By Connor Rice

Sturt Sabres 70 | South Adelaide Panthers 56

In an incredibly competitive game on Saturday night, the South Adelaide Panthers and Sturt Sabres matched up at Marion. In a very up-tempo and physical game from the jump, both squads seemed very evenly matched. The inside presence of the Panthers and the perimeter shooting of the Sabres proved advantageous for both squads.

As the Sabres are a typically smaller team than other units in the competition they do have a reliance on production from outside shooting and this proved to be a positive for the team. Multiple players with 3 point conversions for the game proved a huge defensive headache for the Panthers team. Jade Johnson and Kate Gladstone both finished the game in double figures and with multiple three’s respectively. Their offensive production was a pivotal momentum shifter in the team’s victory. When teams have a cohort of sharp shooters and move the ball swiftly throughout the offense it’s incredibly hard to stop and this proved too much for the Panthers unit.

A positive for the Panthers was that they did have some really nice production inside out from their key players. Nagy, Cunningham and Johnson all finished with double digit points and were influential in the Panthers late game comeback. Unfortunately for the Panthers time ran out too quickly just as their comeback was getting into full effect. It was a product of poor perimeter defence in closing out to Sturt’s shooters that lead to the Panthers playing uphill for the games entirety.

The win now sees the Sabres held into 5th with a 6-4 record. Hoping to keep their hot shooting rolling the Sabres should make this a focal point offensively, especially when they meet the competition’s elite. As for the Panthers limiting the outside shot and getting earlier offense should see them in good stead as they look for their second win.

Round 11: Saturday, 28 May at 6.30pm

Sturt Sabres V Central Districts @ Starplex

South Adelaide V Forestville Eagles @ Marion