Buccs withstand heat from Flames

Sun City Plumbing Geraldton Buccaneers survived an amazing late comeback to score a crucial 104-98 victory over Rockingham Flames in the men’s State Basketball League.

The Buccaneers moved into a tie for first place with the win, behind league leaders Willetton on percentage, while Rockingham’s finals hopes suffered a massive blow as it fell to four losses outside the top eight with just eight games left.

Geraldton led by 15 with just six minutes remaining, but Rockingham went on an 18-4 run to make the margin just one with 1:30 remaining, where it stayed until the final 30 seconds.

Rockingham had a possession with less than a minute left where a field goal would have put it in front, but it suffered a shot clock violation before Aaron Ralph hit a three-point shot for Geraldton to ensure its victory.

Geraldton got off to a slow start and trailed as late as four minutes into the third quarter but appeared to have the game won when the margin reached double figures early in the fourth.

The ejection of Buccaneers import Brian Connolly when the margin was 15 in the final quarter appeared to get Rockingham back in the game, with its comeback starting from that point.

Ryan Zamroz made six of his 13 three-point attempts to lead Geraldton with 35 points and Ralph added 16 points.

Carlin Hughes was in great form for Rockingham with 20 points and 14 assists but air-balled an open shot at a crucial stage while Rhett Della Maddalena was its leading scorer with 24.

Geraldton was in the middle of a three-game road-trip, which saw it lose to Lakeside 98-94 the previous night before meeting Cockburn tomorrow.

Buccaneers coach Ray Evans credited Rockingham but said the tough schedule hurt his team.

“We were a little bit tired and had a few mental errors. We threw the ball away a few times and they got hot and hit a few shots, which gave them a bit of confidence,” he said.

“Coming after a tough game last night it was obviously going to be a tough game today. I thought we played well to start with but our defensive intensity wasn’t really there from the get go.

“Rockingham are a great team and the league is that tough this year that you can’t let your guard down on anyone.” effort.

Article by Jacob Kagi
Photo by Grant Lauterbach

Follow the SBL on Facebook




Comments

Comment Guidelines: The SportsTG Network is made up of players, families and passionate sports followers like you who have a strong opinion about sport. That's great - we want you to have your say and share your thoughts with the world. However, we have a few rules that you must follow to keep it fun for all. Please don't be rude, abusive, swear or vilify others. Apart from some pretty serious sport sanctions, we also can ban you and report you if things get out of hand. So play fair and have fun, and thanks for your contribution.

Refreshing your Website?

Mobile responsive websites made easy using the new Stack Commerce Website Theme. Subscribe and enhance your site using our range of Add On Features including an integrated Shop.

Laptops showing the Stack Commerce Website Theme.