Wessex Men’s Division 2 League
Wolfpack Wolves 38 – Aztec Lemmings 47
(11-11; 8-11; 8-8; 11-17)
Leading scorers:
Arturs Vitins 12; Paul Howard 9; Ian Rogers 6
Match summary:
The Lemmings worked really hard to ensure this victory was secured thanks to some dogged defence, terrific team-work, and discipline; in such a tight game the players were acutely aware that discipline is the key to victory, although making foul shots comes a pretty close second. This was the Lemmings first win of 2018 and only their third in the league all season, but they most certainly did not play like a losing team.
Neither side was ever more than 3 points ahead through the first 20 minutes, then the Lemmings opened a precious 7-point lead at 23-30, only for the Wolves to get two scores to bring the gap back to three. Frustratingly the Aztecs closed out the period by failing with four foul shots, however Arturs, Ian and Ben blew the opposition out of the water when they put together a 14-2 spell at the start of the final session, and that 13-point lead secured the victory. The home side battled hard down the stretch, but three key players fouled out which prevented them closing the gap, although the Lemmings woeful foul shooting (making 1 from 9 in two minutes) was far too generous in such a close encounter!
Key stats:
The foul shooting (12 from 36 attempts) was shocking (Nick Giles being the worst culprit with just 2 from 10), but the defence throughout the game was excellent, highlighted with their performance in the second period when the Wolves scored just 5 foul shots and one 3-pointer, with nothing dropping from in the paint!
Everyone contributed with points, and everyone played for the team by sharing the fouls around all nine players, and the rebounding, especially at the defensive end, was excellent. Special mention to Mike Cairncross who played a key role in defence in the last period on four fouls.
Coach Walker’s assessment:
This was a very good team performance, and it was a pleasure to see everyone listen to advice, play to the game plan, work incredibly hard and, as a result, go home very happy with the win.
Next game:
Tuesday 13thMarch 2018 at 21:10 at home to Chiltern Fastbreak
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