Giants win international tournament

The ADA Bexhill Giants and Toronto Knights on court together after the In The Dark International Basketball Tournament at Bexhill Leisure Centre

The tournament included Toronto Knights as part of their European tour and proved to be a tough event for the host club.

The Giants began with a match against local rivals Eastbourne Hotshots in which they used their height advantage in the final minutes to pull away for a 65-59 victory.

They then played some excellent basketball to run out comfortable 89-28 winners over a spirited Sussex Seagulls side.

With the Knights recording one victory from their first two matches and the Giants boasting a 100% record, the final game of the round-robin event between the two teams would see the winner crowned champions.

Both teams produced some excellent basketball. They traded baskets throughout and with the scores tied at 57-57, the game headed into overtime.

The Giants edged ahead of their excellent young Canadian rivals during the extra period to record a hard-fought 63-59 win and claim their third tournament victory of the summer.

Giants chairman Eric Douglin said: “This was a very proud moment for the club and Bexhill as it was the first time an overseas team has performed in the town.

“We also have the visit of USA Select to look forward to in September which we hope the local community will come out in force to support.”

The Giants would like to thank Bexhill-based Matt Hards of In The Dark Clothing, ADA Turkish Barbecue & Meze Bar, Hastings Direct, Always Ballin’ and Web Photo UK for their support.