Baugh showing promise but Arrows suffer consecutive defeat

A 79-50 defeat also made a huge dent in the young Arrows’ title aspirations in NBL Division Two but promotion and a play-off spot are still up for grabs for the side now with a 10-5 record.

Arrows started brightly at their new Queen’s Park home as Baugh, Brodee and Scott registered the hosts’ intent to attack the league leaders. But the Riders weathered the early onslaught to take the quarter 18-11.

Baugh’s seven second quarter points and five from Lycoudis were the Arrows’ highpoints of the next period but again the Riders took it 21-14, underlining their position at the top.

Arrows played some of their best basketball in the game after the interval in the third quarter with the introduction of Dennison. Kelly hit a ‘three-pointer’ while Baugh contributed a further six points.

But, a poor last minute of turnovers saw a Riders lead cut to 56-44.

Another good crowd at Queens Park were hoping for a typical Arrows late surge but although Baugh added a further two baskets it was the Riders who pulled away to win 79-50.

The form of 24-year-old Baugh has been remarkable in all aspects of the game and his partnership with Scott remains one of the best and most promising in the league.

The young Arrows have performed well all year and players like Lycoudis, Dennison and Heymann - all under 20 - ensure a bright future.

Arrows will be hoping that some of their injuries will clear up for the run-in. Five of the remaining six league matches this season are at home.

Scorers: Baugh 21, Scott 9, Lycoudis 7, Kelly 5, Dennison 4, Broodie 2, Wilson 2

Arrows will look to bounce back at home on Saturday, February 20 at Queen’s Park (6.45pm start) when they face London Eastside.

Meanwhile, Helen Palmer scored 20 points as the Gems came back from a 12-point interval deficit to beat York Tornados 63-51.