Taramax London United recorded their first win in the BBL Trophy South group after an 89-84 success over Barkers (Tarring) Worthing Thunder on Friday night.
The Thunder led for periods of the first half at Brunel University Osterley as some fast transition basketball helped them out to an 8 point lead mid way through the first. However, United, who are second and still unbeaten in EBL Division 1, cut this to two at 21-23 by the first quarter interval.
Long range shooting took the fore in the second period as two shots from beyond the arc connected for Santa Ataha to give United the lead, although it didn't last long as Ex United star Steve Vear of Worthing made two of his own to re-capture the lead for the Thunder, who are also unbeaten in the league this season, at 40-46 at half time.
London United took the ascendancy in the second half as they outscored Worthing by 28-15 in the third quarter to establish a 7-point lead of their own at 68-61 going into the decisive period. Once in the final quarter their defensive intensity allowed them to hang on, although the visitors closed the gap to 5 points as they chased the game.
Santa Ataha was in fine shooting form as the former Birmingham Bullets point guard nailed 41 points for London United, he was backed up by 19 from Pete Van Elswyk and 12 from Pete Deppisch. In response Steve Gayle made 21, with Steve Vear and Alfredo Ott scoring 17 each for the Thunder.
United then travelled to local rivals London Capitals on Saturday night in Willesden for an EBL Division 1 match up. United again came out victors with a 77-65 victory after leading at the half by as many as 18. Again it was former Capitals and Birmingham Bullets guard Santa Ataha who stepped up on offence to score 18 and Walid Mumuni nailed 24 points.
This is United 3rd successive win in the league, placing them second behind Worcester Wolverines.
United now face a home league game on Saturday 12th November at Brunel Osterley tip off at 6pm. tickets are available on the door at £5 and £2 students.
See the London Unied website for further details www.london-united.co.uk
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