Shock win local derby season opener
After two defeats in the Cup and Shield Swindon Shock return to winning ways beating Bristol Storm 81 – 63.
Swindon dominated each quarter but what most impressed was our defense. Coach Alex James commented “Today we matched up well on defense, there were signs of players helping each other, taking rebounds and staying focused for the full game.” He also later said “If you win the battle on the boards, you usually win the game. Our offense is usually kick started with aggressive defense forcing shots the opposition don’t really want, then taking a rebound and running a patience offense.”
Matt North led Swindon with 19 points which included, at one point, 3 consecutive long range jump shots. Matt Ford also showed some nice post moves under the basket, and Antonio Wilburn looked to get everyone involved and marshalled them when he had too.
Swindon Shock now look forward to an away date with Oxford Brookes. Oxford came runners up last season and are favourites to win the league this season. They are coached by a former Swindon player Ken Walton. Swindon will need to show some of the defensive mindset demonstrated against Bristol and reduce turnovers to zero if we are to come away with a win.