The Tamworth Thunderbolts have stretched their winning streak to seven games after registering an 18-point win over Lithgow Lazers on Saturday.
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Kyle Gupton continued a streak of his own in registering more than 20 points for the ninth match on the trot.
The American hit a treble of three-pointers on his way to 26 points to top the scoring for the Thunderbolts.
Gupton’s scoring was a highlight for Tamworth but coach John Ireland said the side’s defence was just as important.
“Kyle was outstanding for us, he’s probably been our most consistent player offensively but the big focus for us was playing defence,” Ireland said.
“The boys got the job done in the third quarter and that was where we set the challenge at half-time, to come out and play two hard quarters of defence.”
The Thunderbolts limited Lithgow to just nine points in the third quarter to set up the win. Tamworth’s lead blew out to 24 points at one point before finishing in favour of Tamworth 95-77.
That all came after strong start from the Lazers.
In the blink of an eye, Lithgow had jumped out to a 6-0 lead in the opening minute of the match.
Addison Flynn lived up to his reputation – he averaged 24.36 per game heading into the clash – with two three-pointers before Tamworth reeled the away side back in.
The game continued a strong rivalry between the two sides.
“We always thought it was going to be a tough match-up against the Lithgow Lazers,” Ireland said.
“We’ve come up against them three times in the last five years as part of the finals process and it’s always been tough competition, winning one out of those three games in Lithgow, so it’s nice to be able to play them on our home court.”
Following three home games in a row, the Thunderbolts will now play three of their last four regular round games away from home.
Staying injury-free will be a priority heading into finals.
“Hopefully we can stay fit, stay healthy and get the job done down the stretch and head into finals at full strength,” Ireland said.