Hemel Storm edged a high-scoring Commonwealth Basketball Games contest against Bristol Hurricanes on October 25, 2026, winning 101-93. The hosts crossed the century mark behind a patient but fast-paced offensive performance, while Bristol’s late surge made the final minutes more tense than the scoreline initially suggested.

• Final score: Hemel Storm 101, Bristol Hurricanes 93
• Competition: Commonwealth Basketball Games
• Date: October 25, 2026
• Winning margin: 8 points

Storm build a first-half platform

Hemel opened with purpose, scoring 26 points in the first quarter and adding 25 more before halftime. Bristol kept pace for much of the opening period, but the Storm’s ability to turn defensive stops into quick offense gradually created separation. A 51-46 halftime lead gave Hemel a narrow but deserved advantage.

The third quarter proved decisive. Hemel found better spacing, attacked closeouts, and produced a 24-20 period to extend the lead to 75-66. Bristol remained dangerous, but the Hurricanes were forced to expend significant energy chasing the game.

Key moments in the 101-93 result

The Storm’s most important run came midway through the third quarter. A sequence of defensive rebounds and transition baskets pushed the lead into double digits and forced Bristol into a timeout. Hemel’s ball movement was sharp during that stretch, with extra passes creating open perimeter looks and cutting lanes.

Bristol refused to fold. The Hurricanes trimmed the deficit in the fourth quarter, using aggressive drives and offensive rebounding to create second-chance points. They came within striking distance late, but Hemel answered with timely buckets and free throws to protect the win. The final period finished 26-27 in Bristol’s favor, a small consolation on a night when Hemel’s earlier work proved decisive.

Tactical story: pace, spacing, and responses

This was a game played at speed. Both teams looked comfortable in transition, but Hemel controlled the tempo more consistently. The Storm’s guards pushed the ball when the opportunity was there and settled into organized half-court sets when Bristol slowed the pace. That balance helped Hemel avoid the dry spells that can plague high-tempo teams.

Bristol’s offense had strong moments, particularly when the Hurricanes attacked the rim and forced help defenders to rotate. However, Hemel’s defensive rebounding and ability to limit clean three-point looks in key moments made the difference. The Storm also benefited from a deeper scoring spread, which kept Bristol from keying on one option.

Standout performers

Hemel’s perimeter players dictated the flow, combining shot-making with pressure defense. The Storm’s leading scorer set the tone early, while the bench provided energy and timely buckets. Inside, Hemel’s frontcourt competed on the glass and finished through contact when Bristol tried to close the lane.

Bristol’s backcourt was central to the comeback attempt, creating shots off the dribble and pushing the pace in the fourth quarter. The Hurricanes’ interior players also made an impact on the offensive boards, but the team could not string together enough stops when it mattered most.

What the result means in the Commonwealth Basketball Games

The win gives Hemel Storm a valuable result in the Commonwealth Basketball Games table and reinforces their ability to close out competitive games. A 101-point performance will boost confidence, but the coaching staff will also note the fourth-quarter defensive lapses that allowed Bristol to stay within reach.

For Bristol Hurricanes, the loss is a frustrating one because the offense did enough to compete. The focus will be on defensive consistency and avoiding the mid-game runs that put them behind. With the margin at eight points, this result could also matter if head-to-head or point differential becomes relevant later in the competition.