Big loss ends in tumble
The SKILLED Goldfields Giants were bundled out of the State Basketball League’s top four after slumping to their heaviest loss of the season against the Lakeside Lightning in Perth on Saturday.
The Giants were left to rue yet another inconsistent performance in the 28-point defeat – a result which ended a four-game winning streak.
Saturday’s 109-81 scoreline represented Lakeside’s fourth straight win over the Giants, who now sit two games adrift of the competition’s top four.
Giants assistant coach Brendan Brinkworth, at the helm in Wayne Creek’s absence, labelled the loss “frustrating” and said the same inconsistencies which had plagued the side in previous weeks had again been evident.
“We just didn’t control the game tempo and we let them put up 111 shots, which is probably a record,” Brinkworth said.
“The really disappointing thing was the rebound count – we got smashed on the boards and we just gave them too many second and third chances.
“Our third quarter was really good, but we’ve got to start working towards playing out the whole game instead of 12 or so minutes like we have been doing.
“I just think we need to maintain 48 minutes of effort across the board – four quarters of consistency would be good.”
Goldfields’ cause was not helped with Darnell Dialls early foul trouble. He subsequently saw just 26 minutes of court time.
With the American’s influence limited, Lakeside completely dominated under the basket – pulling in 73 rebounds to the Giants’ 44.
Despite a generally one-sided scoreline, the local side were not completely without their chances and overturned a 23-point deficit to trail by just eight late in the third period.
However, Lakeside pair Luke Payne and Ben Beran restored their side’s advantage in the fourth quarter – both players shooting at over 40 per cent from the field en route to a combined 52 points.
Goldfields guard Matt Rosinski was superb offensively with 27 points while former Lightning forward Lordan Franich (17) and Tasmanian Dwayne Radcliffe (14) were also handy contributors.
Despite the best efforts of Rosinski, who had 40 points, the Giants also proved no match for the Cockburn Cougars in yesterday’s second leg of the local club’s double-header.
Cockburn controlled the match to run out decisive 119-83 winners.
Article by Dean Stacey (Kalgoorlie Miner)
Photo by Travis Anderson (Andmedia)
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.