ID :
34416
Sun, 12/07/2008 - 18:19
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/34416
The shortlink copeid
Blaze upset Wildcats 129-97
(AAP) - A 20-point third quarter from new import Justin Bowen has set up the Gold Coast Blaze's massive 129-97 upset over the Perth Wildcats.
Bowen, who was recruited by the Gold Coast barely a month ago, was instrumental in
the win, shooting a game-high 35 points, 20 of which came from the third quarter
alone.
His performance set up the win for the Blaze, just their third of the season, while
handing the Wildcats their third loss in a row and a tough fight for top four.
On paper, the round 12 match up between the top-ranked Wildcats and their
cellar-dwelling opponents had looked fairly predictable.
Instead it was the game that had everything - an upset, a stand-out performance, a
bit of argy bargy and a coach being sent from the court.
The game was heated from the outset, with players from both sides engaging in a bit
of push and shove after the Blaze's Tyson Demos was stepped on.
Perth coach Conner Henry got his marching orders nearing the end of a frustrating
third quarter for his team, who shot just 17 points compared with the Blaze's 45.
Despite the consistent good work of Sean Redhage, who topped the scoring for Perth,
the Gold Coast looked the goods throughout and Bowen was ably assisted by teammates
James Harvey (22 points), Luke Whitehead (24) and Ben Melmeth (17 points).
Henry admitted both he and his charges needed to work on their discipline.
"We were getting our arse handed to us by a better disciplined, what looked like a
better conditioned, team," he said.
"Somehow my team is not very disciplined and, like I said, that's a reflection of me
and the responsibility is mine."
The Wildcats will be hoping to snap their losing streak when they host Adelaide on
December 13.
The Blaze are aiming for two consecutive wins at home when they take on the Taipans
the same day.
Blaze coach Brendan Joyce said the 32-point victory over Perth was a sign of things
to come if they can stave off injury.
He said it was just the second time this season he had a full squad list to choose
from.
"This is probably a win nobody expected us to get," he said.
"Tonight collectively everybody was on the money.
"I know quietly within myself if we produce together on a consistent basis ... we
can build towards something at the end of the year."
It is mathematically possible for the Blaze to reach the playoffs, but Joyce
declined to speculate on the team's chances.
Bowen, who was recruited by the Gold Coast barely a month ago, was instrumental in
the win, shooting a game-high 35 points, 20 of which came from the third quarter
alone.
His performance set up the win for the Blaze, just their third of the season, while
handing the Wildcats their third loss in a row and a tough fight for top four.
On paper, the round 12 match up between the top-ranked Wildcats and their
cellar-dwelling opponents had looked fairly predictable.
Instead it was the game that had everything - an upset, a stand-out performance, a
bit of argy bargy and a coach being sent from the court.
The game was heated from the outset, with players from both sides engaging in a bit
of push and shove after the Blaze's Tyson Demos was stepped on.
Perth coach Conner Henry got his marching orders nearing the end of a frustrating
third quarter for his team, who shot just 17 points compared with the Blaze's 45.
Despite the consistent good work of Sean Redhage, who topped the scoring for Perth,
the Gold Coast looked the goods throughout and Bowen was ably assisted by teammates
James Harvey (22 points), Luke Whitehead (24) and Ben Melmeth (17 points).
Henry admitted both he and his charges needed to work on their discipline.
"We were getting our arse handed to us by a better disciplined, what looked like a
better conditioned, team," he said.
"Somehow my team is not very disciplined and, like I said, that's a reflection of me
and the responsibility is mine."
The Wildcats will be hoping to snap their losing streak when they host Adelaide on
December 13.
The Blaze are aiming for two consecutive wins at home when they take on the Taipans
the same day.
Blaze coach Brendan Joyce said the 32-point victory over Perth was a sign of things
to come if they can stave off injury.
He said it was just the second time this season he had a full squad list to choose
from.
"This is probably a win nobody expected us to get," he said.
"Tonight collectively everybody was on the money.
"I know quietly within myself if we produce together on a consistent basis ... we
can build towards something at the end of the year."
It is mathematically possible for the Blaze to reach the playoffs, but Joyce
declined to speculate on the team's chances.
