final quarter continued in much the same vein save for a couple flash-points between the teams as tempers threatened to boil over.

Raiders extended their lead to 23 as the game ended 85-62 to Plymouth.

Flyers attention now turns to a huge game in their season tomorrow at SGS WISE against fellow play-off hopefuls Surrey Scorchers.

Play Of The Game

Boggs with the flush! 🚽 pic.twitter.com/LZHcNhxr3s

— Bristol Flyers (@BristolFlyers) March 24, 2017

Game Leaders

Points: Corey Dixon - 32
Rebounds: Corey Dixon - 11
Assists: Hameed Ali, Daryl Corletto, Rhys Carter - 6
Steals: Rhys Carter - 5 

Stats

Box Score: http://www.fibalivestats.com/u/BBL/307351/