Rnd 3: Webber ignites Flames in comeback victory
By Mark Halliday
Norwood Flames 79 | Forestville Eagles 71
The Eagles had control of three quarters in their match against Norwood on Saturday and looked to grab an important win early in the season but a flawless fourth quarter from the Flames saw the visitors steal the victory by eight points.
Norwood began its comeback halfway through the third quarter as they closed to within 3 points after trailing by 12 at half time. The Eagles pulled out a 9-point lead before the Flames reduced the margin to 7 with one quarter to play and all of the momentum in Norwood's favour.
The Flames took their first lead of the game when Andrew Webber scored 5 quick points while Jacob Holmes and Daniel Webber both made shots to give Norwood a 60-58 lead and forced Forestville into a timeout.
Whatever happened in that timeout ignited the Flames with Ian O'Boyle connecting on a 3 to break a tie as Forestville's Jake Rios responded by equalising the score once again at 63.
Webber was undoubtedly the star of the fourth as he hit three 3-pointers in a matter of minutes and at this point, Norwood was ahead 76-63 with just two minutes left to play.
The defensive effort from the Flames was equally important as it suffocated the Eagles and limited their output. This was none more evident than for Rios, who generally couldn't miss in the first half and got whatever shot he wanted against the lacklustre Norwood defence. The second half was a different story though as the defending champs stepped up and outscored the Eagles 28-13 in the final quarter.
Rios finished with 31 points, 23 of those coming before half time, but was the only double digit scorer on his team. His first half performance was captivating and forced the opposition to react but unfortunately for Forestville he couldn't find the same touch to close the game.
Andrew Webber led Norwood with 19 points (14 in the fourth), 8 assists and 6 rebounds. Matt Lycett finished with 16 points while Daniel Webber and O'Boyle both added 10. Holmes, in his first game of the season scored 9 points and grabbed 15 rebounds.
BLOCKBUSTER ROUND: Sunday, 10 April at Pasadena
Forestville Eagles V Sturt Sabres @ 3.00pm
Norwood Flames V South Adelaide Panthers @ 6.30pm
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