NBL Round 18: Perth Wildcats lose #1 position - Feb 5, 2012 (by Eurobasket News )
Coincidentally all hosts won their games.
Round 18 in NBL means a new league leader. The biggest surprise took place in Auckland where host New Zealand Breakers (15-5) beat league's leader Perth Wildcats (14-6) 83-77 on Thursday evening. It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of Perth Wildcats. It was a key game for the top position in the league. The hosts trailed by 2 points at the halftime before their 24-10 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game [read more]
Coincidentally all hosts won their games.
Round 18 in NBL means a new league leader. The biggest surprise took place in Auckland where host New Zealand Breakers (15-5) beat league's leader Perth Wildcats (14-6) 83-77 on Thursday evening. It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of Perth Wildcats. It was a key game for the top position in the league. The hosts trailed by 2 points at the halftime before their 24-10 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. 27 personal fouls committed by Perth Wildcats helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was American guard Cedric Jackson (191-G-86, college: Cleveland St.) who had a double-double by scoring 15 points and 10 assists. The other American import power forward Gary Wilkinson (204-82, college: Utah St.) chipped in 18 points and 4 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was American guard Kevin Lisch (188-86, college: St.Louis, agency: Warren Sports International) who recorded 20 points and 5 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. New Zealand Breakers have an impressive five-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader. Defending champion Perth Wildcats dropped to the second place with six games lost. They were replaced at the leadership position by Breakers. Perth Wildcats will play next round against strong Cairns Taipans trying to make it back to the top of the standings. New Zealand Breakers will try to continue on its current victory against eighth ranked Wollongong Hawks in Gwynneville. The game with biggest result difference took place in Broadbeach. Local Gold Coast Blaze (10-8) outscored 8th ranked Wollongong Hawks (5-14) 91-50. It was a good game for the former international forward Mark Worthington (202-83, college: Metro St.) who led his team to a victory with 25 points and 5 rebounds. Adam Gibson contributed with 13 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Gold Coast Blaze's coach Joey Wright felt very confident that he used 11 players and allowed the starting five to rest. American guard Ayinde Ubaka (193-85, college: California) replied with 12 points and 5 rebounds for Wollongong Hawks. Gold Coast Blaze have a solid four-game winning streak. They moved-up to fifth place. Wollongong Hawks at the other side keep the eighth position with 14 games lost. Gold Coast Blaze will play against Kings (#7) in Sydney in the next round. Wollongong Hawks will play at home against the league's leader New Zealand Breakers in Auckland and hope to get back on the winning track.
Rest of the games of round 18 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are: Crocodiles were defeated by Taipans in Cairns 85-81. Crocodiles beat 36ers at home 89-71. 36ers lost to Tigers on the opponent's court 81-87. The best stats of 18th round was 31 points and 4 assists by Chris Warren of 36ers.
