Saturday night saw the South Dragons host the Woolongong Hawks at Hisense Arena in Melbourne with a crowd of over 4500 turning out to see what may well have become a one sided event.
After their last encounter Wednesday night, resulting in a stinging 112-78 defeat at the hands of the Dragons, the Hawks had other ideas and arrived with their game face on.
Saville was on fire from the outset draining three triples in the opening term and helping the visitors take a 32-25 point lead at the first break.
The Dragons began to close the gap in the second, but with both teams in foul trouble, the Hawks managed to hold on to a slim three point lead at the long break, thanks largely to four straight free throws from Franklin at the end of the term.
With the feeling of an upset in the air, the Dragons began to step on the gas in the third, taking a five point lead to the break and continuing with their match winning momentum in the last to take the victory 101-83.
The hosts finished with six players in double figures, Mark Worthington leading the way with 19 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists, while Tremmell Darden provided some great entertainment with a couple of big dunks and Joe Ingles finished with 14.
Goorjian has his team working well, and with such a strong defensive game and some great offensive work from the likes of Ingles, Worthington and Darden, to mention just a few, the signs are looking ominous.
They’ve been described as the ‘real deal’ and are certainly showing the kind of form required to take them to the playoffs.
It’s not surprising the crowds are turning out in droves to see this exciting brand of basketball.
They now have a week off before entering the Cage to take on the Tigers in the second Melbourne derby of the season.
And if the last encounter is anything to go on, the Tigers will have to step up to the plate if they are to make an impression on this Goorjian juggernaught!
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We’re taking a look at one player from each team that needs to make a difference this week, starting with the ANZAC Day games.
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