PLYMOUTH Raiders may no longer be in the race for spot in the BBL play-offs, but coach Jay Marriott will have been pleased with his side’s 78-72 victory against Surrey United at the Surrey Sports Park on Friday evening.

The visitors broke away by double figures already in the opening quarter, escaping to a 24-13 lead after a 16-5 run to finish the period. Despite trailing by as many as 16 points in the second period, United battled back, slicing the deficit to 35-32 before the half-time break.

Having scored all 35 points for Raiders in the first half, the starting continued to carry the scoring load after the break, but United stayed on their heels, with only five points separating the sides at the end of the third quarter.

The final period was just as close, but Plymouth kept their cool and held on to the slender lead, despite United breathing down their neck throughout the second half.

All 76 points were for the visitors were scored by the starting unit, with Pierre Hampton leading the way with 21 points, eight rebounds and six assists.

Ben Mockford scored 16 points, while Emile Hopkins added 13 points and 15 boards.

Erick Forson double-doubled with 21 points and 10 rebounds for United, while Dominique Coleman and Kramer Knutson, who had 11 boards, scored 14 apiece.