Posted on 21 July, 2011
In the first Men’s double header at Kilsyth Sports Centre for Season 2011 the Workforcexs Cobras are up against the Knox Raiders followed by the Swinburne Cobras who take on East Conference leader the Bendigo Braves.
With only two rounds left before D-League play-offs, Kilsyth (10-8) sits in third position with Sandringham and Ballarat snapping at their heels, this Saturday night’s game against Knox (14-3) is therefore all the more important.
The Workforcexs Cobras match against Sandringham last week went into overtime with Kilsyth getting themselves into foul trouble in overtime and in the end going down by eight points, 86-78. Adam Knott (20pts, 14rbds) was Kilsyth’s best, while Zach Taulien (17pts) and Daniel Tomada (16pts, 8rbds) also reached double figures.
Knox had last weekend off however suffered an unexpected 11 point loss last night to Dandenong. After a strong first quarter they could not continue their form being outscored 67-44 in the final three quarters. Steven Viterbo (15pts) and Dylan Hare (16pts, 7rbds) were the Raiders best and come this Saturday night will be keen to continue their form. The Raiders will be without constant performer Liam Carroll this Saturday night as he suits up with Knox’s SEABL Men side instead.
The Workforcexs Cobras are yet to defeat Knox this season and with the recent form of Adam Knott, Stephen O’Brien and Zach Taulien, will have a great shot at doing so this weekend in front of a huge crowd at Kilsyth Sports Centre.
The Workforcexs Cobras tip off at 6.15pm Saturday night July 23 against Knox Raiders on Hugh McMenamin Court.
The Swinburne Kilsyth Cobras (11-9) can taste the play-offs after winning their past two matches against Albury/Wodonga and Ballarat and moving back into third position on the East Conference ladder. However they face one of the toughest tests in SEABL, the Bendigo Braves (17-2) on Saturday night on Hugh McMenamin Court.
Bendigo will be looking to extend their eight game winning streak after their comprehensive 20 point win over North West Tasmania last weekend. NW Tasmania did their best to be competitive but could not make the most of their opportunities shooting at 35.9% from the field compared to Bendigo’s 44.3%.
The Braves just had to many scoring options with Ivan McFarlin (20pts, 16rbds), Luke Meyer (16pts, 6rbds), Adam Tanner (12pts, 6rbds), Sam Harris (12pts) and Chris Hogan (10pts, 6rbds) all reaching double figures. If Kilsyth is to get over the line they will need to ensure that they can spread the scoring workload as well as subdue Bendigo, who have managed to seemingly as they please thus far in 2011.
The Swinburne Cobras know that they must keep winning to hold onto their place in the four, with Dandenong and Ballarat right behind them. After last weekend’s 81-73 defeat of Ballarat, Kilsyth now gains the head to head advantage over both Ballarat and Dandenong which is bound to come into play come round 20 and final placing’s in the regular season.
Like Bendigo last week, Kilsyth had an even spread of scorers in their nine point win, with Zach Malvik (17pts), Matt O’Hea (18pts), Auryn McMillan (18pts, 10rbds) and Tariq Naqqash (15pts) all reaching double figures.
Kilsyth will most certainly take a lot from their three point loss to Bendigo back in round three this year, with Tim Lang still in Germany the Swinburne Cobras looked down and out at three quarter time, however they shot 36 points in the last to come storming home falling just short.
Bendigo is considered by many as the team to beat this year however in front of a huge home crowd, expect the Swinburne Cobras to give the Braves a run for their money as they look to firm up their play-off spot.
The Swinburne Cobras tip-off at 8.15pm against the Bendigo Braves on Hugh McMenamin Court
Check out the Kilsyth Cobras Locker Room online store at http://kilsyth.hoop2hoop.com.au/ for all your Basketball needs.
