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The Caledonia Gladiators played host to the Cheshire Phoenix this Wednesday night at Playsport. The Caledonia Gladiators showed their heart in the debut of new signings, Jett Speelman and Albert Ventura. Unfortunately, they would fall by just 2 points to the Phoenix in heartbreaking fashion. A tough second would lead to the Gladiators dropping another game, they look to bounce back this Friday night against the Newcastle Eagles.
The two teams would start the game trading baskets in an exciting game of basketball in front of the home crowd. The Gladiators shot well from long range during the first quarter, limiting Cheshire attempts and helping to the Gladiators take a 4-point lead at the end of the first quarter.
The Gladiators continued to increase their lead in the second quarter, A strong 33-point quarter saw the Gladiators take the 8-point lead into the half time break. A strong scoring quarter for both teams, with strong three-point shooting and play under the basketball. The Gladiators scored 4 three-pointers from 6 attempts in the second quarter, with Cheshire matching the Gladiators shot for shot.
The half time score was 53 – 45 to the Caledonia Gladiators.
The Cheshire Phoenix would mount a comeback in the third quarter of basketball at Playsport. With the Phoenix continuing their strong form from behind the arc, and limiting the Gladiators to inside shots, and one three, the lead vanished and the game would be tied entering the final quarter. The Cheshire Phoenix would shoot 3 for 5 from behind the arc on their way back into the game. The game would be tied at 77 – 77 entering the fourth quarter at Playsport.
There would be nothing between these two teams throughout the fourth quarter as both teams would trade baskets in this thrilling game. This game went down to the final seconds of action, with the Gladiators up by 1-point with less than 20 seconds left of the game. However, the Cheshire Phoenix would make a contested lay-up and making one of their two free throws with 2 seconds left to secure their victory on the road by 2-points.
A tough loss at Playsport that saw many positives for this new look Gladiators squad. They look to keep improving as they head back out on the road to face Newcastle Eagles this Friday night. The Gladiators will be back in action at home on the 16th of March, taking on Bristol Flyers in the second game of our Playsport Doubleheader.
