Blue Collar
Years ago
Funny Tigers vs Panthers
'The largest of all cats, the tiger is one of the biggest and most fearsome predators in the world. Tigers are distinctively camouflaged with their gold coloring and black stripes. Their fierce retractile claws and powerful bodies put tigers at the top of the food chain - they eat just about anything and nothing eats them.'
Last night at the Cage at M/vale, the Tigers certainly were ferocious. A final quarter onslaught was the icing on the cake for a game that the Tigers controlled well from start to finish.
Starting the game well, the Tigers had import Pochintesta in rare touch until just prior to half time, when an unusual incident led to Pochintesta being carried from the floor with an apparent ankle injury to take no further part in the game.
After half time the rest of the Tigers main rotation stepped up well to cover the absence of Pochintesta. None more so then Gerlach and Clarke. Both hit some big 3's and Gerlach was clutch down the stretch as the Panthers had no answer.
Credit to the Panthers for making a run early in the 4th quarter on the back of consequetive bombs from Campbell, but it was the all-over floor onslaught by the Tiger quintet that resulted in turnovers and baskets at critical times.
On a positive note for the Panthers, Blight was almost unstoppable in the paint, with 23 points, he was easily the standout. Some support came from Thur (17) and Pilkington (16) although he was very lucky to get away with what i considered 3 very obvious offensive fouls.
Negatives for the Panthers was their tactics on Clarke and Gerlach, there were more then a couple of off the ball incidents, one which sent Clarke to the hardwood, flat on hit back.
For the Tigers, it was the usual suspects again.
Pochintesta 23.
Gerlach (19 & 8 rbs)
Bowley (15pts & 14 rbs)
Clarke (14pts & 8 assists)
B. Hodge (14 pts)
Hoban (14 pts & 10 rbs)
With a huge crowd packed into m/vale last night and the tigers playing an inspiring brand of basketball, expect the fans to show out in force this week for the first finals appearance since the 90's. I know i will be there!!! (where ever it is!)
