Outlaws, powered by Artemis FM, delivered a statement win on their home court, pulling away late to defeat local rivals Eastbourne II 65-52 in Sussex Basketball League Division 2 action. The victory catapults Hastings into third place in the standings on 23 points, while Eastbourne remains in seventh following the loss.
It was a game of momentum swings, with Neptunes taking early control by edging the first quarter 16-14. But the Outlaws responded in dominant fashion, locking down defensively and outscoring the visitors 19-9 in the second quarter to take a commanding 33-25 lead into halftime.
Just when Hastings looked to be cruising, Eastbourne flipped the script in the third, battling back with a 16-11 surge to almost level the playing field by just 3points at the end of the third 44-41, setting up a tense final quarter.
However, the Outlaws saved their best hustle for last. Hastings MVP 6’8” Centre Jaya Butler scored a season high 11 points, most in the 4th with strong drives to the hoop and drawing the foul time after time in the key. With the game hanging in the balance, Hastings stormed back with a solid all-round team effort 21-11 fourth-quarter performance, slamming the door shut on Neptunes’ comeback hopes and securing the well-earned 13-point victory.
With their offense clicking and defense stepping up when it mattered most, the Outlaws proved they are a force to be reckoned with in Division 2. Their next challenge? Keeping this momentum rolling as they continue their push up the table, with next home matches coming up against the two top teams in the league, Worthing and Horsham.
Hastings Outlaws Player scoring: L Parsk 17, D Edward 13, J Butler 11, J Hunt 08, J Williams 08, E Rose 06, M Taylor-Jones 02, M Skinner, J Knight. Coach: J Tichband.
