CRAZY is the word which describes last nights NBL clash between the New Zealand Breakers and the Adelaide 36ers. It was a tale of two halves. NZ went out to a monster lead at the half time break after some good performances from Rick Rickert and Thomas Abercrombie. However
the second half was a complete turnaround. Adelaide brought the deficit back to be in front at three quarter time at the end of the third. A twenty point turnaround in 10 minutes of basketball. That's amazing! Adam Ballinger and John Gilchrist leading the way with 15 and 25 points respectively! The fourth quarter was great to watch, lead changes, poor decisions, big shots and huge dunks. The last couple of minutes were unbelievable. Cj Bruton was having an absolute shocker and wasn't using his teammates at all in the last quarter. However he would steal the limelight with a huge three on the buzzer to send the game into overtime! This was only due to import Cortez Groves missing a point blank layup and Brad Hill missing a free throw at the death. In overtime it was all New Zealand, whom picked up their defensive intensity and got some key stops. NZ eventual winners 99-91.Some key findings out of the game were:
- Cj Bruton was pretty damn bad, at one stage 0/8 three pointers and just not using his teammates. Stepped it up though when it really mattered, even if it was with 4 seconds to go!
- Thomas Abercrombie and Brad Hill are youngsters that have no fear. Abercrombie has some serious jumping ability and NZ use it to their advantage with some quality alley-oops thrown for him! Brad Hill was big time and has some great driving ability and hit some nice jump shots. I'm glad he has come back strong since breaking his arm.
- Cortez Groves, American import for Adelaide, was hopeless yet again. I think it's time to say goodbye. That open layup at the end of the game and some stupid decisions in overtime may have cost them the game!
PHOTO: http://www.basketball.org.nz/_r/uploads/2009/09/343059-edit.jpg
WAT A JOKE
The new NRL finals system they want to use is a complete joke and does not give teams finishing higher than others any advantage. Refer to the picture of the Skala system for a better explanation. I just don't understand how they can justify a team coming third not getting home ground advantage against the 6th team. I agree with neutral venues in the latter half of the finals series but there has to be some sort of consolation for finishing in the top four. I understand more crowds will flock in to larger venues and more revenue made through merchandise and ticket sales, but a rugby league club wants to succeed and if that is using their home ground to an advantage, tough luck. The league today is tough, so many teams are fighting for top eight positions. This year the 4th team played the 8th in the grand final. I like the AFL system the best and I think it would be a great system for the NRL to introduce! What do you think? Have Your Say!
SOURCE: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/the-nrl-finals-revolution/story-e6frexnr-1225792226869
there are better imports than cortez groves playin in the alexandria local comp for cryin out loud...he had that 1 good season with the hawks back in his "hay day" with his red shoes...and now teams continue to persist with him...did adelaide not watch him last season when he was dropped by the dragons...they were able to bring in a guy called donte smith who ends up leading them to the championship. the 36ers should take a note from the dragons book...get out now before he ruins your season!!!!
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