Double In TN Sights

Team Northumbria ran out winners in their semi-final playoff against a battling Team Solent at the Sport Central Arena.

TN ground out a 77-63 win in a match that saw the away side match everything the hosts had to offer throughout the first half.

TN initially lacked the urgency that has reflected head coach Marc Steutel’s desire to play quick fire basketball this season.

And after the win the frustrated playcaller did admit that he wasn’t happy with his side’s first half performance and said: “We lacked intensity.

“I warned the players about complacency in the first half and we knew that Solent can be a team on their day to beat us.

“But at half time I got the players in and we discussed how we could come out on top with our defence. That led us to the win which is pleasing.”

Steutel looked frustrated during a first half that saw both team trade baskets with ease - leaving TN going in at the break two points down.

But the hosts looked refreshed and motivated coming out in the third and went from strength to strength, dominating the match with some monster defence from fast improving star Jamie Glen.

“Jamie played great,” added Steutel. “He has been working on his defence really hard this season and its good to see that the hard work is finally paying off.”

Vice captain Glen echoed his coach’s thoughts and said: “Yeah it’s something I have been working on.

“We have all looked at our games and improved which has been key to our success this season.”

TN ultimately wrapped up the match in style – Glen topping the home scorers with 16 points in a game that had looked like it could have gone either way.

Glen – who has been a key man for TN this season said that the success of the team was solely down to ‘hard work’ and ‘determination’.

This die-hard attitude adopted by Steutel now sees the former Team Solent man’s side through to the final of the playoffs with TN to bring home even more silverware for the bulging Sport Central trophy cabinet. 

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