Posted on 9 August, 2017

The VYC Cobra Men have won Game One of the best-of-three VYC Finals series in spectacular fashion, with Jorden Adnam’s tip-in as time expired leading Kilsyth to an 81-80 road win over Nunawading.

Trailing by seven points midway through the final period, the Cobras reeled-off a quick-fire 10-1 run to reclaim the lead and setting the scene for a thrilling finish. Jamie Ahale started the run with a deep three-pointer from six feet beyond the arc, then after a pair of empty possessions, Mitch Dielemans buried a tough baseline jumper off the dribble to make it a one possession game. Harry Frith added a left wing triple to give the Cobras the lead, and after a Spectres free throw, Ahale finished strong inside to put Kilsyth ahead, 75-73, with under three minutes remaining.

Nunawading would respond with a 6-0 run of their own, though, with back-to-back baskets from Michael Cassin giving the Spectres a four point lead with just over one minute remaining. But Ahale responded once again, this time wiggling through two defenders to connect on a runner to pull the Cobras within 77-79. With under 30 seconds left on the clock, Ben Ursich came up with the defensive play of the game, stripping the Spectres Luke Van Rijn on a drive before going coast to coast to draw two free throws. Ursich sank both to tie the game, setting up a wild final sequence to cap an incredible opening finals game.

Following a timeout, the Spectres Jack Gandolfo muscled his way to the foul line with six seconds remaining, burying the first to put Nunawading ahead, 80-79. But the guard missed the second, and Ursich pulled down the rebound and took it coast-to-coast once again, missing a high arching finger roll that would have won the game. But Adnam lay in wait, reaching back to tip-in Ursich’s miss right as time expired to give Kilsyth a stunning opening game win on the road. 

Adnam finished with 17 points to go along with eight rebounds and four assists; Dielemans recorded a team-high 18 points and added four assists, Ahale battled early trouble to record 16 points, and Ursich produced another outstanding all-around performance, ending with 12 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocked shots.

Now up 1-0 in the series, the Cobras can close it out at home on Saturday night in game two of our Home Finals Doubleheader. The Lady Cobras tip-off the evening at 6pm as they host Geelong in a SEABL Semi Final, followed by the VYC Men at 8.00pm. 

Please see below for pricing changes for Saturday’s Doubleheader:

SEABL Entry

Adults (18+): $10

Kids (13-17): $5

Kids (12 & under): $3

VYC Entry*

Adults and Kids 13+: $5

Kids 12 & Under: FREE

Those wearing Cobra gear or Kilsyth Junior Domestic gear receive FREE entry.

*VYC Pricing change will take effect at 3/4 time of the Women’s game.