Wildcats hammer Crocs at home

Updated October 14, 2012 17:36:40

Perth Wildcats embarrassed the Crocodiles on their own floor in an 82-58 shellacking at The Swamp in Townsville on Sunday afternoon.

The home side made a dismal 29 per cent (17-of-59) of its field goal attempts and surrendered 32 points in the paint as the Wildcats showed no mercy.

Perth scored more points in the first, third and fourth periods than Townsville did in the entire second half, such was the extent of the Crocodiles' struggles.

The hosts looked good in the second period, rebounding from a six-point quarter-time deficit to lead 38-34 at half-time.

But a third-period fade-out saw Townsville surrender its advantage and trail by seven going into the last quarter before capitulating in a 25-8 thumping.

Swingman Michael Cedar was the lone Crocodile to reach double figures on the scoreboard but he needed 10 shots for his 11 points, going 1-of-5 from beyond the three-point line.

The usual suspects were on fire for Perth, with Kevin Lisch's 20-point haul leading the way, although the star guard committed six turnovers.

Shawn Redhage was strong down low, posting 18 points, while Jesse Wagstaff (11) and Matthew Knight (10) also chipped in.

Tags: nbl, basketball, sport, townsville-4810, qld, perth-6000, wa, australia

First posted October 14, 2012 17:36:40

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Opals hammer China

Updated July 21, 2012 13:28:05

The Australian women's basketball team scored a convincing 84-53 win over China in their opening game of the pre-Olympics tournament in France.

Lauren Jackson was on song with a 17-point haul, while Belinda Snell was a handy contributor with 16 points.

The victory was set up through a dominant opening two quarters with the Boomers having taken a 45-18 lead into half-time.

Tags: basketball, sport, olympics-summer, france

First posted July 21, 2012 13:28:05

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Hammer Heal to coach Kings

Updated February 24, 2012 16:36:22

Sydney Kings have installed Shane Heal to coach the team for the remaining six games of the NBL season.

Heal will take over the role immediately, replacing Ian Robilliard who has recently been appointed as the club's interim chief executive, and will be in charge for his first game when the Kings host Townsville on Sunday.

Heal, a former point guard known for his aggressive play, loud haircuts and three-point shooting, captained the Kings to their first championship in 2003, has his number 23 jersey retired and is still highly regarded at the club.

The Kings have endured a mixed season under Robilliard, missing out on landing Boomers superstar Andrew Bogut during the NBA lock-out due to unresolvable insurance issues while overcoming a series of injuries to hover mid-table with an 8-14 record.

The Kings are on a five-game losing streak but Heal, who at this stage does not have a deal for next season, says he simply hopes to bring his own touch to the team for the final six games of the year.

"I will really be working on getting their mindset right and belief in themselves," he said.

"I am looking forward to sitting down with the team to talk about philosophies and expectations."

Robilliard says he expects Heal to use his experience to instil a championship-winning mentality into the young Kings squad.

"It is a great feeling to have secured Shane Heal for the role of head coach," he said.

"The club definitely considers him a Sydney Kings legend.

"Having played in the purple and gold, he knows first hand what it means to wear in our colours, to win a championship, and to play at the Kingdome.

"If he can instil half of his Sydney Kings personal experience into our roster, it could help our team of committed professionals become a champion team."

AAP

Tags: nbl, basketball, sport, sydney-2000, nsw, australia

First posted February 24, 2012 16:36:22

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