Basketball: Troon Tornadoes edge out Buccaneers

Feb 13 2009

TROON Tornadoes edged out Edinburgh Buccaneers in a national league thriller at Musselburgh.

But they started sluggishly and as a result of turnovers fell behind 8-2 before coming alive. Scott Frew sparked off a run where five different players scored and as the defense stopped gifting points, Tornadoes got back into the game.

Defensive steals and fast break lay-ups from Ifadade Thomas, who scored 11 points, allowed Tornadoes to take a 23-16 lead into the second quarter which was reduced to 40-38 at half-time.

It was 67-67 going into the final quarter but with 12 seconds to go, Tornadoes led 88-86 and also with possession from the side line. With the luxury of a time-out, Tornadoes got the ball inbounded to Thomas who the Buccs then fouled. Thomas made two from two from the free throw line to seal the win.

For the second week running, Tornadoes had a well balanced scoring effort with five players in double figures. Their cause was also helped by making eight three point baskets.

Team: Ally Hornell (14 pts), Scott Frew, Ifadade Thomas (22), Josh Crolley (10), Euan Campbell (16), Stuart Ramsey, Andy Pearson (13), Jamie Frew (9), Fraser Smith.

On Sunday at the Citadel, Tornadoes host Edinburgh Kings who look on course to win the national league. It’s a rehearsal for the Scottish Cup semi-final at the end of the month.

Tornadoes juniors beat Perth 72-71 away in another close encounter.

Tornadoes started poorly throwing the ball away and struggling to prevent the Perth guards penetrating the key and scoring or drawing fouls. This allowed Perth to take an early seven point lead.

Tornadoes started to run at the Perth pressing defense and with Crolley elusive in the open court he finished with some crashing dunks. Thomson also started to take the ball strong to the basket and by end of the quarter the teams were tied at 19-19.

Although Robb Loughlin showed a return to form of old and kept Troon in the touch with eight of the team’s 12 points by the end of the half, turnovers and poor execution at the offensive end allowed Perth to lead 36-31.

Crolley had to sit out on four fouls and with Thomson also collecting his fourth foul, Perth took advantage with aggressive rebounding.

With Crolley and Thomson curtailed, Tornadoes struggled to find players off the bench with an ability to score offensively and this allowed Perth to extend their lead to 58-47.

Tornadoes came out in the fourth quarter, working really hard on defense but with Crolley still missing, they struggled to pick of the rebounds.

Crolley came back into the game early in this final period and Tornadoes lifted their game as he delivered another crashing dunk on the break.

Loughlin took control of the game knocking down three big outside shots and Tornadoes took a six point lead before Crolley fouled out with 70 seconds left.

With Crolley out, Perth realised they had a chance and put a full court press. Loughlin, however, controlled the game for a couple of plays, running the clock down and then finishing at the basket.

Perth still crashed the offensive boards and kept their scoring ticking over. With only 30 seconds to play, Perth fouled Thomson and sent him to the line where he scored one from two which reduced the lead to five.

Perth forced another turnover which they converted to get within one point with three seconds to go. Tornadoes utilised their final time out to steady their nerves and progress the ball into the opposition’s half and all Perth could do was try to foul quickly. Tornadoes held their composure and got the ball in.

Tornadoes youngsters will need a huge improvement this weekend at both ends of the floor if they are to compete with second place Edinburgh Kings at Portobello.

Team: Robb Loughlin (24 pts), Josh Crolley (20 pts), Jordan Thomson (17 pts), Ian Mitchell, Silas McGilvray, Matthew Scott, Harry Kerr, Daniel Muir, Jamie Alexander.