Jamie Pearlman was outstanding for Canberra with 22 points.

Dead Men Winning

Posted: Sat Nov 7, 1998 at 9:38 PM ET

Two days ago the Canberra Cannons were considered dead and gone but tonight they showed they have plenty of life left in them, beating the Sydney Kings 111-88 in front of a packed house. The Cannons and their fans were pumped up and early on they showed their enthusiasm, getting up and down the court and playing some tough defence to stiffle the Kings. Ray Borner walked all over the Kings big men in the first quarter, plundering them to the tune of 10 first quarter points. Mike Mckay also caused the Kings defensive worries, scoring 7 points in the quarter of his own. Only Matt Nielson showed any significant fightback for the Kings, he scored 7 to kepp them within touch. At the quarter time break they trailed 33-24. The second quarter and things got even worse for the Kings. Melvin Thomas scored 11 in the period and most of those were scored on Matt Nielson, but Nielson held his own in the second with 10. The Cannons were finding it very easy to score and Sydney showed little desire to play any defence. This cost them late in the term and the Cannons blew out the lead to 64-47 at the main break.

The Kings didn't do themselves an favours in the third term either, their shooting percentage dropped to 38% and their 1-15 treys were getting to be an embarasment. Melvin Thomas was again doing as he please, helping the Cannons push the lead past 20. In a quarter where it was vital to cut the cannons lead, they were outscored 28-20. The score at three quarter time was 92-67 and the Cannons didn't look like letting up. The fourth quarter was 12 minutes of garbage time. The Kings getting the better of it, just. The Cannons played the bench and eventually so did the Kings. Melvin Thomas checked out with 2 minutes to play, his line: 27 points, 11 boards, 8 assists, 3 steals and 1 block in a Game M.V.P performance. He was backed up well by Jamie Pearlman who scored an impressive 22, Ray Borner had 15 and Mike Mckay 14. For the losers Matt Nielson 27 and Kelsey Weems 17.

Video:  Troy Pilon drives down the middle of the key, takes off for the slam but is challenged and fouled by Matt Nielson. He turns backwards and throws up a prayer that drops.
2.17MB avi |