Hildreth proud despite cup defeat

Thunder led for large parts of the match and were ahead with a minute left on the clock.

However, baskets in the final minute from Reading meant they booked their place in the National Cup final.

Thunder coach Hildreth felt his side were unfortunate not to be in the final.

He said: “It was a very emotional locker room after the game.

“I was so very proud of the team.

“We all worked so hard to turn around the 17-point defeat in the league against Reading and to be leading with a minute left was a great achievement.

“But to lose in that manner was both frustrating and heartbreaking.

“The team, the fans and the club deserved to be in the final and although we all walk away with our heads held high, it is little compensation under the circumstances.

“We will just turn our attentions to the National Basketball League Division 1 and hope to pick up some victories in the coming weeks.”

Thunder travel to Bradford Dragons on Saturday.