THE BEARS have one foot in this year’s National Play-off Finals thanks to a narrow 42-36 win against their their closest rivals London Titans.
With a need to overcome their earlier defeat to the Bears, the Titans knew nothing less than a win for them would end any contention to win the league this season.
And the game started with a pumped up Titans dominating the first quarter as the Bears struggled to find their range as they found themselves 12-4 down.
But the break gave the visitors a chance to re-group and by the half-way stage they had cut the deficit back to within just four points at 14-10.
The third quarter proved to be another tight affair with both defences coming out on top but the Bears manaed to get their noses in front and went into the last quarter 24-22 in front with all to play.
And it proved to be a nail-biting finale with the Bears struggling to shake off a determined Titans side and with one minute remaining there was just one basket separating the two sides.
But the visitors managed to take seal a six point win to maintain their unbeaten record this season.
“I’m so pleased to come away with the win, especially in such a tough game.” said head coach Tom Masterson.
“We didn’t start well and they had done their homework on us. Luckily enough I have some more experienced players this year who kept their heads and just kept chipping away at them to go into the lead when it counted and to keep that lead to the finish.
“Lee Powell was outstanding as captain and our MVP was Scott Webster who was brilliant at both ends of the court.
“Hopefully this result has given us one foot into the play offs, but there will be no let up in the pressure on the team.”
The Bears now have a long break before their next game against Coventry on March 15 at Warwickshire College in Henley-in-Arden.
