A dead rubber came to life on Saturday night when the Townsville Crocodiles downed the Sydney Kings by three-points in a high-scoring overtime thriller.
It was an offensive onslaught from both the Crocs and Kings. Led out of the gates by Tom Garlepp, the Kings jumped the Crocs early but Townsville didn’t back down.
By halftime with the scores tied at 50 we all knew it was heading somewhere special, where it went though nobody expected.
A monster third quarter from the Crocs as they dropped in 39 to the Kings’ 25 saw the lead at 14 with the last quarter to play and that’s when things got interesting.
Star import Josh Childress turned it on late scoring at will and feeding his teammates and setting up the enormous corner three from Marcus Thornton that sent the game into overtime.
In overtime it was all Townsville early, they came out with more venom and made the Kings pay for defensive lapses.
But as it went all night it wasn’t over, Sydney fought there way back and with barely any time left on the clock they got the ball in to Jason Cadee who heaved up a desperation three that only just missed.
Townsville secured their 12th win of the season and left Sydney stranded on 6 wins for the season. A balanced attack was critical for the Crocs tonight and everyone delivered in a big way, sending the fan base into the off-season with a smile on their faces.
Final scores
Townsville Crocodiles 126
Sydney Kings 123
The Townsville Crocodiles and Sydney Kings will do battle tonight in their final game of the 2015-16 NBL season. Join The Roar for live scores of all the action from 7:30pm (AEDT).
In what hasn’t exactly been a stellar season for both sides they’ll look to finish on a strong note and finish on a two-game winning streak.
The Sydney Kings will be seeking their seventh victory after downing the second placed Perth Wildcats on Wednesday night at home. The victory was sealed with a big game from key import Josh Childress, finishing with 25 points (9/13) and 11 rebounds. After an injury riddled season, Childress found his rhythm and took his frustrations out on a depleted Wildcats roster.
Townsville, on the other hand, are coming off of a victory against the Cairns Taipans and will want to give their home crowd something to cheer about heading into the off-season. A balanced attack with four out of five starters scoring double digits was the big factor in the game.
The Crocs have shown in recent weeks they’re able to go on offensive bursts, however, it isn’t in their mantra to win high scoring contests and with the Kings nearing full strength they’ll have to be on offensive.
Childress is the key man for this game, his ability to cover anyone defensively and then get to his spots offensively are second to none in this league. The Crocs will have their hands full trying to cover him and will have to rely on a mix of looks defensively to try and quell his impact.
A balanced attack will be a necessity for the Crocs if they want to record their 11th win for the season, however, if Nicholas Kay and Jordair Jett can find their range like they did against Illawarra in Round 18 they’ll give the Kings serious troubles.
Whilst the seasons haven’t been a success, heading into the off-season after a two-game win streak, at least, gives the club and fan base a glimmer of hope over heading in on a losing note.
Prediction
Sydney Kings firepower to prove too much to handle with Childress to record yet another 20 and 10 game and give the Kings a 25 percent win rate for the season.
James McKern
Roar Guru
What a night Roarers, thanks for tuning in and be sure to catch all the action tomorrow as Melbourne take on New Zealand before Perth do battle with Adelaide. Then the real fun begins, NBL Finals on Thursday Night - Melbourne United v New Zealand Breakers @ Hisense Arena.
James McKern
Roar Guru
Full Time Report Two sides who were squaring off with nothing but pride on the line and fans were treated to an absolute barn burner. It was an offensive onslaught from both the Crocs and Kings. Defense was put on the backburner in this one as everyone wanted to get in on the scoring action, led out of the gates by Tom Garlepp the Kings jumped the Crocs early but Townsville didn't back down. By halftime with the scores tied at 50 we all knew it was heading somewhere special, where it went though nobody expected. A monster third quarter from the Crocs as they dropped in 39 to the Kings 25 saw the lead at 14 with the last quarter to play and that's when things got interesting. Star import Josh Childress turned it on late scoring at will and feeding his teammates and setting up the enormous corner three from Marcus Thornton that sent the game into overtime. Not before Omar Samhan had a baseline jumper denied, close to being a foul call however the refs swallowed their whistles. In overtime it was all Townsville early, they came out with more venom and made the Kings pay for defensive lapses. But as it went all night it wasn't over, Sydney fought there way back and with barely any time left on the clock they got the ball in to Jason Cadee who heaved up a desperation three that only just missed. Townsville secured their 12th win of the season and left Sydney stranded on 6 wins for the season. A balanced attack was critical for the Crocs tonight and everyone delivered in a big way, sending the fan base into the off-season with a smile on their faces.
