Last word for Blazers as Flyers' search for win goes on

JAI LEADS WAY ON FIRST START OF THE CAMPAIGN

- 

AN under-strength Derby Trailblazers side needed a strong fourth quarter to put away a much-improved Bristol Flyers side who were clearly hungry for their first win.

THE absence of Evan Oliver and Harlond Beverly Jnr through injury meant it was a battle between two all-British rosters but the Trailblazers’ experience eventually helped them over the line with an 88-78 home win.

Jai Pathmarajah relished the opportunity of getting his first start of the season, leading Derby's attack with an impressive 27 points, five rebounds, eight assists, one steal and one block, while Mo Walker just missed out on a double-double, finishing with 24 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two blocks.

Raheem May-Thompson continued his solid start to the season, with 17 points, seven rebounds, two assists, two steals and three blocks, while captain Rob Marsden finished with 10 points, 12 rebounds and four assists.

Credit should also go to Charlie Brown, who racked up over 37 minutes of court time, running the point efficiently in the absence of Oliver, finishing with two points, four rebounds and six assists.

Guiseppi Landolfi led the Flyers with 18 points, three rebounds and four assists, while Lanre Ayilna and Nassim Ladjimi each added 13 points and Reggie Eigbe finished with 10 points and seven rebounds.

It was the visitors who opened the scoring, as Yusef Hafid stole the ball and sprinted down court for a driving layup before the two sides then traded baskets over the next couple of minutes.