The game between closely ranked teams ended with 5th ranked Townsville Crocodiles' (11-8) road loss to fourth ranked Cairns Taipans (11-9) 81-85. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 22-15. But Townsville Crocodiles won second period 23-20. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was decided in the last minutes when Cairns Taipans won last quarter 25-22. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists comparing to just 5 passes made by Townsville Crocodiles' players. It was a good game for American point guard Jamar Wilson (185-84, college: Albany, agency: Pro One Sports) who led his team to a victory with 18 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. The other American import guard Andrew Warren (195-87, college: Bradley, agency: Interperformances) contributed with 24 points for the winners. Four Cairns Taipans players scored in double figures. American point guard Edward Gill (184-78, college: Weber St., agency: Priority Sports) replied with 17 points and the former international center Luke Schenscher (216-82, college: Georgia Tech, agency: Priority Sports) added 16 points in the effort for Townsville Crocodiles. Cairns Taipans maintains fourth position with 11-9 record. Townsville Crocodiles at the other side dropped to the third place with eight games lost. Cairns Taipans will play against league's second-placed Perth Wildcats at home in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Townsville Crocodiles will play against Adelaide 36ers in Findon and hope to get back on the winning track. Top scorers: Taipans: A.Warren 24+1reb+1ast, J.Wilson 18+6reb+4ast, A.Loughton 16+8reb+1ast, B.Hill 10+2reb+3ast, A.Grabau 7+3reb+1ast, I.Crosswhite 5+7reb+8ast Crocodiles: E.Gill 17+2reb+2ast, L.Schenscher 16+2reb+1ast, T.Blanchfield 13+4reb, M.Cedar 9+2reb, C.Cedar 8+2reb+1ast, J.Holmes 6+10reb
The game with biggest result difference took place in Broadbeach. Local Gold Coast Blaze (10-8) outscored 8th ranked Wollongong Hawks (5-14) 91-50. The game without a history. Gold Coast Blaze led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Gold Coast Blaze outrebounded Wollongong Hawks 38-26 including 25 on the defensive glass. It was a good game for the former international forward Mark Worthington (202-83, college: Metro St.) who led his team to a victory with 25 points and 5 rebounds. International guard Adam Gibson (188-86) contributed with 13 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Five Gold Coast Blaze players scored in double figures. Gold Coast Blaze's coach Joey Wright felt very confident that he used 11 players and allowed the starting five to rest. American guard Ayinde Ubaka (193-85, college: California) replied with 12 points and 5 rebounds and swingman Timothy Coenraad (201-85, college: Nova SE) added 10 points in the effort for Wollongong Hawks. Gold Coast Blaze have a solid four-game winning streak. They moved-up to fifth place. Wollongong Hawks at the other side keep the eighth position with 14 games lost. Gold Coast Blaze will play against Kings (#7) in Sydney in the next round. Wollongong Hawks will play at home against the league's leader New Zealand Breakers in Auckland and hope to get back on the winning track. Top scorers: Blaze: M.Worthington 25+5reb, A.Deleon 13+6reb+1ast, A.Gibson 13+5reb+4ast, J.Cadee 12+1reb+7ast, A.Petrie 11+8reb+2ast, S.Hoare 6+5reb Hawks: A.Ubaka 12+5reb+2ast, T.Coenraad 10+3reb+2ast, J.Catron 8+3reb, R.Martin 6+2reb+1ast, T.Demos 5+2ast, O.Forman 3+2reb+1ast
No shocking result in a game in Wulguru where fifth ranked Townsville Crocodiles (11-8) defeated bottom-ranked Adelaide 36ers (5-15) 89-71. Townsville Crocodiles moved-up to third place. Adelaide 36ers lost sixth consecutive game. They dropped to the bottom position with 15 games lost. Townsville Crocodiles will again play against bottom-ranked Adelaide 36ers (#9) in Findon in the next round where they are favorite. Adelaide 36ers will have a break next round.
