Basketball: London outdo Samuels
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.KURT SAMUELS, of Derby, harried London Towers at Moor Lane on Saturday night, but could not prevent a 95-93 defeat in the first of their best of three series in the play-off quarter-finals, writes Duncan Hooper.
Derby, who finished fourth in the First Division, must now win twice at London's Islington venue this week to reach the play-off weekend at Wembley arena on 1 and 2 May.
Samuels scored from inside the half-way line with two seconds remaining to tie the scores on 80-80 and force overtime.
London's England quartet of Ronnie Baker, Joel Moore and the Scantlebury brothers, Peter and Richard, had regained control for London after Derby led at half-time and the visitors opened an 89-82 lead after three minutes of the extra period.
But another Samuels three- pointer followed by his two free- throws cut London's lead and the Derby player-coach Terry Manghum pulled them back again to lead 93-91.
Baker scored two free-throws to give London the margin to survive a Samuels dunk off the final play of the game.
In the other play-off openers, League champions Worthing won 84-63 at Leicester. Nigel Lloyd scored 37 points to lead Thames Valley Tigers to a 112-85 win at Oldham.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments