Posted on 27 June, 2017

Following a slow start, the Cobras exploded over the final three quarters of play, turning a seven point deficit into a 22 point victory as they defeated the Tigers, 88-66. The Cobras trailed, 22-30 midway through the second period, before catching fire from deep to take control of the game. The Cobras closed the half with a 17-3 run – with Tariq Naqqash draining three 3-pointers during that span – to take a six point deficit into the locker room, and they never looked back, running away with the game in the second half.

The Cobras scored on 14 of their 19 third quarter possessions to put the game out of reach, pushing their lead out to as many as 27 points in the fourth quarter as they recorded their biggest winning margin of the season.

Kilsyth Head Coach Justin Schueller was pleased with his group’s performance, with the Cobras backing up last week’s impressive home win over the Sabres with a resounding road win on Saturday.

“We started sluggish, but from the second quarter forward we executed on both ends of the floor and it was again done with a collective effort,” Schueller said.

“It was a good chance for us to continue to build on our recent form and the boys made the most of that opportunity.”

Chris Patton led Kilsyth with 19 points and seven rebounds, Daniel Dillon recorded 15 points, eight rebounds and three assists in his second game with the Cobras, Naqqash finished with 14 points, Auryn Macmillan added 11 points and seven rebounds, and Owen Odigie and Desmond Owili chipped in with eight points apiece in the victory. The Cobras shot a sizzling 55% from the field for the game, while holding the Tigers to 36% shooting and just 42 points over the final three quarters of play.

The roster wide production from the Cobras impressed Schueller, with his team’s offence looking much improved since the addition of Dillon. With Dillon on board and Macmillan and Patton returning to full health following injuries, the Cobras have averaged 90ppg over the past two weeks; up 12.5ppg on their season average.

“Dan (Dillon) continues to find his way within our structures really well and Owen (Odigie) was his consistent self yet again,” Schueller said

“Chris and Auryn controlled the paint well, Tariq had a good shooting night from the three, and our bench and depth is proving to be a great advantage of late.

“All ten guys had an impact in their own way which was great to see.”

The win boosts the Cobras record to 7-10 on the season, moving them to within one game of the Sabres and 1.5 games of the Albury-Wodonga Bandits for fourth in the East standings. The Cobras can continue to close the gap this weekend, as they host the Bandits on Sunday in their biggest game of the season to date.

And with Sunday’s showdown looming, Schueller remains level-headed with his team’s recent success, as there is still much work to be done if the Cobras are to eventually place themselves in one of the conference’s four playoff positions.

“I’m very happy with what we are building right now, but we know that the job and what we want to achieve this season isn’t close to being finished,” Schueller added.

Tip-off for the Men’s game on Sunday is scheduled for 2.00pm on Hugh McMenamin Court, capping-off a special NWBL/SEABL Tripleheader. The NWBL Cobra Men open the day as they take on Queensland at 10am, with the Lady Cobras to follow at 12pm as they host the Bandits looking for their tenth consecutive victory.