By Sam Phillips

Forestville 74 | Sturt Sabres 79

After snatching a close win over Forestville at home earlier this season, Sturt were able to make it 2-0 over Forestville, winning with conviction 79-74 on Saturday.

In what was an even opening stanza, both teams moved the ball well and weren’t afraid to shoot. Forestville’s usual suspects, Adam Doyle and Jake Rios looked prominent early, picking up 7 and 9 points respectively.

At the other end, Jacob Rigoni came off the bench to contribute with 6 points, culminating in a well executed 3 point play. The teams couldn’t be separated at the break, 20-20.

Sturt started the second strongly, swinging the ball around the arc patiently waiting for the ‘right’ shot. Sturt big man, Daniel Johnson looked dangerous and was able to help Sturt open up a 6 point lead mid-quarter.

Johnson, proved to be one of Sturt’s best across the night (21 points, 9 rebounds), showing he’s not afraid to shot from distant either if an opportunity presents (two 3’s). Jack Turnbull was also fantastic in the second for Sturt, collecting 8 points at 100% accuracy.

Forestville responded, going on an 8-0 run after an animated coach, Andy Simons demanded more from his side. Consequently at the main change, Sturt lead by just one after having much of the play, 38-37.

Adam Doyle looked to continue a Forestville revival, picking up consecutive baskets, giving Forestville the lead early. Brad Haydon also made the most of his chances, scoring 10 points at 80% from the field.

An uncharacteristically quiet Josiah Lee (8 points, 4 rebounds), hit his first points of the game, as Sturt was able to translate excellent rebounding from Johnson and Tim Klaosen (8 points, 7 rebounds) especially into a 7 point lead at the final break.

Perhaps this dominance was most evident with Sturt’s second and even third efforts under the rim (21-2 second chance points).

While Forestville never went away and only trailed by small margin late, Sturt was able to maintain a 5-7 point distance for much of the second half. In a typically team orientated performance, Sturt didn’t rely on a handful players rather almost all contributed strongly with 29 points off the bench.

Jack Turnbull (14 points) played one of his best games for the season and hit a crucial three late in the last. Johnson was arguably best for Sturt, collecting a near double-double, (21 points, 9 rebounds).

Adam Doyle (27 points) and Jake Rios (23 points) continued their great form this season but could have flourished further if Forestville was able to have more influence on the boards (out rebounded 51-25).

Round 13: Saturday, 18June at 8:15pm
Sturt Sabres v West Adelaide Bearcats @ Pasadena
Norwood Flames v Forestville Eagles @ Mars