Double blow for Panthers

Mar 10 2008

IT was a double dose of the blues for Birmingham Panthers. Last night they were seen off with ease by Scottish Rocks 110-63 in Glasgow.

That followed on from an 88-67 home defeat by Newcastle Eagles on Saturday.

North of the border, Rob Yanders inspired a 16-3 opening for Rocks and they never looked back.

Panthers mustered just six points in the opening period and conceded 25.

By the half it was 57-21 and Panthers knew it was going to be a long old night.

Closing the third quarter, Panthers rallied somewhat with a 14-4 push.

LaTaryl Williams, their top-scorer on 20 points, got 11 in that run and Cameron Wright hit a three on the buzzer.

But Rocks did not step off the gas and led by Maurice Hampton (24 points), they recorded a record win over the Birmingham franchise.

Adam Williams and Wright both chipped in with 11 points apiece.

The night before, Panthers faced another thankless task against BBL leaders Eagles.

They started strongly, though, LaTaryl Williams helping them to a 16-9 edge midway through the first period.

But Eagles stepped up their intensity at both ends of the court and led 34-27 at the interval. Panthers fought hard in the second-half but Eagles always had enough to keep them at arm's length.

LaTaryl Williams led Panthers with 22 points, Adam Williams got 20 and Daniel Sandell 18.

Panthers remain bottom of the table, four points adrift of Leicester Riders.