Cougars put out Rockingham's flame
The Cockburn Cougars have fought off a determined Rockingham Peel Finance Flames to win 84-70 in Round 3 of the 2012 men's SBL season.
In what was a very back and forth game which saw both teams go on various runs, the Cougars gained momentum when it mattered most and pulled away.
Both teams fought hard for every possession and at times the game had its heated and physical moments. The Cougars outscored the Flames 23-14 in the fourth quarter to set up the win.
With both teams shooting 24% and 12% from beyond the three-point line, the game was mainly won inside and this was further indicated by the fact that the two leading scorers were the starting centres of both teams.
This leaves the Flames winless after four starts this season.
Cougars import Brian Carlwell led all scorers with 29 points, 19 of which were scored in the first half alone. Sheldon McIntyre also contributed with an impressive 13 points, 12 rebounds and 8 assists.
Flames centre James Booyer had 23 points and 13 rebounds on the night.
Cockburn coach Stephen Charlton praised his players’ ability to execute when the game was on the line and the effort made by both teams.
“Down the stretch and in a couple of crucial times we got the defensive stops we needed and for the majority of the game we stuck to our structures when we needed to and had the faith at the end of the day that they’d work for us,” he said.
“At the end of the day 14 points is pretty unfair for the margin, I thought it was a pretty good game and came down to a few little plays.”
In the earlier WSBL game the Rockingham Flames defeated the Cockburn Cougars 78-65.
The Flames were in control from the start of the match, outscoring the Cougars 28-18 in the first quarter.
The Cougars did fight their way back, winning the next two quarters but Rockingham remained composed and outscored Cockburn in the fourth to stretch the winning margin to a comfortable 12 points.
Both teams shot less than 40% from the field but it was the Flames work on the defensive end which included 12 steals and 7 blocked shots that got them the win.
Emma Cannon and Kaye Tucker combined to score 55 points for the Flames.
Stephanie Jones top scored for the Cougars with 18 points.
Article by Aemero Yitbarek at Wally Hagan Stadium
Photo by Darren Speedie (Vision Inspired Photography)
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