Kingston University Mens 78-60 Exeter University Mens

A 37-point counter-attacking performance by Point guard Bode Adeluola spurred Kingston University to Premier League promotion with a 78-60 basketball win over Exeter University on Wednesday night.

Victory at the Kingston Arena completed a 171-133 aggregate success following Kingston’s 93-73 win in the first leg in Devon on March 3 and propelled the men’s team to the BUCs Southern Premier League for next season.

“We have done what we set out to do and it’s a great achievement, the best kind at Kingston. The victory was really set in the away game when we played our best basketball all season,” said Kingston captain Wybe Blankvoort.

With the luxury of that 20-point advantage, Kingston began the match with confidence and quickly established a lead, ending the first quarter 16-12 in front.

The home team stretched that margin to 24-14 at half time. A combination of devastating Kingston counter-attacks and a number of wasteful three point attempts from Exeter giving Kingston a comfortable lead.

The third quarter belonged to Exeter who briefly led 43-37 as Kingston stuttered. But  Player-of-the-Match Adeluola and Marius Poskus staged a comeback, sinking a series of baskets to give the home team a narrow 48-43 lead going into the final quarter.

With the overall outcome all but confirmed and the pressure off, both teams produced some outstanding attacking basketball in the final quarter, Kingston putting the seal on a commanding 18 point victory.

“It was great to see the university come and support the team as they did and hopefully it will be a stepping-stone for more to come next season,” Wybe said.