2000 – The Leopards are back
2019 – DURU DISAPPOINTED AFTER DERBY LOSS
“We started well, making shots and sharing the ball and were aggressive on both ends” he said . “Unfortunately we were once again poor executing in the first 5 minutes of the second half, which ultimately allowed Derby to take control of the game .
“We have to bounce back and regroup ahead of our double header against reading and Sussex Bears next weekend.”
Despite being without five players due to illness and injury, the Big Cats started well wat Derby with Jerrelle Okoro giving them an 11-8 lead midway through the first period but that was as good as it got for the visitors as they trailed 24-17 at the first break and 49-40 going into the locker room at half-time . But it was a poor third period where the visitors were outscored 35-26 which ended their chances of the first league victory.
Hazeef Abdul continued his fine start to the season which sees him leading the Division One scoring, finishing with 40 points in as many minutes, adding ten rebounds, three steals and two blocks . Okoro added 26 points and nine rebounds for the Big Cats but there were no other players in double figures and the visitors were made to pay for their 25 turnovers .
Leopards’ coach Thomas Baker was philosophical following his side 109-86 at Derby Trailblazers, on Saturday .
“We had a good first half again and this is becoming a consistent thing for us that we will have to continue” he said.
“The start of the third we became a bit tentative and Derby capitalised and punished our mistakes . Having had a good game the week before in terms of turnovers, in this one they really hurt us with Derby scoring 34 points of our turnovers.
“We are competing right until the death and we need to keep going, It will be good when have everyone back healthy as injuries are really hurting us right now.”
1997
Adidas Greater London Leopards 93
Chester Jets 83
Budweiser British Basketball League
@ London Arena
Leopards' history 