Isaac
Years ago
North women, Sturt men, win nailbiters
Girls game first up and the Sabres held the lead much of the way after North started strongly. Phillips was fantastic for North and brought them back into the game, while Monique Bowley was solid on the boards and near-tireless offensively.
It came down to a final play for North with scores level, after Sturt had failed to capitalise on their last possession. Tania Dhu hit a gutsy three which swished after the buzzer and the Rockets were three point victors.
In the men's game, the Sabres led for much of the game and held on for a tough two point win, 94-96. The result came despite Sturt playing without Todd Gower who missed the game through injury. Oscar Forman had 14 in the first quarter and finished with 33 points and 16 rebounds, while Nick Hambour was big for North scoring a huge 39 points (17-25 from the field) and pulling down 10 rebounds (maybe spurred by my "features Nick Hambour" promo!).
The Rockets fought their way back into contention, but couldn't snatch the win after Sturt managed an offensive rebound with seconds remaining to deny North a final opportunity to draw level.
I haven't heard the results from Centrals vs Eastern or West vs Norwood, but a big bleargh to those who doubted Hillcrest would be hosting the double-header of the week: two huge, closely contested games, a win to each club, and big performances from individuals representing each team. A good night of basketball, and credit to the North announcer for calling out the leading scorers and rebounders from the teams at each quarter break -- much appreciated.
