University team tame the Cornwall Cougars
Thunder came out strong on defence, playing smart by limiting the fouls and trying to get into an offensive rhythm.
It was soon obvious they were doing that, with Jones making an eight-point run early in the first quarter.
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Hide AdThunder played strong on the defensive boards leading to a buzzer-beating shot by Johnston at the end of the first to give Thunder a 30-17 lead.
Cornwall struggled inside with Chiwuzie a huge presence in the paint causing them to move into team fouls and giving a Thunder a lead of 51-40 as Cornwall tried to reduce the lead.
During the third quarter, Hield was the defensive spark off the bench grabbing defensive boards and blocking shots, which helped Thunder keep Cornwall to an eight-point quarter while still scoring 25 points thanks to excellent ball movement executed by point guard Johnson.
Thunder went on a fourth-quarter run after picking up momentum from Johnston, hitting four consecutive three pointers. Top scorers were Johnston with 40, Chiwuzie with 22 and Jones with ten.
THUNDER: E Davies (coach), Johnston, Jones, Coulter, Johnson, Chiwuzie, Hield, Godliman, Fazackerley.