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Hulkamaniacs Match Review - Bomb Squad Line-up: Phil C, Ross, Murray, Adam, Luke, Phil S (visit player stats) Round 15, 2005 Winter Season Wednesday, 17th August 2005 [ HOME - MATCH SUMMARIES - PLAYER STATS - RECORDS - PLAYER PROFILES - TIMELINE ] | ||
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Hulkamaniacs 5-game win streak broken by Bomb Squad in thriller. | ||
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The Hulkamaniacs have suffered a 1-point defeat at the hands of Bomb Squad, leaving just one more opportunity to claim a top 2 position in the final hit-out next week. The loss is the Hulkamaniacs first since a 10-point loss to Nemesis 6 weeks ago. The
5 wins since that loss have been achieved by an average winning margin
of 26 points, which included a win over ladder leaders Phoenix. The match was an intense battle throughout, with both teams aware of the huge stakes involved. And
with the Hulkamaniacs sitting on top of the table coming into the game,
and having beaten Bomb Squad in their previous encounter this season,
it was widely anticipated the Hulkamaniacs would secure victory. The pre-game loss of Beau was a setback for the surging Hulkamaniacs. And
it was Bomb Squad who came out firing in the first half, finding their
way through the Hulkamaniacs defense resulting in a couple of baskets,
and grabbing the early lead. Phil S got scoring underway for the Hulkamaniacs, which was followed up from Adam with a 3-point field goal. Bomb
Squad held sway, however, with a 3-point field goal of their own, and
continuing to find ways to get close to the basket with easy scores
resulting. The momentum was with Bomb Squad as half
time approached, however Phil C and Murray chimed in with their first
baskets of the night to keep the Hulkamaniacs in contention. By
half time, the Hulkamaniacs had regained momentum and found themselves
trailing by just 4 points after 20 minutes - in a tough, low scoring
match between two teams who are likely to meet again in finals time. Whilst
seemingly having the momentum entering the half, the Hulkamaniacs
didn't carry the momentum forward - as Bomb Squad started the better in
the second half, managing to build on their 4-point half time lead. Phil
C wasn’t prepared to give the game away just yet, carrying the
offensive load for his team with their first four buckets of the second
half, taking his personal tally to 12 points, but still adrift of the
formidable Bomb Squad outfit. With
Bomb Squad holding a comfortable lead, the margin was reduced as Luke
converted on a 3-point play on a fast break to bring the game back
within the Hulkamaniacs reach. Suddenly, despite
looking down and out on a less than perfect night offensively, the
Hulkamaniacs were poised for a memorable win. Bomb Squad and the Hulkamaniacs then traded baskets, with the Hulkamaniacs just unable to grab and hold the outright lead. With
the Hulkamaniacs finding themselves down by just 1 point, a
controversial technical foul was called on Adam for an alleged “flop”
against a Bomb Squad opponent. In fact, controversial would be understating the staggering decision made by the official. Never the less, the decision was made and wasn’t going to be changed. Bomb Squad converted on the resultant free throw attempts, taking them out to a 3-point lead with not much time left. Phil C capped off his impressive night with a final field goal, cutting the margin to 1 point, restoring hope for his team. And with a huge defensive stop down the other end, the Hulkamaniacs had a final chance to snare a crucial victory. But with Bomb Squad smothering Phil C defensively down low, the pass was intercepted, and for the second week in a row, it was a 1-point margin – just this time not in the Hulkamaniacs favour.
The final score was 30-29.
Leading scorers for the Hulkamaniacs were Phil C 16, Murray and Adam 4 each, Luke 3 and Phil S 2.
Next
week is the final regular season outing for the Hulkamaniacs in
season 2005. And it is going to be a belter - as the Hulkamaniacs
(4th place, 9W-3L) come up against Nemesis (1st place,
10W-2L). If the Hulkamaniacs win, a possible top 2 position
(and double chance) awaits. A loss will send the Hulkamaniacs
into a sudden death final against either Phoenix or Bomb Squad.
The stakes don't get much higher than this!
Hulkamaniacs Poll results: Q: How would you describe last week's 1-point win over Phoenix? A: Psychologically important (5 votes), A test, which was passed (1 vote). | ||
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Game notes. The all-time series between the Hulkamaniacs and Bomb Squad is tied 1-1, with the Hulkamaniacs winning their early season encounter, and Bomb Squad taking tonight's match… Tonight's tally of 29 points is the Hulkamaniacs lowest total recorded in season 2005… Phil C has moved into second position in the record books for most points scored in a season, currently sitting on 223 points with at least 2 games remaining in the season (the all-time record is 230 points, recorded in 2002/03 by Luke)… Phil C extends his franchise record streak of consecutive games scoring 10+ points, now at 14 games after tonight… Adam is sitting on 699 points all-time for the Hulkamaniacs… See the Records and Player Stats sections for more. | ||
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