Basketball: Troon Tornadoes senior men beat Stirling Knights

Nov 11 2011 by Mike WIlson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

TROON Tornadoes senior men avenged two defeats last season by Stirling Knights to beat them 92-73.

Jonny Petitt opened the scoring and this was quickly followed by a three point basket from captain Euan Campbell. Although Knights’ Donnelly got the visitors off the mark, Tornadoes then made three points from the free throw line as Campbell, Pearson and Thomas each made one from a possible two shots for an 8-2 lead.

When Thomas replied to two made free throws by Donnelly with a three point basket it looked as if Tornadoes were cruising. However, poor decision making which led to turnovers, allowed Knights to get back into the game and by the end of the first quarter they led 22-19.

Tornadoes improved their defense in the second quarter, limiting Knights to 13 points, and with Andy Pearson in his best form for years, Tornadoes regained the initiative to lead 36-35 at the break.

Tornadoes outscored Knights 32-22 in the third quarter but within two minutes left in the final period, the lead had shrunk to just four points. As Knights chased the game, Tornadoes’ Hunter racked up 10 points in the last minute.

The shooting percentage was probably the best of the season to date and five players were again in double figures. Andy Pearson led Tornadoes with a season high 22 points and his absence in the next two games will be a big loss. This weekend, Tornadoes are away to Glasgow Storm.

Team: Chris Bombani, Ally Hornell (10 pts), Ifadade Thomas (20), Scott Armstrong, Euan Campbell, Jonny Pettit (14), Fraser Smith, Graham Hunter (14).

After two good performances in a row, Tornadoes Cadets went into their match against St Mirren full of confidence but lost 58-54.

The defensive intensity was too much for Saints who threw the ball away and allowed Alexander Anderson and Sam Paterson to score easy baskets as Tornadoes led 14-13 at the end of the first period.

An excellent defensive quarter, led by Marcus MacMillan at the point, limited the Saints offence to only seven points where Tornadoes were able to put up 19.

Fraser Wright scored nine of his game high 15 points from strong drives to the basket as Tornadoes led 33-20 at the half.

Tornadoes led 46-33 going into the final quarter but a disastrous final quarter allowed Saints back. They won the quarter 25-8, scoring nine free-throws in a row to win the match.

The Tornadoes coach is confident the first win of the season is just around the corner. Team: Marcus MacMillan (7 pts), Alex Anderson (7), Greg Austin, Craig Boyce (capt, 2), Johnny McElhinney, Fraser Wright (15), Adam Jack (3), Craig McIntyre (10), Sam Paterson (7), Bonar Robb, Ewan Lancaster (3).

Tornadoes junior men can take positives from a 89-41 defeat to undefeated St Mirren in the Scottish Cup.

Team: C Miller (19 pts), G MacMillan, I Burns, C McIntyre, H Forsythe, M Gebbie, C Moffat 1, G Hill, A Gebbie, C Boyce, S Paterson.