Unbeaten away record retained by youngsters

The Arrows have begun to play some good basketball in scoring spurts to put away their opponents.

That was again on show at Durham, where the visitors were always in control before pulling clear in the fourth quarter.

Scorers were: Alex Lycoudis 28, Sam Taylor 18, Anton Palmer 15, Ethan Akers 11, Jabar Bika 3, Alistair Hill Pickford 2, and Max Hartshorn.

After a comfortable home win the previous week against a good Tees Valley side, Arrows gotoff to a strong start, despite the two-hour journey north.

Although they missed a few early chances early to build a strong lead, through missed lay-ups and shots, the Arrows defence enabled them to get some easy points on fast breaks and lead 25-4 after the first quarter.

The second period was tightly contested with the Arrows showing signs of the long trip by turning the ball over many times as well as missing shots.

Their continuing strong defence kept them ahead, however, as they limited the Wildcats’ scoring opportunities.

The visitors led 39-12 at half-time.

The third quarter followed the pattern of the previous period as the Arrows missed good chances to build on their lead.

Again they relied on the strong defence to preserve their advantage.

Wildcats looked like they had found their touch in the third quarter, scoring a few good baskets.

Fortunately for the Arrows youngsters, the hosts’ scoring was not enough to put a serious dent into the scoreline.

With one quarter remaining Arrows retained a healthy advantage, leading 55-23.

The final quarter, however, was a different story as the Arrows finally put their foot on the gas and appeared to be able to score at will.

They scored both on the fast break and in the half-court, as well as stamping their authority on the defensive end with steals leading to easy baskets.

Arrows steadily built a commanding lead and piled on the points towards the end of the match.

Their form — defence, intensity and aggressiveness —showed why they are a force to be reckoned with this season.