VCARS.co.uk D2 Men preview: Action focused in the South
Friday, 26-Oct-2012
There could be as few as two unbeaten teams after the second weekend of the VCARS.co.uk Division 2 Men season with 4 of the 5 games taking place south of Watford Gap.
Newham Neptunes v Loughborough Students Riders
Saturday 27 October, 4:50pm, Sportsdock
Two of the teams promoted from Division 3 last season meet in London on Saturday as Newham Neptunes host Loughborough Students Riders.
Neptunes began their season with a 72-65 win at Derbyshire Arrows last weekend, whilst Riders were inactive after their game against Mansfield Giants was postponed.
The teams were due to meet in the Patrons Cup early in October, but again this was a game that has been put off to an as yet to be determined date in the future.
This is a replay of the Division 3 Playoff semi final from last season which Neptunes won 74-65 on their way to the Playoff title.
Eastside Eagles v Manchester Magic
Saturday 27 October, 5pm, Walthamstow Academy
The third promoted team, Manchester Magic, travel to Eastside Eagles at the weekend.
Both teams started with victories last weekend, so will be vying to be 2-0 by the start of November.
Eagles won the Patrons Cup clash between the teams 87-77 just a couple of weeks ago, but this was their only Patrons Cup win, whereas Magic finished 3-2 in pool play.
Team Solent v Derbyshire Arrows
Saturday 27 October, 6pm, St Marys
Team Solent meet Derbyshire Arrows on Saturday in a match-up of the defeated Playoff semi finalists from last season.
Both teams won on the road in the Playoff quarter finals last season after finishing 5th and 6th in the table respectively, but couldn't win on the road for a second consecutive time to make the final.
The clashes last season between these teams went the way of the home team with Solent winning 79-54 at St Marys in January.
Mansfield Giants v PAWS London Capital
Saturday 27 October, 6:30pm, Oaktree
After their game last weekend was postponed, Mansfield Giants face their first game of the season when they host PAWS London Capital at Oaktree on Saturday.
Giants have finished 9th in Division 2 in each of the last two seasons and will be keen to make progress in their fourth season at this level.
Capital have been relegated from Division 1 for this season and failed to make a dent in their 12 point penalty last weekend as they lost in overtime to Eastside Eagles.
 |
 |
|
75 |
66 |
With five London teams in the division, there are regular London derbies due for this season and there was one on Thursday night as London Westside defeated London United 75-66.
Westside were behind 32-28 at half-time, but added 25 points in the third to move in front and extended the lead in the fourth quarter.
Nine players got on the scoresheet for Westside with Phillipe Kouda leading the way on 17. Elvisi Dusha and Alejandro Cue both scored 18 for London United as both teams moved to 1-1 on the season.