Guildford end drought in champions’ backyard

Guildford Heat picked up their first win of the season with an 82-76 win away at last season’s champions, Mersey Tigers.

The Heat went in to the game on the back of 12 straight losses, but came away from Knowsley Leisure and Culture Park with their first points, as the Tigers struggles continue.

After losing recent signing Mike Copeland to a season-ending injury against Glasgow last week, Guildford pulled together for this one, and it was Mike Martin who topped the charts with 22 points.

In a repeat of last season’s BBL Trophy final, Drew Lasker and Shaun Durant, both recent additions to Creon Raftopoulos’ side, pitched in with contributions of their own to help their team to victory.

Guildford at one point held a 16 point advantage in the fourth quarter, but despite a fightback, the Tigers were never closer than four in the latter stages.

It was actually the home side that had the better of the opening exchanges, but the Heat managed to open up a six point lead by half time, and it was never relinquished.