AUS - Backs to the wall for Blaze and Crocs
MELBOURNE (NBL) - It is do or die for the Gold Coast Blaze and Townsville Crocodiles as they host game two of their respective semi final series on FIBA TV. Both teams were embarrassed in game one and only much improved performances will keep their seasons alive. Townsville had no answer to Wollongong Hawks centre Larry Davidson, who put together one of ...
Watch live on fibatv.com
MELBOURNE (NBL) - It is do or die for the Gold Coast Blaze and Townsville Crocodiles as they host game two of their respective semi final series on. Both teams were embarrassed in game one and only much improved performances will keep their seasons alive.
Townsville had no answer to Wollongong Hawks centre Larry Davidson, who put together one of the best all-around playoff performances in NBL history in his team's 87-68 game one victory.
The 208cm Davidson registered 17 points on 6/8 shooting - including 2/3 from long range - 9 rebounds, 7 blocks, 5 assists and 3 steals, and received great support from fellow big man Cameron Tragardh, who tallied 26 points on 13/20 shooting and 7 rebounds.
Townsville are the smallest team in the NBL, and must find an answer to Wollongong's interior play, as well as breaking the Hawks shackles on Crocs playmaker Corey Williams if they are to force this series to a deciding game three.
Sharpshooting Australian national squad members Russell Hinder and Peter Crawford must also get more involved if their team is to bounce back.
The game screens live and free on www.fibatv.com this Wednesday at 9:30am GMT. For more information about the players involved go here.
First though, the Blaze host the Perth Wildcats on the Gold Coast on Tuesday night Australian time.
Rookie import Kevin Lisch was the star of the Wildcats 81-68 game one triumph in Perth. 2009 Stankovic Cup MVP James Harvey nailed three triples in the first quarter for the Blaze, but Lisch largely shut down the Boomers sharp shooter in the final three terms.
The 22 year old from St Louis University also managed 19 points and 3 assists of his own, and received support from Beijing Olympian Shawn Redhage, who collected 11 points and 4 rebounds.
Star Blaze forward Anthony Petrie managed 12 points in his return from injury, and import Ayinde Ubaka is expected to return to the court for game two, giving the Gold Coast an excellent chance of levelling the series.
New Zealand internationals Craig Bradshaw and Mika Vukona will also be looking to improve their output from a disappointing game one.
The game screens live and free on www.fibatv.com this Tuesday at 9:30am GMT . For more information about the players involved go here.
Paulo Kennedy
FIBA