Rnd 4: Sturt Sabres Men hold tight in a thriller

Sturt Sabres 91 | Forestville Eagles 89

By Sam Phillips

In a fast paced contest, Sturt pushed Forestville deep into the last quarter, grabbing victory with the last shot of the game - a dramatic buzzer-beater from Isaac White, 91-89.

However, it wasn’t smooth sailing for Sturt who midway during the second quarter found themselves down by as much as 17 points.

In what was an open first quarter, Forestville’s Jake Rios put on a show for the healthy sized crowd hitting 6 consecutive shots to gather 15 points in first quarter alone, well on his way to a game high 29 points.

Forestville had the momentum and the lead, 26-17 at the end of the first.

Continuing where they left off, Forestville began to take advantage of Sturt’s turnovers by capitalising with 15 points directly from Sturt giving it up. Adam Doyle (19 points, 5 assists) began to showcase the form that had seen him average 27 points coming into the match, while Trent Fides (21 points, 6 rebounds) provided some good boards and was clinical at the line (7/7 FT).

During a time out, Sturt Coach Paul Rigoni urged his players to keep moving and provide better passing options.

Sturt did respond and looked more composed, Jan Warbout (13 points) picked up 7 points, while James Spurritt (8 rebounds, 5 assists) battled hard for his share of rebounds having 4 for the quarter.

Tempers threaten to boil over as the quarter ended, with both teams not wanting to take a backwards step, 45-34 at the main break.

With the game up for grabs, Forestville looked to assert themselves going on a 7-2 run to start the third which stretched the lead to 16.

Sturt looked to their bench for fresh legs and energy, with Jacob Rigoni (12 points) and Isaac White toiling hard to drag Sturt back into the contest, culminating with a strong 4 point play leaving Sturt just 5 points in arrears at the final change- 65-60.  

Josiah Lee, perhaps Sturt’s most consistent player across the night, continued to provide important opportunities for his teammates (14 rebounds, 5 assists) as well as finishing off his shots (18 points). Lee’s determination was highlighted after diving on a loose ball, setting up on opportunity for Rigoni to tie the game up.

When Hamish Burns put Sturt up by 6 with 25 seconds to go, you could be forgiven for believing the game was finished.

Forestville had other ideas however, hitting 2 consecutive three’s to level again at 89-89 with 1.5 seconds left.

In a fitting finish, exciting young player Isaac White (17 points) capped off an excellent second half- hitting the game winning shot on the buzzer, becoming an instant hero with his teammates.

Forestville will be disappointed after having lead convincingly for much of the night.

Sturt must be praised for fighting hard to stay in the contest, as well the depth displayed by a bench that combined for 44 points.

Round 5: Saturday, 16 April 2016 @ 8:15pm

Woodville Warriors v Sturt Sabres @ St Clair

Southern Tigers v Forestville Eagles @ Morphett Vale 




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