Lakeside Lightning coach David Olley labelled his side’s second-half effort undisciplined after they gave up a double digit lead to lose 108-102 against the Geraldton Buccaneers in game one of the semifinal series.

Olley said the Buccs stuck with their game play better than his team and would review the tape closely this week as he examines what adjustments need to be made.

The reigning champions now face a tough task of travelling to Geraldton and needing to win both games in enemy territory.

“We went away from what we were doing in the first half,” Olley said.

“Some of it was a bit of their defence and some of it was us being undiscipline.

“We will look at the tape and work out the reasons why we went away from our stuff.”

The most notable change was the amount of time the ball was in Brad Tinsley’s hands.

In the first half, all the Lightning’s offense went through the star’s hands and he was scoring and assisting on baskets as he pleased.

He finished the game with a game high 41 points and seven assists, but in the third term was very quiet when Lakeside scored just 17 points and the Buccs made their run.

The Buccaneers travelling supported helped that run, as the blue and gold army drowned out the noise of the home fans.

At one stage in the game, both sets of supporters had a “chant-off” which created a great atmosphere.

Nothing compared to the atmosphere the Lightning will face on Saturday night in front of 1200 screaming Buccs fans.

Earlier in the week Olley said his team would feel confident travelling to Geraldton needing two wins.

“We have to feel that way,” he said after the game.

“It is definitely a challenge, but as I keep telling the guys, that is why you play sport.”

Article by Taylor Courtland: Geraldton Guardian

Photo by Mick Cronin