Cavaliers Triumph in Overtime Thriller Against Jets
There was a thrilling finish to a hard-fought battle between long-time rivals Cavaliers and Jets this week, with the final result decided on an overtime free throw shootout. Both teams have added to their rosters this season (Cavs picking up Chris Wolfendale and David Boyle from Turkeys while Colin and Kai Kirkham returned to the league for Jets), and the sizeable crowd were keen to see how the squads would match-up. Jets entered the match as firm favourites with a 2-year, 7-win streak against their former teammates, however it was Cavaliers who seized the early momentum with a quick basket off the jump from Phil Evans.
Tom Dalton-Brown was swift to respond hitting a swish outside 3 on the return in a move that highlighted the to-and-fro nature of the game. Dave Minay and Dave Boyle regained the lead for Cavaliers with two outside shots, though the game stayed close throughout the first quarter. A slow momentum built for Cavs as the clock wore on and Jets offence failed to deliver, trailing 9-points heading into the final minute. A quick spurt of energy in those dying seconds closed the gap, and a 7-point run slashed the Cavaliers lead, 19-17, at the end of the quarter.
The second quarter was slower to start but followed a familiar pattern as the teams’ traded baskets with each possession. The slow grinding momentum favoured Jets this time and with only two minutes to go they drew level, 32-32, thanks to some quick breaks down the court by Jake Glover. Outside shot attempts had featured heavily from both sides, though without success due to solid defensive efforts and strong challenges. The final minute of the half saw a shift in momentum as a late challenge from Jets Wayne Mears put Cavaliers Chris Wolfendale on the free throw line for three shots which he sank for an easy 3-points. Correcting for the error on defence created more space for Wolfendale in the next few offences and he took full advantage with another two more outside 3-pointers, one of which was a bank buzzer beater that set the Cavaliers bench alight. The momentum was back with Cavaliers, 41-37 at halftime.
Jets hit the afterburners at the start of the second half with a punishing 10-point run that was bookended by 3-pointers from Pete Boussougou. Cavaliers player/coach Dave Minay hit the early timeout to re-group and halt the shifting momentum. Returning to the floor it was Martin French who grounded the Jets, a duo of quick outside shots levelling the scores, 47-47. What followed was a slower pace of game, favouring Cavaliers half court setup and keeping the teams within a few points of each other. Glover again found success on the break for Jets, while Cavaliers favoured the inside game and drive – picking up plenty of foul free throws for their efforts. Again, Jets started to pull away towards the end of the quarter, but it was an aborted take-off as Wolfendale hit another bank 3 in the dying seconds to bring Cavs within 2-points going into the final quarter, 54-56.
The fourth was a battle of wills as both teams fought for every point and possession. Glover proved decisive in helping Jets pull away early on, an outside shot and some quick breaks keeping them one step ahead. Meanwhile Cavaliers relied on the outside shooting of Wolfendale and the mid-range consistency of Evans to stay in the game. It was the latter who gave them their chance in the final minute, hitting a solid mid-range to draw Cavs within a single shot of Jets, 70-73. Another timeout from Coach Minay primed Cavs for a pivotal offence and, with 27-seconds remaining, they took to the floor with all to play for. Jets focussed on denying Wolfendale but, in doing so, left Minay completely open outside the arc. A quick pass and snap shot saw the crowd erupt for the swish 3 tying the game, 73-73 at the final buzzer.
Basketball demands a winner though and, with no time remaining in the evening for extra periods, 3-players from each team stepped to the line for clutch free-throws. Jets missed their first two while Evans and Minay hit the mark for Cavaliers, sealing an impressive victory, 75-73, and ending one of the most exciting games of recent years.
The other games of the evening saw solid wins for Wolves over Pirates and SOS Cannons against Hoops. Wolves ran the floor with quick breaks and solid defence sinking the Pirates, 95-39. Meanwhile SOS Cannons focussed on outside shooting against Hoops but took a while to warm up, opening opportunities for Hoops to seize the initiative. Cannons found their form in the second half though and ran out the win, 76-53.
