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Hulkamaniacs Match Review - Dwarfz Line-up: Phil C, Ross, Beau, Murray, Luke, Phil S, Simon (visit player stats) Round 4, 2005 Winter Season Wednesday, 18th May 2005 [ HOME - MATCH SUMMARIES - PLAYER STATS - RECORDS - PLAYER PROFILES - TIMELINE ] | ||
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Hulkamaniacs hold on, dispose of Dwarfz down the stretch. | ||
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The Hulkamaniacs gallantly fought off a late Dwarfz challenge on Wednesday night to get their official 2005 Winter Season campaign off to a flyer. The first three rounds of the Winter season have been disregarded due to grading.
With Phil S returning to the line-up, along with Simon playing his second game, the Hulkamaniacs looked to have a team equally as capable as the team that progressed to last seasons division 2 grand final.
The Hulkamaniacs started the game with energy and enthusiasm, with Phil S getting involved on the offensive end early, followed up not surprisingly by Phil C - continuing his sensational start to the season. Murray was also in the thick of it early, with a couple of field goals giving the Hulkamaniacs a 5-point advantage.
The Dwarfz took their time, but eventually got their game going, using their height to their advantage by getting inside for some easy scores - causing more than a few problems for the usually stingy Hulkamaniacs defence. Within minutes, the Dwarfz had re-taken the lead and looked ominous.
However, the Hulkamaniacs hit straight back, with two consecutive 3-point field goals in as many minutes by Luke giving his team the ascendency once more.
Phil C added two further field goals, one of them the first of his 3-point field goals, with Murray adding his third basket for the night to close out scoring for the half, with the Hulkamaniacs out in front 20-13.
At the start of the second half, the Hulkamaniacs let down their guard and seemed to lack the desire and tenacity they displayed throughout the first 20 minutes. The Dwarfz hit the first 3 baskets of the second half, to draw the scores level, sending more than a chill through the Hulkamaniacs camp.
But fortunately for the Hulkamaniacs, the second half soon became the Phil C show.
Having steadied the ship after the Dwarfz initial second half run, Murray added his seventh and eighth point of the night, to regain the lead for the Hulkamaniacs.
From this point, Phil C was almost unstoppable - taking advantage of every fast break opportunity on offer, and finding his way to the basket with ease. Phil C went on to score 11 consecutive points to give the Hulkamaniacs a crucial advantage on the scoreboard, as the Dwarfz looked scrambled trying to find a way to stop the 3-time MVP and floor general.
Beau added a timely 3-point field goal soon after, followed by yet another 3-point field goal by Phil C and a final field goal by Phil S, well and truly confirming the final result.
The Hulkamaniacs were strong down the stretch, staying calm and collected, as the Dwarfz threw everything possible within their armoury at them, to no avail. In a very positive sign for a Hulkamaniacs franchise still on the rise, the final 10 minutes were amongst the best they have played in several seasons, not giving an inch to an opponent they may well likely cross paths with again in the finals.
The final score was 41-30.
Leading scorers for the Hulkamaniacs were Phil C with 19, Murray 8, Luke 6, Beau 3 and Phil S 3, Simon 2.
Next week, in the Hulkamaniacs second official game of the 2005 Winter season (after grading), their assignment is against the Hornets, at 9:20pm on court 5.
The Hulkamaniacs have an encouraging recent record against the Hornets, but a new season brings with it new challenges. One imagines the Hulkamaniacs will do everything within their power to avoid a lapse in concentration against their traditional rivals.
Hulkamaniacs Poll results: Q: What happened in last weeks draw against the Wolverines? A: Slow start cost us dearly (1 vote), bad decision making (1 vote), draw was a fitting result (1 vote). | ||
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Game notes. This was the fourth meeting between the Hulkamaniacs and the Dwarfz… The Hulkamaniacs have now won 3 of the meetings between the two teams, with one draw taking place in 2004/05… Phil C has become the first Hulkamaniacs player to score 800 points (currently sitting on 808 points all-time)… Phil C is currently averaging a career-best 16.3 points per game this season, with 65 points from just 4 games so far this season… Phil C has now scored double figures in 4 consecutive matches (all 4 games this season)… Simon scored his first official points as a Hulkamaniacs player tonight… See the Records and Player Stats sections for more. | ||
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