Basketball: Troon Tornadoes sink Kings

Oct 2 2009 by Mike Wilson

TROON Tornadoes senior men bounced back from their defeat by St Mirren to beat national league winners and Scottish Cup holders Edinburgh Kings 74-70 at the Citadel.

In a dramatically different performance, Tornadoes not only played for one and other but made outside shots – two critical differences from the St Mirren loss.

Seven first quarter points from Andy Pearson helped open a 17-12 lead. This was extended to nine points in the second quarter but a series of turnovers allowed Kings to level the game at 34-34.

In the third quarter, Tornadoes continued to be haunted by turnovers and trailed 58-54. Ross Campbell stepped up at the offensive end with seven points.

Tornadoes’ free throw shooting was much improved with Ross Campbell, in particular, making six from six from the charity down the stretch.

This close win shows Tornadoes should be in contention for the domestic titles this season. Team: Jordan McIlwraith, Ifadade Thomas, Ally Hornell, Scott Frew, Gregor Anderson, Fraser Smith, Euan Campbell (capt), Ross Campbell (14 pts), Andy Pearson (14 pts), Jamie Frew, Stefan Loyen, Dan Donnelly (12 pts). On Friday, Tornadoes travel to Musselburgh to face East Lothian Peregrines.

Tornadoes Juniors lost 107-75 at home to St Mirren. Harry Kerr scored on the first drive but they constantly turned the ball over and Saints beat them up the floor in transition taking a 40-7 first quarter lead.

The ship was steadied in the second quarter with Jordan McIlwraith taking over the guard spot and scoring 10 points as the lead was cut to 68-28.

Now playing for pride, Tornadoes won the third quarter 22-18 with Loughlan and McIlwraith hitting some big outside shots. They took the final quarter 28-21 but the damage had been done early doors.

Team: Harry Kerr, Chris Savage, Rob Loughlan (24 pts) , Silas McGilvray, Josh McGilvray, Sam Jack, Harvey Baker-Flanagan, Jordan McIlwraith (30 pts), Alastair Anthony, Connor McQuade, Martin Graham.

After a winning start to the National League season last week, Tornadoes Cadets were unable to notch victory number two when they fell to St Mirren at Marr College.

Tornadoes started poorly with Saints danger man and Scottish internationalist Scott Rooney scoring 17 first half points).

Trailing 33-20 at half-time, coach Scott Robertson stressed the importance of shutting down Rooney and running a patient offence. Better defence and some nice baskets from captain Chris Savage cut the deficit to eight.

A quick time out appeared to re-settle Saints and they went 19 points ahead, Rooney scoring 41 points in the game. Under 15 player Mark Gebbie played well and gained good experience.

Team: Alan Gebbie, Mark Gebbie, Josh Hunter (9 pts), Craig Moffat, Gordon Hill, Chris Miller (19 pts), Daniel Forbes (7 pts), Ian Burns, Chris Savage (capt 10 pts), Joshua McGilvery (4 pts).

On Saturday, the juniors and cadets face difficult away fixtures against Edinburgh Kings.