Round 18 in NBL means a new league leader. The biggest surprise took place in Auckland where host New Zealand Breakers (15-5) beat league's leader Perth Wildcats (14-6) 83-77 on Thursday evening. It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of Perth Wildcats. It was a key game for the top position in the league. The hosts trailed by 2 points at the halftime before their 24-10 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. 27 personal fouls committed by Perth Wildcats helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was American guard Cedric Jackson (191-86, college: Cleveland St.) who had a double-double by scoring 15 points and 10 assists. The other American import power forward Gary Wilkinson (204-82, college: Utah St.) chipped in 18 points and 4 assists. Five New Zealand Breakers players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was American guard Kevin Lisch (188-86, college: St.Louis, agency: Warren Sports International) who recorded 20 points and 5 rebounds and the former international center Luke Nevill (218-86, college: Utah) added 14 points and 6 rebounds respectively. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. New Zealand Breakers have an impressive five-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader. Defending champion Perth Wildcats dropped to the second place with six games lost. They were replaced at the leadership position by Breakers. Perth Wildcats will play next round against strong Cairns Taipans trying to make it back to the top of the standings. New Zealand Breakers will try to continue on its current victory against eighth ranked Wollongong Hawks in Gwynneville. Top scorers: Breakers: G.Wilkinson 18+3reb+4ast, C.Jackson 15+4reb+10ast, C.Bruton 14, T.Abercrombie 12+4reb+2ast, M.Vukona 11+10reb+1ast, A.Pledger 8+5reb Wildcats: K.Lisch 20+5reb, S.Redhage 15+4reb, L.Nevill 14+6reb+3ast, D.Williamson 7+4reb, M.Knight 7+4reb, D.Martin 6+9reb+7ast
Rather expected game when 8th ranked Adelaide 36ers (5-15) were defeated on the road by sixth ranked Melbourne Tigers (10-12) 87-81. The hosts were tied after three quarters but managed to speed up in last quarter eventually winning the game. Melbourne Tigers made 21-of-27 charity shots (77.8 percent) during the game. It was a good game for American point guard Myron Allen (180-79, college: Lee JC) who led his team to a victory with 12 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists. The former international forward Liam Rush (202-82) contributed with 18 points for the winners. American guard Chris Warren (178-88, college: Mississippi) replied with 31 points and 4 assists and center Daniel Johnson (212-88, college: Pepperdine) added 13 points and 11 rebounds (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line) in the effort for Adelaide 36ers. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Adelaide 36ers' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Melbourne Tigers maintains sixth position with 10-12 record. Adelaide 36ers lost sixth consecutive game. They dropped to the bottom place with 15 games lost. Melbourne Tigers will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Adelaide 36ers will play at home against Townsville Crocodiles (#3) in Wulguru and hope to get back on the winning track. Top scorers: Tigers: C.Tragardh 20+4reb, L.Rush 18+4reb+2ast, M.Allen 12+6reb+8ast, R.Dorsey 12+2reb+3ast, M.Burston 8+4reb, L.Walker 7+6reb 36ers: C.Warren 31+2reb+4ast, D.Simpson 17+9reb+1ast, D.Johnson 13+11reb+3ast, S.Weigh 12+3reb+1ast, M.Creek 3+1reb+1ast, N.Herbert 2+1reb+3ast
Crocs at crossroads - Jan 31, 2012 (by Eurobasket News )
They can cry and scream 'like four-year-old girls' or hit back and prove their NBL championship claims are legitimate.
Chief Crocodiles motivator, injured skipper Russell Hinder (208-F/C-79, college: Augusta St.), has played in teams that have reacted childishly to the sort of thrashing that was dished out to Townsville on Saturday.
But the Crocs, he said, were made of sterner stuff [read more]
They can cry and scream 'like four-year-old girls' or hit back and prove their NBL championship claims are legitimate.
Chief Crocodiles motivator, injured skipper Russell Hinder (208-F/C-79, college: Augusta St.), has played in teams that have reacted childishly to the sort of thrashing that was dished out to Townsville on Saturday.
But the Crocs, he said, were made of sterner stuff.
Townsville returned to training yesterday, reliving horror footage of the 32-point pasting dished out by Perth. 'We can use this as a useful tool, we can utilise this to our advantage,' Hinder said of the 87-55 defeat.
'We can go one of two ways; we can fall in a hole, feel sorry for ourselves and act like little four-year-old girls or we can take it as the lesson that it was and see where we have to get to if we want to be great.
'All roads lead through Perth if you want to win (the championship), so we'll use it as a learning tool.'
Since breaking his leg in September, ruling him out for the entire season, Hinder has taken on a huge motivational role.
The 32-year-old's composed but emotional team addresses at training and on game days have become a thing of legend. But when asked what he might say yesterday or later this week to the hurting Crocodiles to pick them up from yet another Perth humbling, Hinder wasn't even sure that his words would be needed.
The result, he said, would only increase the Crocs' desire and belief, not deflate their campaign.