James McKern
Roar Guru
Okay so NBL stats are currently down. Sorry all, report to come.
James McKern
Roar Guru
I thought the same, expected it to bank in.
Scott Pryde
Expert
I am so keen for the finals. Hopefully we get a bit of action tomorrow as well. Thanks James.
James McKern
Roar Guru
Clint Steindl is the player of the game. Finishing with 25 points after having only 2 at halftime! Full time stats and report to come.
Scott Pryde
Expert
What a cracker of a match! Thought that was going to fall from Cadee for a second there.
James McKern
Roar Guru
Me oh my that was crazy. What a finish to the season for these two. High scoring epic in Townsville, thoughts Roarers?
James McKern
Roar Guru
Omar Samhan makes one of two and the Kings go quickly but Jett fouls instantly. Inbound to Cadee who turns and shoots but his three just rims out, that was incredibly close. CROCS WIN A THRILLER Full Time Crocs: 126 Kings: 123
Scott Pryde
Expert
No way did that take 1.1 seconds for the foul to be called.
James McKern
Roar Guru
After review it stays with the Crocs, inbound to Samhan and he's fouled straight away by Childress who fouls out. Big free throws coming up. OT 2.9 seconds Crocs: 125 Kings: 123
James McKern
Roar Guru
Okay slight break as Kay heads to the line after being fouled by Thorton. Kay misses the second but on the rebound it goes out and refs call it a Crocs ball. Review underway OT 3.7 seconds to go Crocs: 125 Kings: 123
James McKern
Roar Guru
Cadee makes a huge three and the Kings go pressure but the Crocs make it over comfortably with an open dunk. Kings inbound incredibly fast and Childress makes an impossible three. This game is insane. OT 6 seconds Crocs: 124 Kings: 123
Scott Pryde
Expert
Holy wow! This is ridiculous.
James McKern
Roar Guru
Cadee gets to the rim and makes it count, Kings go full court but a deep pass over the top to Steindl opens things up, passes to Kay and he is fouled. Makes one of two. OT 32.5 seconds Crocs: 122 Kings: 117
James McKern
Roar Guru
You better believe the bank is open late in Townsville, Childress makes one from the left corner off glass and it's down to 5. Maynard is fouled and makes 1 of 2 from the line. OT 47.4 seconds Crocs: 121 Kings: 115
James McKern
Roar Guru
Kings going with full court pressure and knock the ball away, Crocs inbound the ball to Maynard and is fouled immediately. Kings trying to trap and they force the Crocs into a shotclock violation. Just over a minute to play OT 1′ Crocs: 120 Kings: 112
James McKern
Roar Guru
After the timeout Childress accidentally puts a foot on the baseline. Kings turn it over and Jett feeds Samhan. Carter tried to drive in for a layup but Jett blocks it into the 10th row, my goodness. Off the inbounds Childress is fouled hard and will head to the line. Misses the first but makes the second. OT 1′ Crocs: 120 Kings: 112
James McKern
Roar Guru
The big plays in OT are all Townsville, more hustle than the Kings.
James McKern
Roar Guru
After a missed Jett layup, Samhan grabs the board and on the putback attempt is fouled. Makes 1 of 2 from the line. He goes to 20 points. Kings miss another shot after Thornton's three bounces away, Crocs go the other way and swing the ball to Steindl for an open three. He makes no mistake. Crocs moving away here. OT 1′ Crocs: 118 Kings: 111