Sturt Sabres (83) lost to West Adelaide Bearcats (93)

West Adelaide made it two on the trot on Saturday night, holding off an aggressive Sturt side, 93-83.
 
The league’s two leading scorers in Jason Dawson (West) and Dexter Moore (Sturt) would face off for the first time and the shoot-off delivered everything it promised.
 
While Dawson’s 34 points and 5 steals played a pivotal part in the Bearcats victory, the bragging rights belonged to Sabres import Dexter Moore, scoring a season high 48 points, including 6 three’s and 3 assists.
 
However, that was about the only highlight for the Sabres who trailed West at every break.
 
A strong full court press saw Sturt mount a mini comeback late in the final period to get within 6 points, but their aggressive defence also put them into the penalty with half a quarter to run.
 
Despite Moore’s night out, Sturt struggled to match the Bearcats offensive output, with Tim Klaosen the only other player to reach double figures (16 points, 10 rebounds).
 
While at the other end of the court, Dawson had a supporting cast of Paul Rankin, Tristan Braithwaite and Blake Truslove, who added 54 points and 33 boards between them.
 
Although the Sabres trailed by ten at the final siren, they may take solace knowing they outscored the Bearcats from the field, 33 to 31. It was in fact the free throw line where the game was won and lost, with West adding 24 points from the stripe.
 
The win sees West move equal top of the ladder, while back to back losses has seen Sturt drop out of the top five.

Top Scorers Sturt
Dexter Moore 48
Tim Klaosen 16
Hamish Burns 6
Top Scorers West Adelaide
Jason Dawson 34
Tristan Braithwaite 21
Blake Truslove 18