PHOENIX (AP) – The Arizona Thunderbirds overcame a sluggish first half to pull off a thrilling 97-96 victory over the London Knights. After trailing by 15 points at halftime, the Thunderbirds stormed back in the second half, led by a dominant performance from Doyle Wagoner, who finished with 35 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists on an efficient 17-for-27 shooting. His efforts earned him Player of the Game honors as Arizona secured the narrow win.
Knights Take Command Early
The game started in London’s favor, as the Knights came out strong in the first quarter, outscoring the Thunderbirds 28-21. Their momentum carried into the second quarter, where they extended their lead with a 27-19 advantage, heading into halftime with a 55-40 lead. The Knights’ balanced scoring attack was key, with Nathan Hindman (19 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals) and Danny Largent (15 points, 5 rebounds) leading the way.
Meanwhile, Arizona struggled to find offensive rhythm in the first half. Ben Toy (2-for-10 FG) and Matthew Flint (1-for-10 FG) had difficulty converting their opportunities, and the team as a whole shot just 41.4% (41-for-99) from the field. Their 6-for-20 (30.0%) three-point shooting also contributed to their early struggles.
Thunderbirds Surge in the Second Half
Coming out of the locker room, the Thunderbirds flipped the script with a dominant 33-20 third quarter, cutting the deficit to just two points. Wagoner took over in the paint, while John Bigler (18 points, 6 rebounds) provided key perimeter scoring. Arizona’s defense also tightened up, forcing London into tougher shots and limiting their second-chance opportunities.
In the fourth quarter, Arizona completed the comeback, outscoring the Knights 24-21 to seal the victory. Their rebounding dominance (56-44 advantage) played a crucial role, as they grabbed 19 offensive rebounds, leading to critical second-chance points.
Key Performances and Team Stats
Wagoner’s 35-point outburst was the highlight of the night, but he had strong support from Bigler and Manuel Hendershot (7 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals), who contributed across multiple categories. Oscar Smyth (10 points, 5 rebounds) also chipped in with timely buckets.
For the Knights, Hindman’s 19 points and 4 steals stood out, while Orville Callan (15 points, 8 rebounds) and Largent provided solid contributions. However, London’s 2-for-10 (20.0%) three-point shooting hurt their ability to keep pace with Arizona’s second-half surge.
Overall, the Thunderbirds shot 41.4% (41-for-99) from the field, slightly lower than the Knights’ 45.1% (41-for-91). However, Arizona’s ability to convert second-chance opportunities and control the boards proved to be the difference.
Turning Points and Final Thoughts
The game’s turning point came in the third quarter when Arizona’s defensive pressure and rebounding dominance allowed them to erase the deficit. Wagoner’s inside scoring and Bigler’s perimeter shooting proved too much for London to handle down the stretch.
While the Knights controlled the first half, their inability to maintain their offensive efficiency in the second half ultimately cost them the game. Meanwhile, the Thunderbirds’ resilience and second-half adjustments showcased their ability to fight through adversity. With this victory, Arizona continues to prove they are a dangerous team in the National Conference, while London will need to regroup after letting a commanding lead slip away.