'That's not in our make-up, it's not in our DNA - I don't see any of that in this team,' Hinder said.
'I've been on teams before where if you have a 35-point loss ... then it was the end of the world. But this is not the end of the world, this is a really good wake-up call ... we'll make this an aberration.
'We can use this as a crummy day at the office and I really believe that is what the guys will do.'
In three days the Crocs will have the chance to prove it. Things don't get any easier in a road trip to Cairns on Friday, with the Taipans equally hungry after being thrashed by Gold Coast, followed by a home clash with the Adelaide 36ers on Sunday.
'You've got to look at the grand scheme of the season - 28 games is a long season,' Hinder said.
'So you don't want to throw the baby out with the bath water, because we've been going along fairly nicely - showing a lot of character.
'Did we play our best basketball in our four-game (unbeaten) stand? No.
'But we eked out wins, there was no quit in us. 'We're a smart group, we're well coached, with some good veterans and great leaders on this team.
'So that's what we do - we'll go back to work and get better.'
Townsville remain in third place on the NBL ladder with a 10-win, seven-loss record.
Australian NBL round 17 best performance: Daniel Johnson - Jan 30, 2012 (by Eurobasket News )
Center Daniel Johnson (212-C-88) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for 36ers, receiving a Australiabasket.com Player of the Week award for round 17.
The 23-year old player had a double-double of 21 points and 16 rebounds, while his team 36ers maintains the 8th position in Australian NBL. Too late to salvage the team, which is currently ranked such low. They already lost 13 games and recorded just five victories [read more]
Center Daniel Johnson (212-C-88) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for 36ers, receiving a Australiabasket.com Player of the Week award for round 17. The 23-year old player had a double-double of 21 points and 16 rebounds, while his team 36ers maintains the 8th position in Australian NBL. Too late to salvage the team, which is currently ranked such low. They already lost 13 games and recorded just five victories. Johnson turned to be 36ers' top player in his first season with the team. Former Pepperdine University star has very solid stats this year. Johnson is in league's top in points (6th best: 16.4ppg), rebounds (5th best: 8.1rpg) and averages impressive 1.3bpg and 50.5% FGP.
The second best player in last round's games was 33-year old American Edward Gill (184-PG-78, agency: Priority Sports) of Crocodiles. Gill had a very good evening with 17 points and 7 rebounds. Of course Crocodiles cruised to a 79-69 relatively comfortable win over the lower-ranked 36ers (#8, 5-13). Crocodiles' 3rd position in the standings has not changed. His team's 10-7 record is not bad at all. Gill is a newcomer at Crocodiles, but is already one of team's top players.
Third on the list of top players last round was American forward Shawn Redhage (203-F-81, agency: Warren Sports International) of league's top team Wildcats. Redhage scored 16 points and grabbed six rebounds. He was a key player of Wildcats, leading his team to a 87-55 easy win against #3 ranked Crocodiles in a game of the week. Wildcats confirms their top position in the standings. Their record at this point is 14 victories and 5 lost games. Redhage has a very solid season. In 19 games in Australia he scored 14.2ppg. He also has 4.4rpg and 3.1apg. Shawn Redhage has also Australian passport and can play in the league with a status of domestic player.
Other top performing players last week: 4. Myron Allen (180-PG-79) of Tigers - 17 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists 5. Julian Khazzouh (209-C-86) of Kings - 20 points and 8 rebounds 6. Jesse Wagstaff (203-F-86) of Wildcats - 13 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists 7. Ayinde Ubaka (193-G-85) of Hawks - 15 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists 8. Liam Rush (202-F-82) of Tigers - 18 points and 6 rebounds 9. Jacob Holmes (201-F-83) of Crocodiles - 14 points and 11 rebounds 10. Luke Nevill (218-C-86) of Wildcats - 11 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists
The Player of the week is choosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc. The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy. The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3* (REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4* (2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3* (2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3* (3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)
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