Cougars roar past struggling Buccs
Cockburn Cougars’ dream start to the men’s State Basketball League season continued with a 91-84 home victory against Sun City Plumbing Geraldton Buccaneers on Sunday.
The Cougars were behind with eight minutes remaining and had trailed by as many as eight at one stage, but recovered to earn their second win of the opening round.
But it was a much different story for Geraldton, who lost both games of their road-trip, after falling to Mandurah 91-69 on Saturday, even though both of their opponents finished well outside the top eight in 2010.
The under-strength Buccaneers led for the majority of the first half and were up by three heading into the final quarter, but the Cougars went on a 7-0 run with four minutes left to seal victory.
New imports Ty Harrelson and Stanley Ocitti led Cockburn to their 90-70 win on Saturday and were again impressive against the Buccaneers, with 27 and 20 points respectively.
Geraldton were without imports Michael Lay and Todd Brown, as well as veteran centre Ben Pepper, and they struggled to cope with their absences, as only short-term signing Everard Bartlett (33 points) and forward Aaron Ralph (29) scored more than 10.
Pepper’s unavailability proved particularly vital, with Geraldton losing the rebound battle 56-43, while the Cougars were allowed to score 42 points in the paint.
Cockburn coach Stephen Charlton was heard berating his side’s lack of passion and intensity during a third quarter timeout, but he said he was happy with the way his team reacted.
“I think the boys thought with the Buccs being a little bit undermanned that they’d go away. But the Buccs don’t ever go away, so I gave them a little bit of a rocket and the boys responded really well,” Charlton said.
“We probably battled a little more than we wanted to, which is a credit to the Buccs, who were obviously a lot of people down, but we’re happy to take the win at this stage.”
Geraldton’s next four games are at home, beginning against Rockingham on Saturday, while Cockburn face local rivals and defending champions Willetton.
Article by Jacob Kagi at Wally Hagan Stadium
Photo by Mick Cronin
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