EAGLES CREATE HISTORY WITH FIRST FINALS WIN
After 2 seasons of being eliminated from the finals in the first round, LTU continued their great 2006 season with a 23 point win over 2nd placed Monash Uni in the Big V D2 Men's Qualifying final.
It was probably the best team game the Eagles have played in 2006 and one observer said it was the best he said seen them play since LTU joined the Big V. Tim Sturrock again dominated inside finishing with 33 points and 8 rebounds. He also shot a fantastic 19 of 20 from the free throw line. He probably would have gone 20 of 20 had Josh Croall not put the moz on him by drawing attention to his great streak on his final free throw for the game.
Sturrock was continually double and triple teamed which allowed the rest of the Eagles to punish Monash. Pete Leimonitis, Paul DiMarzio and Dev Sturdy were continual inside outside threats. Combined, they shot over 50% from 3 point land and also shared 20 boards between them.
Floor general, Dean Sutton looked after the ball well and never made a bad decision despite the constant harrassment of Darryl McDonald.
Big Ticket, Neville Chivhanganye, stepped into injured centre, Josh Croall's starting position and performed admirably against former NBL superstar Willie Simmons. Nev was awesome on D and Simmons was only able to score by reaching into the vault and pulling out some old school skyhooks.
Even Ike Rogers and rookie Bryn Philpot-Evans did their bit for the team despite limited playing time. Hustle and determination helped keep the Monash offence in check while the starters got their breath back.
Coach Sarge Whelan was pumped up and when Paul DiMarzio splashed a 3 with a couple of minutes to go he punched the air and exclaimed, "That's the f***ing game". It was a moment that punctuated the significance of the occasion for the long time member of LTU who rarely shows any emotion during a game.
The Eagles now take on minor premiers, Warragul Warriors in Drouin this Saturday night at 8.00pm. Once again, this is sure to be a close contest with both teams having won at the other's home court during the season.
LTU is considering hiring a bus that will take spectators from La Trobe Uni to the Warragul game and drop them off at the Harp or at La Trobe Uni following the game. Cost of the bus ride would be approximately $20. Spectators interested in joining the bus ride should contact the club via email at basketball@latrobe.edu.au by 10am Thursday August 3rd.
BIG V MEDIA RELEASE note time for LTU v Warragul match is incorrect.
BOXSCORE
It was probably the best team game the Eagles have played in 2006 and one observer said it was the best he said seen them play since LTU joined the Big V. Tim Sturrock again dominated inside finishing with 33 points and 8 rebounds. He also shot a fantastic 19 of 20 from the free throw line. He probably would have gone 20 of 20 had Josh Croall not put the moz on him by drawing attention to his great streak on his final free throw for the game.
Sturrock was continually double and triple teamed which allowed the rest of the Eagles to punish Monash. Pete Leimonitis, Paul DiMarzio and Dev Sturdy were continual inside outside threats. Combined, they shot over 50% from 3 point land and also shared 20 boards between them.
Floor general, Dean Sutton looked after the ball well and never made a bad decision despite the constant harrassment of Darryl McDonald.
Big Ticket, Neville Chivhanganye, stepped into injured centre, Josh Croall's starting position and performed admirably against former NBL superstar Willie Simmons. Nev was awesome on D and Simmons was only able to score by reaching into the vault and pulling out some old school skyhooks.
Even Ike Rogers and rookie Bryn Philpot-Evans did their bit for the team despite limited playing time. Hustle and determination helped keep the Monash offence in check while the starters got their breath back.
Coach Sarge Whelan was pumped up and when Paul DiMarzio splashed a 3 with a couple of minutes to go he punched the air and exclaimed, "That's the f***ing game". It was a moment that punctuated the significance of the occasion for the long time member of LTU who rarely shows any emotion during a game.
The Eagles now take on minor premiers, Warragul Warriors in Drouin this Saturday night at 8.00pm. Once again, this is sure to be a close contest with both teams having won at the other's home court during the season.
LTU is considering hiring a bus that will take spectators from La Trobe Uni to the Warragul game and drop them off at the Harp or at La Trobe Uni following the game. Cost of the bus ride would be approximately $20. Spectators interested in joining the bus ride should contact the club via email at basketball@latrobe.edu.au by 10am Thursday August 3rd.
BIG V MEDIA RELEASE note time for LTU v Warragul match is incorrect.
BOXSCORE
Last Modified on 01/08/2006 12:47
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