It's Thunder v Capitals in the semis

WORTHING THUNDER completed stage one of a possible English Basketball League title double. The second-year league champions won their play-offs quarter-final at home to Solent Stars to move into a two-legged semi-final against London Capitals.

Yet again this season, the two teams will clash one hurdle short of a final. Thunder overcame Capitals in the semis of the National Cup and the National Trophy, only to lose both finals.

Worthing surmounted the extra Solent threat of Nick Oharabe, who returned after a club suspension to battle alongside star American guards Earl Moore and Antonio Bright as the underdogs from Eastleigh gave all in what the form book told them ought to be their final game of the season. Thunder's extra height was waiting to count and it finally did in a 115-102 success.

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Inside, Janis Ivanovskis, 6ft 7in, was irresistible with 37 points and nine rebounds for Thunder and outside, Marcus Avant's 32 points included six three-pointers from 10 attempts. Pat Bates, the 6ft 9in centre, had 12 points and 10 rebounds. In the back court, captain James Brame dished seven assists and hit 13 points while Alfredo Ott gave six assists and hit 15 points, as well as making three steals. Ott and Avant made a blocked shot each.

For Solent, Moore hit 38points and took 12 rebounds and Bright 28 points with four steals and four assists. Oharabe scored 11, took nine rebounds and also made four steals.

Thunder go up against Capitals in Willesden on April 14 and at the Leisure Centre on April 21 with the final in Newcastle awaiting the winners on the following Sunday.

Capitals won impressively 80-70 at London Leopards. Manchester Magic got home 95-90 at home to West Herts Warriors after leading by considerably more, and in the other semi-final will meet Reading Rockets, who won at home to Sheffield Arrows 90-80 having thrashed them by 40 points in their previous league match. Magic will host the first leg.

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