Posted on 15 August, 2010
Massingale (41pts) exploded in the final minute of the match as he and Ryan Bathie traded potential game winning baskets. Massingale tied the game up with 50 seconds remaining before Bathie returned fire to give the Cobras a three point buffer.
Massingale then made the impossible shot over the outstretched hand of Quincy Henderson (12pts, 6rbds). The basket once again evened the scores with 16 seconds remaining. Bathie returned fire quickly for the Swinburne Cobras hitting a mid range jumper with 3.8 seconds on the clock.
A Knox timeout was followed by Massingale’s third straight three and despite having a last ditch effort with 0.1 seconds on the clock Kilsyth went down 76-75.
Kilsyth opened the game in red hot form racing to a 31-15 lead hitting 14-17 shots in the opening term. Matt O’Hea (20pts, 9 rbds, 8ass) and Auryn MacMillan (18pts) were both perfect from the field in the opening term.
Knox regained their composure in the second quarter slowing down the high scoring Swinburne Cobras but neither team could sustain the momentum as Kilsyth took a 50-34 lead into the half time break.
Kilsyth struggled at the offensive end early in the third term but managed to restrict the Raiders impact on the scoreboard. Despite the defensive pressure Michael Hill (13pts), Lester Strong (12pts, 12rbds) and Massingale had the Raiders within 10 points at the final change.
The Swinburne Cobras held the lead for the entire final term until Massingale made his final three with the Raiders out scoring Kilsyth 25-14 in the final term to return to the Conference Final.
Club Captain and 400 game legend DJ Taylor’s career also came to an end with the loss.
Kilsyth shot at 48% from the field compared to 38% from Knox but allowed the Raiders to convert on 10 three’s including seven from Massingale.
The Swinburne Cobras will now begin a early off-season and return to the floor in 2011. The entire Club wishes to thank all our loyal and passionate volunteers and supporters who have made 2010 a successful year.
