Wildcats Stunning Form Reversal Tames Mustangs

by noelrr
27/05/2012

The twelfth-placed Parramatta Wildcats men's team has staged one of the biggest form reversals in this year's Waratah Championship League (WCL) competition over the weekend, defeating the third-placed Maitland Mustangs 73-71 on Saturday night at the Auburn Basketball Centre. It was just seven days previously the Wildcats had slumped to possibly their worst loss of the season, falling 78-69 to the lowly-rated Sutherland Sharks - in Sutherland. The Wildcats showed a glimpse of good form in the third quarter of that game but a fourth-quarter capitulation left head coach Merve Tait in bad spirits and he was quick to pass along his thoughts to his mis-firing team during training last week. The change in form on Saturday night was a revelation for Parramatta fans, who were finally able to see their team play close to their potential, especially against one of the competition's heavyweights. Goran Veg has been the best player for the Wildcats all season and it was fitting he led the team's performance on the night. The Wildcats trailed 19-15 at the end of the first quarter, 40-36 at half time and 56-54 at the end of the third term, still well in the contest and close enough to win - unlike recent weeks. American import Mitchell Rueter had been the biggest danger for the Wildcats during the first three quarters but the Wildcats showed their change of character to full effect in the final term, shutting Rueter down to just one point and one rebound in that period of play. The final result could still have gone either way in the dying seconds but the Wildcats would not be denied on the night, making all the right moves to hold on for a 2-point win. Veg was the leading scorer for the Wildcats with 21 points and 16 boards, ahead of Adi Causevic 15 points. Rueter led the Mustangs with 22 points and 11 boards, ahead of Josh Clifford 14 points. Both Parramatta teams are back in action this Saturday night at the Alexandria Basketball Stadium against the Sydney Comets, with the men's game tipping off first at 6.30pm, followed by the women's game at 8.30pm. Parramatta Wildcats 73 (Goran Veg 21 points, 16 boards; Adi Causevic 15 points, Trent Awadallah 9, Jed Atherton 9, Jamie Newth 8) def Maitland Mustangs 71 (Mitchell Rueter 22 points, 11 boards; Joshua Clifford 14 points; Kieran Gleeson 12, Megail Cannon 11)

PHOTO: Jamie Newth floats to the hoop

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