McNaught’s heroics see Storm remain perfect after another nail-biter

Alex McNaught’s series of clutch plays down the stretch helped maintain Hemel Storm’s perfect start as they overcame Essex Rebels 93-88 on Sunday. 

It was another tight affair for Tom Baker’s side, and again it went all the way to the wire, but they found a way through and advanced their BCB league record to 3-0, making it seven straight wins to start the campaign. 

They trailed by two with just over a minute on the clock, but Victor Olarerin, who starred with 23 points, converted a tough lay-in to level the game. 

Then it was time for McNaught to take centre stage, first standing tall to bravely take an offensive foul from the Rebels’ Tyreese Hudson, and then nailing an off-balance three which proved decisive. 

Trapped in by the baseline as the seconds ticked down on Storm’s crucial possession, he launched what looked like a hopeful attempt into the air as the buzzer sounded, but it landed and his side took a three-point lead with 17 seconds to play. 

The Rebels missed their first shot, but maintained possession with a baseline inbound, but a combination of Jabari Nurse and McNaught forced Tre Baumgardner III into a travel. 

McNaught then finished things off with a pair of free throws after winning a foul, affording all involved a deep sigh of relief. 

The five-point victory followed six, eight (after overtime) and three points successes in their last three outings, as Baker’s side again displayed great character to battle their way to a win despite not being at their best. 

It was a frustrating afternoon at times as they let a 13-point second-quarter lead slip and found themselves behind for the majority of the third period, but they refused to lie down and remain one of just two unbeaten BCB sides, alongside Reading Rockets. 

Olarerin was the only man to really find his offensive flow, taking matters into his own hands at times, and Storm lacked the defensive staunchness they’ve prided themselves on so far this season. 

Their long-range shooting wasn’t at its finest, connecting with just nine of their 31 three-point attempts, but the only statistic they’ll be studying right now is the scoreline, and it makes for good reading. 

The winning habit is not an easy one to accrue, but Baker’s side have become masters of getting over the line in whatever way they can, and if they can keep that up, they will be well placed come next April. 

They recovered from a slow start to lead by five at the end of the first quarter, a Jabari Nurse three-pointer sending them into the first break the happier of the two sides.  

Nurse again impressed in the absence of fellow American Jared Small, who is recovering from an oblique injury, and had 16 points, while Brayden Inger worked hard for his 10-point, 12-rebound double-double. 

Yves Nkomba and Kai Walker made an impact off the bench, the latter narrowly missing out on his own double-double with nine points and 11 rebounds, and eight unanswered points to start the second extended Storm’s advantage to a game-high 13. 

But the Rebels wrestled back the momentum with a 19-6 run, interrupted only by a pair of Olarerin threes, and tied the game at 48 apiece at half-time. 

There was little to split the sides in the third, Storm never holding the lead but the Rebels never extending their advantage past five, and the hosts were up by one point at the final break. 

Storm regained their lead less than a minute into the fourth quarter, forcing Rebels Head Coach Joshua Perkins into a timeout, but they couldn’t break away and the contest remained in the balance throughout the period. 

Back-to-back threes from Kyron Martin and a Baumgardner free throw had the hosts two ahead with a minute on the clock, but Olarerin went to work and found a vital two points, before McNaught took control. 

Charge taken, an extraordinary three-point attempt made, the New Zealand international then helped force Baumgardner into a travel and kept hold of the ball as the Rebels pressed high, winning a foul and converting from the charity to secure another hard-fought win. 

Baker would perhaps hope to see some more complete performances from his side in the weeks to come, but while they are winning he can have no qualms. 

Next up, they return to the StormDome to take on Bristol Hurricanes next Saturday. Tickets for that one are available here.