ESSEX Pirates basketball team enjoyed a victory at the weekend, with Taner Adu leading the way with 30 points in an 80-72 victory.
The came reached a tense conclusion but Adu proved inspirational to his side, despite admitting the game almost got to him.
“It was fantastic to win the game,” said Adu, 25. “I have to admit to being very nervous towards the end because we wanted to get the victory so much and it's great to have done it.
“I am pleased to have scored 30 points too but that's made even better by the fact that we won.”
Pirates had come unbearably close to winning their last home game, against the Leicester Raiders; but they eventually suffered a last-gasp 84-81 defeat and Adu felt that they had learned from that heart-breaking reverse.
“We were more composed this time,” he said “it may sound strange but I think we were better off for losing to Leicester and this will now do wonders for our confidence because Cheshire Jets are a very good side.”
Jets are currently fourth in the Championship standings and have also reached the final of the BBL Cup so a win is impressive.
They led 18-17 at the end of the first quarter on Saturday but Pirates fought back and were 37-36 ahead at half-time.
A 10-0 run from the home side at the start of the third stanza then put them in control and Pirates were 61-49 ahead going into the final quarter. Jets did their best to get back into the game and, with 38 seconds remaining, they were just four points behind.
But Pirates grit their teeth to come out on top, much to the delight of their supporters who ran on to the court at the end of the game to celebrate the win which also pleased Head Coach Tim Lewis.
“We played well at both ends and it was a good performance,” said Lewis, “I have always known things would come together for us and this is a great win. We have stayed solid and strong and worked it well at the end to end our losing streak, which is fantastic.
“It was also great for the fans that we won because they made plenty of noise and the atmosphere was great.”
Pablo Rodrigo and Colin Sing both also made good contributions, scoring 15 points each.
Pirates, who are now six points below the play-offs are back at home on Friday as they host second-placed Newcastle Eagles, tip-off 7.30pm.