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!
Trevor
Roar Pro
Rabbitz, I think it's surprised a lot of people really. Thanks for the explanation Michael.
Rabbitz
Guest
Thanks Michael. I didn't realise that the franchises were losing money (to the extent that a collapse was possible). As a sometimes follower, it really surprised me.
Michael DiFabrizio
Expert
Rabbitz, It is complicated. External factors have played a huge part. It just so happens that two of the most publicized demises in corporate Australia involved NBL team owners (ABC Learning and the Bullets, Firepower and the Kings). The same has happened here with the Taipans, as their majority owner and major sponsor, Pacific Toyota, has like many automotive businesses been hit by the GFC. The only exception is the Sydney Spirit, who were simply bleeding money because their re-brand was such a failure. That said, ownership was only the trigger. All these sides were losing money. When financial strain hit the owners, the owners could no longer justify throwing away that much money. That and the fact nobody could come together in the off-season to buy the Kings or Bullets does illustrate the league is in trouble. I think there was destined to be at least one collapse. But four? That's just bad luck.
Rabbitz
Guest
Trevor, Although off topic, and as you are clearly an NBL supporter, could you explain how three upper echelon teams could fold or go into recievership due to financial concerns? This is not me taking a swipe, I genuinely do not understand how these clubs/organisations could get into such dire straights. Rabz