Undermanned WheelKings no match for Roller Hawks
Sunday, 26th June, 2011
Last year's grand finalists Wollongong Roller Hawks were far too good for Sydney Uni today, winning easily 103-55 at the Sydney University Sports and Aquatic Centre. The WheelKings were missing their 2 leading scorers and rebounders, Koen Jansens and CJ Grogan, and Coach Hewson was also away at the AIS running the Australian U/25 Women's training camp.
Without Jansens who was ill and Grogan who'd returned to his home in Darwin for the school holidays, the WheelKings lacked the height and firepower to be able to trouble Wollongong at either end of the court. However, it was veteran Craig Cannane who put the home team on his back in the early going, scoring 12 points in the first quarter, but he had little help and Uni went to the break trailling 24-17.
The Roller Hawks really ramped up the defence in the second quarter, particularly on Cannane who was held scoreless. Meanwhile, Wollongong continued their assault led by Australian representative Tristan Knowles and forward Shawn Russell. The visitors won the quarter 34-14 to gain a substantial 56-31 halftime lead.
Assistant coach Alan Cox tried different combinations in the second half but couldn't find anyone who could put the ball in the basket at a decent clip. Uni got plenty of shots (87 to Wollongong's 78) but connected on a miserable 29% to Wollongong's 62%. Most of the credit goes to the Hawks defence which had rattled the WheelKings into missing open looks and layups, holding them to just 55 points, and cementing the 48 point win.
Special mention must go to Wollongong's Shawn Russell who had the game of his life - 45 points @ 69%, 21 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 blocks and 2 steals. A remarkable performance! Australian Roller Tristan Knowles also starred with a triple double - 26 points, 17 rebounds and 11 assists. They were supported by the vastly improved Luke Pople (14/5/7).
For the WheelKings, Craig Cannane battled hard against his taller opponents and finished the match with a creditable 20 points and 8 boards. Kylie Gauci had a double-double of 10 points and 12 assists but she and Craig were the only players to get into double figures in any category.
A special mention goes to rookies Tim Markcrow and Stephanie Van Leeuwen who made their court debuts with the WheelKings, and both scored their first baskets.
It was a tough loss but Uni will be hoping to get back on a winning track when they travel to Brisbane for a double-header against the Spinning Bullets on July 9.
Photo: High scorers - Shawn Russell guards Craig Cannane (photo courtesy of Maxwell Illingworth)
More of Maxwell's photos at http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.219464548093825.55921.120408607999420
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