McKnight keeps Guildford Heat on tail of BBL pacesetters

GUILDFORD Heat continued their encouraging start to the season as player/coach Chad McKnight inspired them to a 82-74 win over Everton Tigers.

Heat move third in the BBL Championship, behind early season pacesetters Newcastle and Sheffield, as McKnight banked a game-high 20 points and Kenny Langhorne weighed in with an 18-point contribution.

"We lost at the Tigers two weeks ago in the last two minutes, so we were keen to come out strong," said McKnight.

"At half time, I had to tell the guys to control the game and this is what led to a good team win."

Rob Paternostro's Leicester Riders got back to winning ways with a hard-fought 106-101 away win over Worthing Thunder, who were without imports Reggie Bratton and Sherrad Prezzie Blue through injury.

Tack Minor top-scored with an impressive 36 point contribution but Paternostro claims there is no room for improvement.

"Defensively, we are still a bit suspect, and Worthing are definitely one of the hardest working teams in this league," he said.

"The trip down to play them will be tough for anybody in the BBL.'

Worcester Wolves claimed their first league win of the season with a 98-80 victory over London Capital, as Lithuanian's Evaldas Zabas and Vidmantas Uzkuraitis top-scored with 25 and 24 points respectively.

However, Plymouth Raiders are still searching for their first league victory following a heavy 102-80 home defeat against Milton Keynes Lions.