The twentieth match of the Carlton Basketball Championships 2014 concluded today when the Old Bens BC at last got a look at the winning hoop after a rough patch of games.
Otters BC continuing their nightmare in defence failed to restrict the opposition to a lower score than them to clinch the game. The scoreboard read in favour of Old Bens BC 75-58 at the end of forty minutes of play.
The game commenced with a much needed victory for Otters BC after losing all of their previous games in the tournament. Living up to the tradition of playing good minutes with fresh fitness in the blood Otters BC played a quality passage in the first phase of the game. Both rebounds and defence was in a commendable position which helped them to hold the control of the game even though the opposition was leading. Clinton Thevakumar and Zygmantes Kurupkis penetrating in to the defence drew fouls in favour of themselves which was only factor as to why Old Bens led the quarter. Shehan Udyanga and Diluk Hemantha were equally contested by Isuru Perera and Diluk Himatha on the rebounds aspect of the first quarter. Old Bens led the game 24-15 for the blow of the whistle.
Zygmantes Kurupukis got the party started during the second ten minutes of the game and Otters BC never had the potential in overcoming him. The main reason for the due factor was Pupkevicius Simonas, the foreign player of the outfit did not perform up to the expected standard and hence he had to sit out during the game. The transition from offence to defence is done with immense pace by the Old Bens BC courtesy of Clinton Thevakumar. The long passes across the floor scattered the defence and helped them to take the game out of reach with a lead of seventeen points when they halted the game for lemons.
(Half time – Otters BC – 32 Old Bens BC – 49)
It has always been a puzzle on as to why the Otters BC does not perform during the second phase of the game which has been the factor which has cost them almost all of the games that they have lost. Devon Rebert is the only individual who keeps a consistent performance throughout the entire forty minutes and it is common sense to believe that one man cannot take down a five man army. The defence of the Otters BC was entirely clueless during this quarter on how to stop the wide passes which leads to fast breaks with in a blink of an eye. Old Bens BC capitalizing on the crucial mistake increased their hand on the game when they scored fifteen points during the quarter.
The final ten minutes of the game commenced with a let go of body language by the Otters BC which planted the question on whether is it experience or fitness that decides the winner. The Old Bens BC skipper Shehan Udyanga playing good minutes dished off three assists of steals he gathered which were turned over into points at the end. The main and the only factor that the Old Bens BC was doing is hustle to the ball intercepting passes which halted the Otters BC offence. The game was too far out of reach when the clock ran out giving Old Bens BC to take a look at the winning shot.
(Full time – Otters BC – 58 Old Bens BC -75)
