Hulkamaniacs Match Review - Nemesis

Line-up: Phil C, Beau, Ross, Murray, Luke, Phil S (visit player stats)

Round 9, 2005 Winter Season

Wednesday, 22nd June 2005

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Undermanned Hulkamaniacs fall short against Nemesis.

BENDIGO (AP).

The Hulkamaniacs have missed an opportunity to consolidate a top 2 position on the division 2 standings, going down by 10 points to Nemesis on Wednesday night.

Nemesis (5W-1L) now sits in outright second position (behind Phoenix 6W-0L), whilst the Hulkamaniacs and Bomb Squad (both 4W-2L) are filling the 3rd and 4th spots on the ladder respectively.

It was a very even contest early, with both teams knowing there is very little between them, as evidenced by an early season win by the Hulkamaniacs against Nemesis in what was a fiercely fought and closely contested match.

Phil C and Murray were prominent early, getting the Hulkamaniacs away to a solid start.  Nemesis, the considerably taller and stronger team from a physical stand point, kept in touch through some strong bullocking work down low, resulting in some easy opportunities.

Following a string of baskets, Nemesis gained control of the game and jumped out to a lead midway through the first half, despite Murray and Phil C have considerably strong games individually, and in fact in a low scoring half by the Hulkamaniacs, were the sole contributors.

Approaching half time, the Hulkamaniacs were dealt a cruel blow with Beau being thrown out of the game after receiving two consecutive technical fouls, in somewhat dubious circumstances.  The resulting free throws extended the Nemesis lead, which by half-time had reached 7 points, 17-10.

Already without Adam and Simon, and then without Beau after half-time, the Hulkamaniacs looked considerably undersized - with several players being forced to play out of position. 

The exit of Beau did not deter the Hulkamaniacs in the early stages of the second half, looking determined and starting strongly - led once again by Phil C and Murray, continuing their impressive games.  In fact, the two players combined for the first 11 Hulkamaniacs points of the second half.  The Hulkamaniacs fought their way back strongly with contributions from the two aforementioned players, with Ross also contributing offensively.

Except for the opening stages of the game, Nemesis were able to hold onto the lead throughout the game - but midway through the second half and led again by Phil C and Murray, the Hulkamaniacs stayed in contention.

The size and strength of Nemesis appeared to be the deciding factor, continually finding their way to the boards, resulting in some crucial baskets.  A 3-point field goal by Luke, assisted by Phil C, kept the Hulkamaniacs close.

However, the game escaped the Hulkamaniacs in the final few minutes, with Nemesis landing successive 3-point field goals of their own - effectively putting the match away, and out of reach from a dogged Hulkamaniacs outfit.

The final score was 41-31.

Leading scorers for the Hulkamaniacs were Phil C and Murray with 12 points apiece, Ross 4 and Luke 3.

Having played several of the top teams over the past month, the Hulkamaniacs (4W-2L) now face a crucial stretch of 3-4 games that will shape their season.  Their next assignment is the Wolverines, who are in 6th spot with 2 wins and 4 losses.  Last time the teams played, it was a draw.  Can the Hulkamaniacs come out on top this time?

Be sure to stay tuned to the Hulkamaniacs website for all the news and results!

MVP Standings: Phil C (66.0), Beau (34.5), Murray (26.5), Luke (24.5), Ross (19.0), Adam (7.5), Simon (7.5), Phil S (7.0).

Game notes.

This is just the second match all-time between Nemesis and the Hulkamaniacs… The Hulkamaniacs won the first game between the two teams earlier this season by 5 points, with Nemesis taking tonight's game by 10 points… Phil C has extended his string of 10+ point games, now standing at 9 games in a row with another 12 points tonight… Tonight was Murray's 50th all-time match with the Hulkamaniacs… Murray's 12 points tonight is his best performance offensively since just his 5th game (season 2003/2004) with the Hulkamaniacs, where he scored 14 points against the Wolverines… See the Records and Player Stats sections for more.

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