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Meyer shows class to fire Jets into last four
Loren Meyer may have been linked with a move to European giants Real Madrid but Chester must be delighted the ex-NBA centre is staying with them.
Meyer fired up 23 points and 16 rebounds to guide the Jets to a 82-74 victory over Derby Storm which puts them into the last four of the uni-ball Trophy for the first time since 1997.
"Being here has helped me step out of myself a little but and see the game better," said the former Denver Nugget. "I'm saving myself for the second half rather than using all my energy up early on."
That much was in evidence in all of Chester's team who showed up for their early start at the Skydome in uncharacteristically sloppy mood, allowing Derby to blast out ahead, seven straight points carrying them to a 18-17 lead at the first break.
However Robbie Peers' side quickly recovered, new signing Duane Clemens putting them in front early in the second stanza and soon after polishing off a 7-0 run which gave them the advantage for good.
Taking a 46-36 lead into the interval, Chester were able to cruise as time and again, Derby failed to get any chance to go to the foul line - their second trip coming late in the third at which point Chester had already taken 20 foul shots.
The Storm continued to play good defence and made a late rally, led by their catalyst Barry Bowman.
Carl Miller fouled out with eight minutes left, causing a farcical moment as the officials mistakenly allowed Meyer to score before Kevin Wall had sent in a replacement.
That sparked a 0-8 Derby reply but it was not enough to keep them in the hunt.
"They came out to play hard," praised Meyer of his opponents. "This was their final game that meant something and they came out and played great defence - credit to them."
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