In the latest Ballarat Basketball Association action, Ballan Brumbies U19 Boys D took on a Celtic Tigers side that they were expected to be able to handle with ease. The match proved far more of a struggle that the Brumbies had anticipated, however.
Neither team started out in prime form, Celtic looking scratchy on offense, Ballan looking tentative and unsure of themselves. Celtic opened the scoring through Kody Spicer with Emmanual Butler adding a pair of baskets before Ballan finally got on the board through a strong Oscar McLucas drive and Billy Gillett layup.
The Brumbies, despite superior talent, were struggling to put the ball in the basket. They were able to get to the basket though couldn't finish over Celtic's interior size. Sam Cooper was, as usual, able to penetrate the key at will but his kick out passes were not capitalized upon as Ballan's outside shooting was ice cold; James Burton, Desi Leunig, Gillett and McLucas all missing wide open shots.
A Dallas McKay three pointer stretched Celtic's lead out to 10 double digits before a late flurry saw Ballan score through Fergus McCausland and Jim Gorman. A basket to McLucas right on half time cutting the lead down to four, 12-16. The Ballan boys were implored to lift their intensity, which they did, though unfortunately with little tangible impact. The Brumbies continued to struggle to score, missing a series of easy opportunities, however McLucas and McCausland were able to do just enough to keep the scoreboard ticking over for Ballan.
Conversely, Celtic were making almost every shot they put up, no matter the pressure they were under. McKay was dropping contested jumpshots from all angles and Butler's opportunistic baskets frustrated Ballan's comeback efforts.
Trailing by 16 points with six minutes, Ballan at long last started to kick into gear. Cooper fed Gillett for a three pointer before Burton swiped steals on consecutive possessions that led to baskets. With just over three minutes remaining and the margin still at 10 points, Ballan switched their defense to a full court press. All hell proceeded to break loose.
With Ballan's speed and pressure ramped up, Celtic were unable to advance the ball past half court as the Brumbies created turnover after turnover. McLucas scored inside, McCausland doing the same. Gorman grabbed a huge offensive rebound from a missed McCausland free throw, converting the follow-up. McLucas then hit a contested three from a Gillett assist.
With the margin suddenly down to just a point and eleven seconds remaining, Celtic called a steadying timeout. From the resulting inbounds play, they were able to draw a shooting foul. Will Quick was unable to make either free throw. Gorman secured the rebound, finding Leunig with the outlet pass. His hit-ahead pass found McLucas who dribbled into an uncontested 20 ft jump shot, calmly dropping the game winning basket with just three seconds remaining on the game clock.
To be fair, Celtic controlled the game for long periods and scarcely deserved to lose, but don't let that take away from what was an inspired comeback from Ballan, who snatched a 40-39 victory from the jaws of defeat.
Ballan Brumbies have places available for junior boys and girls as well as senior places available. For information please contact us through the 'How To Join' section at www.ballanbrumbies.com.au
Under 10 Boys D lost to Celtic Tigers 10-22 Under 10 Boys B lost to Saints Pistons 10-44 Under 12 Boys E defeated Wildcats 43-2 Under 12 Boys C defeated Phoenix Lynx 49-17 Under 12 Girls defeated Saints Comets 18-0 Under 14 Boys D defeated Wildcats 44-13 Under 14 Boys C defeated Celtic Tigers 69-25 Under 14 Girls D lost to Phoenix Flames 12-16 Under 14 Girls B defeated Wildcats 34-14 Under 16 Boys G White lost to Wildcats 14-44 Under 16 Boys G Blue lost to Phoenix Rollers 2-49 Under 16 Boys D defeated Celtic Tigers 45-24 Under 16 Boys C defeated Celtic Tigers 46-33 Under 19 Boys H defeated Wildcats 37-35 Under 19 Boys E lost to Phoenix Lions 33-35 Under 19 Boys D defeated Celtic Tigers 40-39 Under 19 Girls defeated Phoenix Sky 28-20
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