Kent Crusaders’ impressive National Cup run came to an end in the semi-finals on Sunday, with a 92-84 loss at the hands of Team Solent Kestrels.

The loss marks the end to a winning streak that saw them take down no less than three Division 1 sides but Solent proved a step too far.

“Obviously we’re disappointed to go out having got so far in this competition, but I felt like the better team won on the day,” said Crusaders Head Coach Lloyd Gardner.

“We got to that point really where I think our youthfulness, our lack of experience, hurt us a little bit today for the first time this season. Solent are a very well coached team and they were prepared for us.

“Our guys haven’t played in a lot of games so far this season that when they make mistakes they haven’t had the ability to recover, but today when we had breakdowns Solent were smart enough, good enough and executed well enough, to punish us for them.”

And despite the loss, Gardner is enthusiastic for the rest of the season:

“We just have to use this as a learning tool to get better. We had a great run in the Cup and now we’ve enjoyed that it’s time for us to re-focus on the league and other competitions we’re in. We need to use this experience to know that we’ve got to get better because we’ve got a talented team and we want to keep pushing and improving.”

Kent were led by 17 points from John Shodipo, Amin Adamu 15 and RJ Eytle-Rock 14.

It was Solent who went up early, and despite a back and forth first period, Kestrels retained their lead. In the second period, Solent extended their lead to double digits, but a Crusaders run to finish the half down 5.

It was in the third that Kestrels outplayed Kent, opening up a lead that they held onto for the rest of the game. Crusaders were still hanging around down the stretch but unable to get over the hump.
Stephen Danso led Solent with 21 points.