The Hastings Outlaws, backed by Artemis FM, sent shockwaves through the Sussex Basketball League Division 2 with a monumental 73-63 victory over previously unbeaten Worthing White.
Worthing, who entered the match boasting a flawless 13-0 record and averaging 92 points per game, were handed their first loss of the season as the Outlaws delivered their most relentless performance of the campaign.
Hastings wasted no time setting the tone, as Point Guard Dino Edward and forward Josh 'sexy' Williams combined with NBA style 1-2 hand offs at the top of the key, draining 5 three pointers, winning a tight first quarter 16-14.
Coach Lee Diett mixed up the bench and threw on high intensity new team member Mason Skinner, found the basket immediately with a quick dump off from Edward.
Worthing, known for their high-powered offence, struggled to find their usual rhythm against Hastings’ relentless hustle and defensive pressure. They kept their fire power mostly from the three point line, as their No.17 found the basket shooting 4 from 5.
However, this wasn't enough for Worthing, as Outlaws Talisman Guard Joel 'hustle' Hunt had the same effect with Hastings other forward Ed Rose ramping up the intensity towards the end of the second quarter, splitting Worthing defence right through the middle, outscoring the league leaders 21-16 to take a 37-30 halftime lead.
The Outlaws kept their foot on the gas in the third quarter, as Hastings leading scorer Power Forward Louis Parsk drained a trademark three-pointer on his way to score another 20pts in a league match. Outlaws edged Worthing 16-13 before matching them basket for basket in a fiercely contested fourth quarter (20-20).
When the final buzzer sounded, the scoreboard told the story — Hastings had done the unthinkable, holding Worthing to just 63 points, their lowest total of the season.
The win solidifies Hastings' spot in joint third place with 27 points, while Worthing remain top of the league, still on track for promotion despite their first taste of defeat.
With only three games left in the season, the Outlaws now set their sights on another massive clash—an away showdown against second-placed Horsham Hawks on Thursday, April 3, at St Leonard Academy (Tip-off: 8pm).
One thing is clear: Hastings are peaking at the perfect time, and no team in the league is safe.
Final Score: Hastings Outlaws 73, Worthing White 63.
Hastings’ Scoring Leaders: Parsk – 20 pts, Edward – 17 pts, Williams – 16 pts, Hunt – 8 pts, Rose – 6 pts, Burt – 2 pts, Butler – 2 pts, Skinner – 2 pts, D 'money, Sengupta.