Posted on 19 April, 2008
Trailing for most of the game, the Cobras never allowed the Spectres to push the margin beyond 14 and stayed with them at ever test. Knowing their opponent had played a tough game Friday night against Geelong, getting to the 4th quarter with the scores tight was important for Kilsyth.
Import Joe Werner (14pts & 9 rbds) again found himself in foul trouble missing a double-double for the first time this season. The big Spectres line-up gave the Cobras all sorts of trouble but veteran Paul Burgess with 15 rebounds helped Kilsyth control the boards 50-48.
Zach Malvik (27pts, 4 assists) and Shane McDonald (25 pts, 5 assists) battle it out hard against each other neither wanting to give an inch as the run the show for their respective sides. Malvik may have just got the edge guiding his team to the victory while shooting 12/15 from the charity stripe.
After trailing by three points at quarter time the Cobras looked drained and stagnant in offence but keeped plugging away to stay within 6 at the half. With just 10 turnovers to Nunawading’s 16, the Cobras used the ball effectively but were unable to reduce the margin at the final change as the Spectres took a 67-61 lead.
Gerard Leonard (17pts, 5 rbds, 4 assists) lit up in the 4th with three basket from down town and after two 3-point plays from Malvik and Werner the Cobras hit the lead. A behind the back pass on the break from Malvik to DJ Taylor pushed the margin out to 3 points with 4 minutes remaining.
Kilsyth were never going to let this one slip from their grasp with some important defensive stops, the Cobras converted at the free throw line to record the victory over the East Conference leading Spectres.
The Cobras now face a massive test to move above .500 as they travel to Frankston Saturday night before returning home Sunday to face Mt Gambier. This will be the Cobras 2nd meeting with Frankston in three weeks and they will be looking to inflict some revenge on the Blues after they were defeated at home on SEABL Big Wednesday.
Tip off against Frankston, Saturday 26th April is 8.00pm while the Cobras return home Sunday 27th April with the action starting at 2.30pm
For all your Club Kilsyth Cobras news stay tuned to www.kilsythbasketball.com.au
