Basketball: Troon lose cup dress rehearsal to Falkirk Fury

Feb 5 2010 by Mike WIlson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

TROON Tornadoes senior men lost 79-63 to Falkirk Fury in a dress rehearsal for their Scottish Cup semi-final.

In the two previous games this season against Fury, Tornadoes had lost by five and six points. Since then, Fury have strengthened their roster with an American shooting guard and the return of 6' 11" Scottish internationalist Ronnie Gordon.

As Tornadoes were without captain Euan Campbell, Andy Pearson, Scott Frew and Ifadade Thomas it looked as if they were in for a drubbing.

Tornadoes took an 18-12 first quarter lead as Ross Campbell and Michael Lynn locked up the Fury outside threat of the American and Keith Bunyan.

The second quarter proved to be Tornadoes undoing as Fury capitalised on a series of errors. Fury's centre, Ally Fraser (a junior), proved too strong and athletic for the players assigned to guard him and by half-time he had racked up 19 points as Fury raced to a 44-33 lead.

With some many big players missing, Tornadoes struggled to find cover for players who were running into foul trouble. The quarter was tied 20-20 and Tornadoes still trailed by 11 going into the final session.

Tornadoes reduced the deficit but with three players on four fouls and Michael Lynn fouling out on a technical foul for retaliation after allegedly, being spat upon.

The game almost erupted and it was some time before the referees, who had not spotted any prior infringement, restored order. Although Tornadoes won the last quarter they could take that extra step and eventually went down 79-63.

Tornadoes won two quarters and tied one but the disastrous second session proved crucial. Tornadoes can take heat from the offense provided by Ross Campbell (18 pts), Stefan Loyen (18 pts), Daniel Donnelly (16 pts) and Ally Hornell (10 pts).

Without Scott Frew, Tornadoes will have their work cut out to stop the powerful and athletic 6'7" Fraser.

On Friday (Citadel 8.15pm), Tornadoes entertain Glasgow Storm when they will be out to avenge the shock defeat in their last meeting.

Team: Gregor Anderson, Ally Hornell, Fraser Smith, Muir Campbell, Michael Lynn, Stuart Ramsey, Ross Campbell (capt), Stefan Loyen, Dan Donnelly.

Tornadoes Juniors were seeking their third win in a row following victories over Arbroath and Boroughmuir. This was the deciding game against Perth Phoenix as both teams had won the home games and Tornadoes were one point ahead of Perth in the league.

Perth caught Tornadoes several times to take an early lead. Tornadoes scored on their set offence but were not running the floor well and Phoenix took a 20-14 lead.

In the second quarter, Tornadoes were still struggling to cope with Perth in transition and trailed 42-27.

Tornadoes needed a good start to the second half and a pressing defense against Perth in the back court led to steals and baskets for McIlwraith and Armstrong. Tornadoes pulled the deficit back to 10 points but Perth led 57-44 going into the final period.

Tornadoes kept battling but, as they had to chase the game, errors were creeping in and they got caught turning the ball over. Perth capitalised on this to win 80-60.

Players: R Morrison, S Armstrong, S Jack, C Savage, C Millar, H Kerr, R Loughlan (12 points), J McGilvary, J McIlwraith (25 points), C McQuade, H Baker-Flanagan, M Graham.

Tornadoes Cadet Men beat Perth Phoenix for the third time this season in an enthralling match at Perth Academy.

Their preparation was all about focusing defensive efforts on Perth's star player and Scotland internationalist Jack Nicholson but he scored their first six points and managed 12 by the end of the quarter.

Fortunately for Tornadoes their offence was matching the home team with four of the starting five getting their name on the score sheet. Tornadoes led 16-17 at the end of the first period.

Tornadoes experimented with a range of players during the second period to try and stop Nicholson attacking the basket but he scored another eight points.

With Chris Miller and Josh Hunter on form, Troon led 36-35 at the break.

Marr College under-15 duo Alan and Mark Gebbie were assigned defensive responsibility for Nicholson which they performed brilliantly, limiting him to only six points.

But too many lapses in concentration and turnovers towards the end of the quarter allowed Perth back.

A disastrous start to the final period saw Tornadoes blow their 53-51 lead and they trailed 55-60 after only a few minutes. With key players getting into foul trouble, the game looked to be slipping away but a quick timeout settled the team and they began to compete better at both ends of the floor.

With less than three minutes left, Tornadoes made a decisive run and took control. Point guard Josh Hunter stole the ball from the Perth guards three times in four possessions, assisting his team mates to go on an 8-0 run and seal a 75-67 win.

Hunter had a career high in scoring, steals and assists and led all Tornadoes scorers with 22 points on his way to a triple double of 22 points, 12 assists and 11 steals.

Team: Alan Gebbie (2 pts), Mark Gebbie, Josh Hunter (22 pts), Craig Moffat, Chris Miller (14 pts), Daniel Forbes (3 pts), Ian Burns (2 pts), Chris Savage (captain 16 pts), Joshua McGilvary (16 pts).

On Saturday, the juniors and cadets face difficult away games to St Mirren.