Ng steals title, Warriors end Minor Premiers’ Drought

The Woodville Warriors are champions for the first time since 2005, after Darren Ng’s go-ahead basket completed a come-from-behind 80-78 win over the West Adelaide Bearcats.

The 2014 Warriors are just the second side in the last 10 years to take home both the Minor and Major Premierships, joining the 2010 Sabres. The Warriors have now won two flags from their last three postseason campaigns.

In a Grand Final to remember, both teams were worthy winners, but it was the Bearcats who looked in control for most of the night. They led at the end of each of the first three quarters, and after surviving plenty of momentum shifts, were on top 75-67 inside the final five minutes. Yet they still fell to their third Grand Final defeat in the last six years.

Alexander Starling was virtually unstoppable, finishing the night with 36 points, 6 rebounds and MVP. Amazingly, Starling did not touch the ball on the Warriors’ final possession, which was arguably their best executed play of the night. Cameron Wilson penetrated and found a wide open Darren Ng with 2.3 seconds remaining for the game-winner. The Bearcats advanced the ball with a timeout, but Daniel Phillips’ prayer was well off the mark.

Jason Dawson led the Bearcats with 27 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals, but was called for an offensive foul inside the final 26 seconds when the Bearcats had a chance to return to the lead. Anthony Spadavecchia, who did not play in the fourth quarter, was outstanding with 16 points, 13 of which came in the first quarter, when the Bearcats jumped out to a 10-0 lead.

Kurtis Phillips scored 9 of his 11 points in the second half, while Paul Rankin came alive in the fourth, finishing with 9 points and 7 rebounds (6 offensive). The Bearcats almost made it four wins from four finals, but fell short in the most agonising way possible.

Ng scored 13 points, while Luke Stanbridge had an impact off the Warrior bench with 10 points and 6 rebounds. Wilson was clutch in the final few minutes with some terrific basketball at both ends, ending the night with 8 assists and 7 points. Jarrod Graves and Dominic White made huge triples down the stretch, to help the Warriors rally to victory.

By James Woite

 




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