Jack Toft
Years ago
26/11: Sixers and Blaze
A much desired win against the Tiggers last week means the screws on the Sixers are turned half a turn back - but they are still there. Gold Coast are sitting at 3 & 3 and have won their last 2 games (which were also home games) are no easy pushovers for the local lads. The Gold Coast roster oozes talent, but a champion team always beats a team of champions. On paper, The Blaze look pretty strong so no game time for Tom Daly tonight.
Harvey and Crossie seem to compliment each other as their respective team's more experienced players. They can exchange pleasantries over their post game massage. Mark "Wolverine" Worthington is their leading scorer with 15.5ppg and their leading rebounding with 7rpg. Can the Sixers find a suitable Magneto to tame him? Deleon is another dangerman but after holding Mills to a “mere 32 points” last week (let’s face it, 60 was on the cards), our guards should find this assignment slightly easier than last week. Petrie is grabbing everything and looms as a real test for the Sixer’s forwards. Gibson and Hudson round out the 5 players averaging over 10 ppg. Goulding seeking to join them.
Sixers fans will be familiar with Tom Garlepp, who had to make an unfortunate move from Adelaide due to the NBL’s “one ranga per club” rule.
For the Sixers, Ballinger looks like he is carrying an injury, but DJ is more than capable of stepping up to the plate. While many have written Helliwell off, I wonder if he is getting clear instructions. He should be a wise head out there offering more.
My kiss of death this week goes to Creeky. He plays so well in transition and could be the wildcard the Sixers need for a quick run. Looking for him to hang from the hoop on Saturday night.
At the end of the night, it all gets down to D - just ask the '86 Premiership team, who deserve all the free beer fans get them. The Sixers need to play suffocating D to frustrate the Blaze into turnovers.
Could this be another game into OT? This will be close and my prediction is the Sixers to ice the game with a Ng 3 on the final play (that's assuming the rotations are correct!)
