Division II.1
Division II.1 saw both conference finals go to overtime. The big 8 tie saw the 2nd seed kotwa face off against 4th seed Doncaster Hawks in what was a battle between outside and inside offensive teams, in which the outside focused team came out on top in double overtime. The final score a big 156-144 in favour of kotwa. Hawks coach Jakubb will feel let down as their team had 2 opportunities to win the game, firstly in regulation as former NT PF Jody Hobbs missed 2 free throws with the score tied and no time remaining which sent the game to overtime. Following that, in the first overtime period C Chung Yun xian missed from close range to win. The Hawks tired and we’re unable to stop the offensive onslaught from kotwa who scored 27 points in the final 5mins to win. Guard duo PG Andrey Roslyakov and SG Nordin Harris combined to score 82 points to lead the way in the game.
Over in the great 8, the Detroit Pistons I quest for the EBBL again comes to an end as they fell 123-120 to Hurstead Hustlers in overtime. 4 Hustler’s players scored 20+ points in a team effort to get the away win.
The finals matchup sees both 2 seeds face off, with kotwa having home court advantage. Last season they lost to eventual winners Panathinaikos Bristol in the conference finals, they will be hoping this season is their title to claim. Kotwa did beat Hurstead Hustlers away in the only game between the teams this season. Kotwa are looking to win promotion to the EBBL for the first time in their 45 season history. The Hustlers are also looking to reach the top flight for the first time.
Division II.2
After a walkover to get to the conference finals, MexicanTaxiDriver faced T20 Cricketers. Despite losing the first quarter, MexicanTaxiDriver were able to pick up a 107-93 victory. 6 of 7 MexicanTaxiDriver players scored double figures, led by a 25 point, 18 rebound double double by C Cyril Poli. The team effort was too much for T20 Cricketers to keep up with.
NT wing Simon Redding was able to recover in time to suit up for Roaring Lions and scored 17 points on only 9 shots as the Lions head back to the playoff finals after last season’s disappointment. SG Jerome Wiseman scored a game high 26 points but Heat Culture were outclassed in the 2nd and 3rd quarters and fell to a 93-78 defeat.
In arguably the most competitive division II league, MexicanTaxiDriver hold home court advantage, which they were able to take advantage of in the matchup earlier in the season, but Roaring Lions on paper have more fire power and may be considered favourites by some even without home court advantage. MexicanTaxiDriver can have some comfort in that if they do lose, their 21-1 record may be enough to earn them the final promotion spot.