By Connor Rice

Southern Tigers 107 | Central Districts Lions 63

On Friday night the new look Southern Tigers started off their 2016 campaign with a red hot start enjoying a 107-63 victory over the Central Districts Lions.

Using a primarily motion based offence, the Tigers’ got great looks from the perimeter with Sam Johns and Todd Davies both hitting four 3’s each. The offence however was dominant by no small part of star acquisition, Mitch Creek. Creek poured in 33 Points on 65% shooting and left the lions with a helpless defence getting to the line 12 times, driving to the basket and getting the rest of the Tigers involved in transition off the turnovers and rebounds, of which he had 12 total.

Defensively the Tigers also dominated and their use of a press on the inbounder meant that the Lions exerted energy by getting the ball over half court and also trying to set an offence. This pressure lead to many run outs and turnovers of which the Tigers capitalised on. No time was this more apparent than Todd Davies and Mitch Creek’s two massive jams in game.

Unfortunately the Lions who only were down by 8 at half time, couldn’t seem to get to get into a rhythm offensively. Foul trouble for 36ers big, Daniel Carlin and poor point production from others on the team meant the Lions just couldn’t seem to match the Tigers offence. The Lions utilise a very interior presence based offence and have the size to be elite in that area, so there shouldn’t be this sort of point differential week in week out as the season progresses.

A lot can been taken away as to how the Lions can bounce back from this kind of loss. Additionally, it’s exciting to see what might be in store for the new look Tigers team, poised to make some serious noise off the back of Mitch Creek.

The 2016 Premier League is looking like a very dynamic league to say the least.

Round 2: Friday, 18 March at 8.15pm

Southern Tigers VS Norwood Flames at Morphett Vale

Central Districts Lions VS Sturt Sabres at Pasadena