Panthers win by 1 in Over-time Heart Stopper
South Adelaide Panthers (91) defeated Woodville Warriors (90)
Whilst only the second round in the 2014 tournament, the game of the season was played between South Adelaide and Woodville on Saturday night. Star Panther Janae Howard dominated all night, ending the match with a three-point buzzer beater to clinch victory against the Warriors, 91 to 90 in over time.
The talented forward finished with 38 points, backing up her performance against Forestville where she also stared with 30 points.
Early in the match both clubs committed consecutive unforced errors and turnovers, representing the sheer hustle and defensive pressure that each team possessed.
At the end of the first quarter Woodville trailed by 2 points.
The same high-tempo basketball was matched in the second term, with Kimberly Porplycia playing superbly in defence, as she drew a charging foul, lifting the Warriors spirits, and Teresa Kinross for the Panthers who blocked a convincing shot, leading to an easy fast break lay up much to the amusement of the home crowd.
Heading into latter half of the match, it appeared that the Panthers could not match the intensity of Woodville’s outfit, with only three Panther players on the bench of which just one received court time.
Deep in the final moments of regular time, it was Woodville’s game to lose, as their elevated work rate appeared to crack the defence of South Adelaide and also their confidence.
However, it was a testimony to Vikki Kelson’s squad, as the home side came from 7 points behind with just over a minute remaining in the fourth to force over time.
The night was highlighted by individual, critical moments. South Adelaide simply happened to have the ball in the final moments of over time, and it was a valiant but disappointing result for the Warriors, led by Porplycia who provided valuable assists and leadership for the club in a match that could have easily gone either way.
by Tom Edwards
South Adelaide Top Scorers
Janae Howard 38
Jessica Mahony 20
Teresa Kinross 17
Woodville Top Scorers
Katherine Perkas 22
Rachael Griffiths 19
Claire Christie 12
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