The Dubbo Rams stuck it to the Waratah League leaders on Saturday night but lapses and poor options at times against cost them yet again.
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The Rams, heading into the match at the Woolshed with just one win to their name, were always up against it in the clash with the Shoalhaven Tigers and things were made more difficult when star centre Rob Dewar was ruled out because of work commitments.
Despite the challenges, the Rams overcame a slow start to rally early in the second half before ultimately being beaten 89-64.
"First half we didn't come out with enough energy and enthusiasm to match them," Rams' American import Charles Baines said.
"But as a team we played a lot better in the second half and got the lead back to 10 points. But they went on another run and we were too far down so couldn't have that nice comeback."
When we're in sync it looks really good.
- Dubbo Rams' Charles Baines
The Tigers, without leading scorer Bruce Ozolins, showed the kind of structure and systems in defence and attack which had led them to the top of the table.
The visitors started the better, happy to take time and an extra pass before driving to the basket, while things seemed rushed for the Rams as they adjusted to playing with league star Dewar.
The Tigers got out to a 21-13 lead after the first quarter and things only got better in the second quarter.
The visitors had threats all over the park and while the Rams showed heart, namely from youngster James O'Neill, they fell further behind and trailed 50-31 at the main break.
But after a half-time talk in the dressing room the Rams came out a far different side.
Veteran Brian Amos put in a huge amount of work around the rim while guards Baines and Daniel Medway slowed things down and got the Rams offence ticking.
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The lead was cut to to 10 but that was as close as the hosts got, as a number of poor shots and more consistency from the Tigers saw them take complete control.
The fourth quarter was a routine one for the Shoalhaven side, which went on to win by 25 points.
"Pace is key in basketball," Baines said post-game.
"Sometimes myself, I go too fast and rush things but as a team it's about unity.
"When we're in sync it looks really good."
While it was a tenth loss from 11 games for the Rams, there was still a huge amount of positives.
Pushing the league's best side while missing the most vital player was one, while a number of the side's younger players also impressed in big minutes.
O'Neill never backed down against more experienced opponents while Rohan Birrell also took his chance on the court.
Baines finished as the Rams top-scorer with 16, while Medway had 13.
"No-one could just stand around and wait for Rob or give him the ball, we all had to look to score and that's what makes teams better," Baines said.
"Now we can all contribute more because everyone has had this floor time. We didn't get the outcome we wanted but the young guys got a lot of experience."
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Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
