Match report – Farnborough Phantoms vs Aztecs Falcons

• in Club News, Falcons, Match Reports

Farnborough Phantoms 2 82 – Aztecs Falcons 61

(25-18; 39-35; 48-58; 82-61)

Leading scorers:

Paul Howard 20; Becky Wellington 14; Mike Cairncross 8; Matt Blowfield 6

Match summary:

A few weeks ago the idea that the Falcons could score 60 points in a game was out of the question, but in their latest contest the Aztecs third string were once again still in the hunt going into the final period, and reached the target of 60 with the last shot of the game – a buzzer-beating triple from Mike Cairncross, his first outside shot to drop in the game. It was less than a month ago that the Falcons got to 50 points, again against the Phantoms, with a 3-pointer on the final hooter! Everyone enjoyed this match, despite the final result, and the spirit in the squad is really high. All this comes from training hard and putting into practice the game plan, working together and keeping the game simple.

Key stats:

The Falcons made 10 of 21 foul shots, so slightly down on 50%, but scored 61 points for the first time under the guidance of Coach Walker. Paul Howard’s 20 points could have been 30 or more, Becky Wellington had to work hard in the paint for her 14 and nine of the ten players contributed with points. The improvement in the performances is not recorded on the scoresheet – it is about commitment and focus on defence and patience and accuracy at the offensive end. A great game, terrific team effort and another huge step forward for the team

Coach Walker’s assessment:

It has been so enjoyable to watch the way the Falcons have applied themselves in recent games. The only difference between the Phantoms and the Falcons was that shots were dropping for one team, and not for the other. A quarter of the home side’s points came from behind the long-range arc, and whilst they only made one of six attempts from the foul line their shot percentage from 2-point land must have been close tom 75%. By contrast Falcons players had 21 free-throws, making 10 of them, but it was the missed lay-ups and mid-range shots that cost the victory. However, the team is now doing so many things well during the game, and as a result everyone connected with the team is enjoying their basketball again.

Next game:

Tuesday 5^th March 2019 at 7:30pm at home to Swindon Shock in Division 3.