The Journo
Years ago
Bearcats Friday Night Horrors
A night of horrors hit Port Adelaide last Friday night as West Adelaide dropped both games to the finals bound Eastern Mavericks.
The whole season came down to one game for the West women, who should have been confident after defeating the Mavericks 79-72 earlier in the season.
How times have changed, Eastern went on a tear to open the game winning 15 point lead in the first quarter.
Eastern dominated both ends of the floor as the Bearcats struggled for everything but desire.
Still trailing by double figures, and their season in the balance, West was sparked to life by Irene Sourlatzis, who had a game high 20 points, including nine in a frantic final quarter.
The Bearcats run was left way too late as the Mavericks for only the second time in the history of the competition, defeat West at home 73-58 and pinch the fifth and final playoff spot.
Sourlatzis' 20 points, four steals and four rebounds was the stand out, Erin Seward added 11 points and seven rebounds as they were the only to Bearcats to reach double figures.
Cayla Francis was a huge factor with 19 points and 15 rebounds while Kate Hilton (16 points), Conor O'Brien (12 points, seven rebounds) and Amanda Williams (17 points) all provided timely contributions for Eastern.
The same story ca be said for the Bearcat men, a big build to a game but no the big performance.
Opening on fire, both teams shot a high field goal percentage in a fiery yet skilful opening, but it was the Mavericks who had the more desperation.
The defending champions had to win to make the five, while West had an out clause in their finals aspirations, which showed on court as the Mavericks raced to a 12-point lead in the second quarter and never looked back.
Danny Phillips yet again was the soul winner for West with another game high 27 points including another seven three-pointers which saved the Bearcats from embarrassment.
Brad Davis added fire from Phillips with a hot streak of his own to score 27 points on 11/18 shooting.
Forestville's victory over South Adelaide gives West a playoff ticket as the Bearcats will limp to Mount Barker this week to try and reverse the 100-84 loss last round to the Mavericks.
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