HUDDERSFIELD HEAT showed signs of improvement as they suffered a hard-fought 81-79 defeat at Derby Trailblazers II.
Despite a difficult first half, where Heat went in at the interval losing 47-37, they out-played their opponents in the second half to come close to record an unlikely victory.
When Jason Swaine appeared to get fouled attempting the last shot of the game, the Heat could have had the chance to win it from the line, but the referee decided otherwise.
Both sides struggled to find their rhythm early on, but Derby took the initiative, and it took two three-pointers from Eugene Andrew to ensure the Heat remained within touching distance, just losing 18-14 after the first quarter.
In the second quarter defence would give way to offence as both teams attacked with greater purpose and Swaine found his rhythm, scoring three impressive threes, while Derby’s Simon Spencer replied, scoring nine points of his own.
As the second half started, the Heat switched to a zone defence, attempting to restrict the home team’s offensive threat.
It proved effective, though the Heat still trailed as the quarter came to a close.
Losing 68-56, the Heat finally came alive in the final quarter. Joe Irving started hitting his shots, and the Heat defence limited Derby to just 13 points.
With seconds remaining on the clock, the referee’s decision not to award a foul when Swaine attempted a shot meant the home side would take the win.
Huddersfield Heat 79: Andrew (9), Huggett (7), Irving (20), Bigley (19), Woodward (1) - Kraus (2), Swaine (19), Perez (0), Gray (1).
Derby Trailblazers II 81: Henderson (5), Daykin (29), Spencer (23), Slater (4), Bowen (4) - Lewis (0), Hallam (8), Fitchett (5), Jones (0), Atterbury (0), Brown (3), Henderson (0).
