By Sam Phillips

Southern Tigers 86 | Sturt Sabres 74

In what loomed as an interesting contest, the Tigers proved too strong as many had expected for a gallant Sturt outfit, finishing 12 point victors- 86-74.

The Tigers looked to assert themselves on the contest early, making life difficult for Sturt and opening up a 16-2 lead within the first 5 minutes. Alex Starling was impressive, setting up a number of plays and scoring 10 points himself in the first quarter. Sturt did look better after a time out which helped settle the nerves but ultimately trailed by 17 at the first break.

Fans could be forgiven for thinking the Tigers would dispatch Sturt convincingly like they have done to so many other teams, especially after an exceptional first quarter display.

However, Sturt to their credit willed themselves back into the match. Daniel Johnson was ever reliable inside the key, a shining light for Sturt in the first half- collecting 19 points and 5 rebounds. This helped establish a rebounding dominance in the first half, 60% Sturt’s way. Josh Owen-Thomas was also very useful, picking up 8 points at 100% accuracy in the first half.

Mitch Creek began to show why he leads the league for scoring with a frenetic first half 19 points, typified by a huge dunk that got a vocal away crowd in full voice. Sturt had made great inroads into the large Tigers’ margin and when Max Calligeros scored an important two on the buzzer, it was just three points at half time.

Sturt continued to press the Tigers, briefly taking the lead on the back of an Owen-Thomas 3 pointer. The Tigers were able to wrestle back control of the match, in part due to the good rebounding of Starling and Creek, giving the Tigers good opportunities especially inside (52-24 points inside the paint). With a lead of only 8 points, Sturt were still in with a chance.

Josiah Lee scored a couple of crucial baskets, capitalising on some loose Tigers’ ball control. Isaac White toiled hard across the night, leaving Sturt within just 4 points as he fist pumped, nailing a long three.

From then on however, the Tigers were able to maintain an important buffer.

Alex Starling capped off an excellent night (31 points, 14 rebounds) with an earth shattering dunk, sealing a 12 point win for Southern. Mitch Creek exceeded his average of 27 points, narrowly eclipsing Starling’s point tally with a well-rounded performance (32 points, 7 rebounds, 7 fouls received).

Sturt could take some heart from how they managed to stay in game when a blowout threatened and the continued good form of Johnson (25 points, 9 rebounds).

Round 17: Saturday, 16 July at 8:15pm

Southern Tigers v West Adelaide Bearcats @ Morphett Vale

Norwood Flames v Sturt Sabres @ Mars