Maccabi goes back-to-back
THE Maccabi Warriors have continued their flying start to the 2012 campaign, with an impressive 88-62 away win over Pakenham, which sees the side in fourth spot on the Big V division two ladder.
THE Maccabi Warriors have continued their flying start to the 2012 campaign, with an impressive 88-62 away win over Pakenham, which sees the side in fourth spot on the Big V division two ladder.
Returning gun Dean Rzechta starred with 17 points and nine rebounds, while Benji Tamir recorded 15 points and three blocks as the surging Warriors notched up their second consecutive win.
Maccabi achieved a plus .500 win/loss record for the first time in several seasons, and is showing signs that it is a genuine contender this year.
In a high-scoring affair, Maccabi shot a sizzling 49 per cent from the floor and managed to hold a double-digit lead throughout most of the match, eventually reaching the lopsided 26-point margin.
There were even contributions from key players, with Jason Conway (13 points), Jeff Devers (11 points, three steals) and Adam Klas (six assists) also putting in solid performances.
Maccabi’s imposing frontline of Dukes and Adam Laitt continues to impress, combining for 19 rebounds and keeping a hapless Pakenham away from the basket.
After establishing an early lead through signature Tamir drives and strong inside play from Dukes, the Warriors kept their foot on the pedal, opening up a 23-18 advantage at the first break.
Rzechta showed his class in the second stanza, draining shots from all over the court and triggering an offensive barrage. The side hit 29 points for the term and held a comfortable 17-point lead at the halfway mark.
Pakenham staged a revival in the third quarter, and was able to reduce the deficit to 11 points at the final break, setting up an exciting finish to the match.
The home side’s lack of size and strength rendered them powerless to stop a rampaging Maccabi squad in the final term, as the Warriors outscored their opposition 22-10 in the final quarter.
Maccabi plays Mornington after the Easter break on Saturday, April 14, at 8pm at
Mornington Basketball Stadium
(Melway: 104 J10).
ADAM BLAU
comments