Raiders clinch a Trophy final place in super style
PLYMOUTH Raiders have claimed a spot in the BBL Trophy final for only the third time in their history after two wins against Surrey Scorchers at the weekend, securing a sizable aggregate result in style as they comfortably won away from home.
This means the Westcountry side have a chance to obtain their first piece of silverware since 2007, with head coach Paul ‘PJ’ James looking to lift his first trophy at the club.
Raiders won 96-89 at Pavilions on Friday evening, but dominated in the reverse fixture at Surrey Sports Park winning 112-83 to give them a 36-point aggregate win and set up a clash against the London Lions in the final this Sunday.
Reflecting on both fixtures at the weekend, James said: “On Friday we spent too much time trying to take them out of their comfort zone, which meant we didn’t play our game well.
“On Sunday we played our game well in keeping to the defensive principles that we’ve had in the past 10 or 11 games and played offensively in the same vein as we did on Friday night, and it ended up being a fantastic game.”
A major factor in the success over the two games was American guard Rickey McGill, who had a combined total of 63 points across both fixtures picking up the MVP award in both games.
His 31 points in the first game proved to be vital, with Surrey posing a physical threat as they stayed within touching distance throughout the game.
McGill dominated once more in the second game, with his 32-point performance capping off the unassailable victory as he ran the show against Surrey’s backcourt.
James also commented on the effect that McGill has had since joining the team at the turn of the year, adding “He came into the team in a tough situation. He came in to be the floor general, and I think it’s fair to say he struggled with that early on. It’s also fair to say that he’s grown into that position really nicely.
“He’s had an incredible weekend, and really pushed us through.”
The MVP from both games also chimed in on his own performance, saying: “I just went out and played my game.
“They (Surrey Scorchers) did well in denying our opportunities, so I couldn’t get as many assists as usual, but I knew how to get to the rim and score the ball.”
Looking ahead to the match against the Lions, McGill added: “I can’t predict the future, but I know I’m going to give my all. We’re really starting to become a team and build chemistry. When everyone’s cheering each other on, I think that’s when we play our best basketball.”
Coach James also stated the importance of the bench’s input to the game, highlighting: “The bench is something that’s been huge for us all season long. The times that we had performance dips the bench may not have been buying into it, but now everyone is behind each other and gets each other’s backs.
“We’re showing that we’re fighting for each other and it’s showing both on the court and on the sidelines.
“It’s a fantastic group of players to be around, and we’re looking forward to the opportunity next week.”
It will be no easy task, with London coming off the back of two large wins over a struggling Glasgow Rocks side. If they can manage a win, this month will arguably go down as the most monumental in the club’s history as they continue to solidify themselves as a regular championship contender and aspire to compete in future European competitions.