Surrey Scorchers were beaten 96-89 by the Plymouth Raiders in the 1st leg of the BBL Trophy Semi-Final.
Tony Hicks led Surrey with a season-high 27 points and seven assists, but Creon Raftopoulos’ side will need to win by eight points on Sunday to secure their place in next week’s final.
Scorchers started the game strongly as Tony Hicks and Lacey James scored at will, while slowing down a Plymouth side littered with fire power.
Former Scorcher Will Neighbour drained three consecutive three-pointers for the home side, but Surrey held firm to lead 25-21 at the end of the first quarter.
Ricky McGill took control for Plymouth in the second quarter, as Prince Ibeh and Mike Morsell scored freely to flip the game on its head.
Plymouth Raiders took a slender two-point lead into the second half.
Tony Hicks and Ryan Richards continued to lead the way for Scorchers, but Plymouth pulled away to an 11-point lead with two minutes remaining in the third quarter.
Creon Raftopoulos’ side were able to slow the game down and move back to within six points heading into the final quarter.
As players continued to exchange words and emotions ran high in the semi-final encounter, Ricky McGill and Tony Hicks exchanged baskets throughout a nervy fourth quarter.
Plymouth Raiders won the contest on the night 96-89, meaning Surrey have to win by eight points on Sunday to secure a place in the BBL Trophy final.
The second leg tips-off at 2pm on Sunday afternoon – watch live on BBL Player.
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