Karl Taylor Shield 2nd round
BLIZZARDS 74-73 London Patriots

The BLIZZARDS were back to full strength for this cup tie after a poor performance by a depleted side away to Woking in the league.
The Intensity was there from the start as the locals took an early lead 8-0, just one turnover let the Patriots back in with a three 8-5.
The Blizzards looked stronger, the pace was furious as subs were unable to get on the court with the ball remaining in play for over three minutes, a few bad passes kept the score tight, London Patriots were still in the game 21-16.
The second quarter saw the Opposition claw their way back into the game as they started hitting their shoots including four consecutive threes to take the lead for the first time 33-36, the last score of the half from Simon Kearney saw the gap down to one 35-36 GAME ON
The second half underway, now with BLIZZARDS renewing intensity in a man defence and making the difference 44-39 then 51-46 with Wawrzyniak, Kearney, Sundaravadanan and Mullan all scoring in turn, but the Patriots were still hitting threes to tie up at 53 a piece.
Marcus Leach finding a three of his own for the locals, for a slender one point lead, advantage BLIZZARDS 56-55 going into the last quarter.
Gavin Frecklington’s speed and three baskets keeping it very close as both teams exchanged baskets 64-63. Yet another twist as the Patriots with another three from Stefaniak and a brace of free throws from their captain gave them a healthy four point lead 64-68 with just over two minutes to play. Tremendous fight on defence saw turnovers coming the locals way which gave them the leads back 71-68.
Time out Patriots, one fourteen on the clock. After yet another turnover the Blizzards fast break goes wrong and a disputed call after Kearney was trying to retrieve a lost ball puts the Patriots are on the free throw line, as the locals are now in foul trouble, with a bonus throw added for a technical, Stefaniak puts the first two away, then a second technical is called for dissent, he hits all four and it’s game on again 71-72 the lead has changed yet again, into the last minute and Szymon Wawrzyniak fakes his man from the corner to drive towards the basket, off the backboards and ONEas he draws a foul as well, swish he sinks the free throw 74-72.
The mad last thirty seconds finishs on the buzzer with a scramble for the ball, Simon Kearney get harshly called for his fifth foul and with the time elapsed Szczepanski has two free throws to tie the game and send it into overtime. The Blizzards just about stay calm, no more technical fouls, he misses the first and the BLIZZARDS celebrate. FINAL SCORE 74-73
Quarter final awaits and they will meet the victors of
Aztec Lions v Bracknell King Cobras
Team: Simon Kearney 18pts, Szymon Wawrzyniak 16pts, Chris Mullan 13pts, Gavin Frecklington 10pts, Marcus Leach 7pts, Sen Sundaravadanan 6pts, Nathan Oyet 4pts, Tom Batchelor, Tom Mavronicholas, Sam Robinson.