Posted on 5 July, 2017
The Cobra Men completed yet another double-digit comeback at home in Round 13, overcoming a 19 point deficit to record a vital win over the Albury-Wodonga Bandits on Sunday.
Trailing, 34-53, late in the first half, the Cobras appeared headed for an ugly loss at home, one that would have dealt their playoff hopes a crushing blow. But Coach Justin Schueller’s Men would explode coming out of half time, stringing together a spectacular final 20 minutes of basketball to win, 103-90. The Cobras outscored Albury-Wodonga 61-34 over the final two periods of play, blowing their lead out to as many as 17 points late in the game as they pulled even with the Bandits in the East Conference standings.
Schueller was thrilled with his team’s second half performance, one that could prove to be a season-saving 20 minute stretch as the Cobras near the finish line of the regular season.
“I was really happy with our second half and how we locked in and got done what we wanted to at both ends of the floor,” Schueller said.
“Even when we were down early, I felt we were in control of the game. Albury were exceptional from the three, and we knew a better effort on match ups would allow us to turn it around in the second half.”
The Cobras finally re-claimed the lead with just under five minutes remaining in the game, as Daniel Dillon wiggled inside for a basket, before Chris Patton pushed their lead to six with back-to-back strong finishes down low. Ben Ursich and Auryn Macmillan then sealed the deal from deep, connecting on a trio of three-pointers late to put the game out of reach and capping a 32-12 fourth quarter by the Cobras.
Dillon led the Cobras high-powered offence yet again, scoring 21 of his game game-high 32 points in the second half while adding nine assists and six rebounds in the win. Patton had an impressive all-around game, recording 23 points, eight rebounds and six assists, Ursich added 14 points off the bench, Owen Odigie chipped-in with 11 points, and Macmillan scored eight of his 12 points in the final quarter and pulled down seven rebounds.
“To have five guys in score in double figures – and almost six (Tariq Naqqash scored nine points) – shows how well we are progressing as a team,” Schueller said.
“The ball is moving well, and everyone is playing their role and contributing.”
“Dan and Owen set the standard early and were great throughout, Chris and Auryn keep building on their year’s and Ben Ursich is showing he is a big part of the future with us and a true two-way player.”
Facing a plethora of injuries and absences throughout their 2017 campaign, the Cobras lineup has changed with regularity this season. But contributions across the board have been a constant with Schueller’s team, and he feels confident with the depth and cohesion forming within Kilsyth’s roster.
“We believe we are 12 deep and that’s our strength; on any given night we can rely on someone else to step up,” Schueller added.
“I like what we’re building, but we are far from being done yet.”
The win moves the Cobras record to 8-10 on the season, tied with the Bandits for fifth pace in the East and just one game behind Sandringham for the Conference’s fourth and final playoff position. They’ll look to make it four wins in a row on Saturday night as they host the NW Tasmania Thunder, before heading to Geelong to take on the Supercats on Sunday.
