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BENDIGO (AP).
The Hulkamaniacs have suffered their first loss since October 2004,
going down by 10 points to the second placed Mustangs on Wednesday
night.
Despite a closely contested first half in which both teams had their
moments, the second half belonged to the Mustangs and were far the
better team in a physical and fierce contest.
In
the opening minutes of the game, the Hulkamaniacs looked determined to
continue their sensational 2004/05 form, with Luke opening up the
scoring with a 3-point field goal, with Beau, coming off a career-best performance last week against the Hornets, adding a field goal soon
after to give their team an early edge.
However the Mustangs were also out to prove a point, and quickly showed
why they finished the season entrenched in second position, and just 1
point and percentage behind the Hulkamaniacs for top spot. The
Mustangs fought back, with several baskets in succession to draw the
game even.
The Hulkamaniacs soon lapsed and fell back into a trait more renown
from seasons past, becoming lacklustre and stagnant on offense, whilst even
their usually strong defense showed signs of weakness.
Seeing his side was flailing, Phil C imposed himself on the contest
soon after, scoring 3 of the teams next 4 field goals (including a
3-point basket), keeping the scores close heading towards half time.
Phil S added his first basket as the first half drew to a close, as the
Mustangs maintained a 5-point edge at the break, leading 21-16.
Desperately wanting to secure a psychological edge over their second
placed opponents heading into the finals, the Hulkamaniacs - and Phil C
in particular - came out firing at the start of the second half.
Phil C single-handedly brought his team back into the match, with two
baskets in quick succession and inspiring his teammates on both ends
of the court - the momentum was clearly swinging the Hulkamaniacs way.
When Ross hit on his first basket for the night, the Hulkamaniacs had
turned the
tables on their opponents, regaining the lead and looking like they
finally had the number of the Mustangs. However the final 15
minutes of the match was almost a complete form reversal from the
opening 5 minutes of the second half, as the Mustangs hit back strongly.
Things fell apart quickly for the Hulkamaniacs, who after finally
seizing the lead in the early stages of the second half, would only
score once more for the contest, as their opponent the Mustangs would
close out the game full of running.
Upon regaining the lead once more, the Mustangs didn't look back - as
the usual array of Hulkamaniacs firepower was firing seemingly on
empty. A late 3-point field goal from Adam was the only further
addition to the Hulkamaniacs score line after the 3 early field goals at the
start of the second half, with the Mustangs well in control of the game
for the most part of the second stanza.
Some late argy-bargy between the two teams only added spice to a
possible grand final encounter, presuming both sides get through their
respective finals next week.
The final score was 35 to 25.
Leading scorers for the Hulkamaniacs were Phil C with 11, Beau 4, Adam and Luke 3 and Ross and Phil S each with 2.
Depending on which way you look at it, the loss is not the ideal
lead-in to a third successive finals campaign for the
Hulkamaniacs. However on the positive side, the Hulkamaniacs will
be sure to leave everything on the court next week, trying to avoid a
third consecutive first round finals exit.
The Hulkamaniacs will face the Dwarfz next week, at 8:00pm on court
1. In their two encounters this season, the Hulkamaniacs recorded
a very impressive victory in round 3 and of course that memorable draw recently in round 10.
Be sure to check back next week for a full recap of what will hopefully
be a positive result for the Hulkamaniacs in their first final.
MVP Standings: Phil C (68), Beau (53.5), Murray (36.5), Luke (32.5), Ross (32), Adam (26.0), Jayson (19.5), Phil S (13).
- Luke
Last weeks Hulkamaniacs Poll results:
Q: Can Beau catch Phil C in the race for 2004/05 MVP honours?
A: No (5 votes), Yes (0 votes). | 
