Danum Eagles remain top of National League Division Four (Midlands) after recording their ninth win out of nine.
In a fixture identified by coach Ross Stafford as a potential banana skin for the undefeated Eagles, they welcomed City of Birmingham to Danum Academy on Saturday in a first against third encounter that did not disappoint.
The teams traded baskets in the first quarter but Mathew Martin once again shone above all others with four three-pointers in the first 10 minutes to give the Eagles a narrow 23-22 advantage.
In the second quarter, the Eagles stepped on the gas. Martin punctuated three consecutive baskets with a thunderous alley-oop dunk.
A strong defensive effort before the half time buzzer saw the Eagles lead stretched to 11 going into the break.
If the first half belonged to Martin, the third quarter belonged to Josh Metcalf, connecting on back-to-back three-pointers.
The Eagles’ lead was now 13 going into the final quarter.
Birmingham gave it their all and built great momentum going into the final few minutes of the game, cutting into the Eagles’ lead.
But the Eagles held on for a 90-85 victory to retain their perfect record.
Martin lead all scorers once more with 26 points.
He was ably supported by Josh Metcalf (20) and Paul Walsh (17).
The Eagles welcome bottom of the table Shropshire Warriors to Danum Academy on Saturday (2pm). The struggling Warriors have lost ten out of ten this season.
Danum Eagles are level on points with Loughborough Student Riders II at the top of the table but have played one game fewer than their Midlands rivals.
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