A 2nd half Buzzer beater from Dunsborough Midnight Oliers new player Aaron Morrell wasn’t enough as the YCW Stingers hold on to win their opening game of the 2023/24 season.
In a slow start it took nearly 5 minutes for the opening basket to be scored with Midnight Oiler Zack Conroy converting from inside the key. Scoring would prove tough as both teams failed to make the most of their offensive sets. After a further two minutes of the ball going from baseline to baseline, Morrell finally opened up the flood gates with his first before Simon Slater got the Stingers into the games with his first points with a quick reply.
Both teams defense proved tough to beat as both teams failed to make the most of the opportunities presented with a Midnight Olier Jake Allison was fouled from outside the arc, he converted not only the shot but also the bonus to see the team in white get out to a handy lead in the opening quarter of the match.
Again, scoring was tough and after the Stingers call a time-out to reassess their game plan. This worked as the Stingers came out shooting two quick baskets to make the margin 2 points. Both teams were then able to convert easy baskets to head into half time with the Midnight Oilers leading the Stingers 9-14.
The second half started in a similar way to the first with both sides putting on strong defensive displays, However it was the Stingers who were able to find a way to make the most of their chances up front with YCW putting on 11 points to 4 in ten minutes to see them hit the front for the first time all game.
The pressure of the contest was clear as both teams continued to trade baskets with the margin never getting outside of 6 points for the remainder of the game. A Kane Dawson bucket saw the Stingers hit the lead with a minute to play. The Midnight Oilers worked the ball around until an option became clear. Morrell seizing the opportunity to deliver for the Midnight Oilers shot a 3 pointer on the buzzer, however despite being impressive it wasn’t enough as the YCW Stingers held on to win 25 to 24.
Match Centre:
Dunsborough Midnight Oilers 24
Defeated by
YCW Stingers 25
Top Points Scorers:
Midnight Oilers – Aaron Morrell 7, Noah Gibson 6
Stingers – Simon Slater 10, Jack Williams 6
OTHER RESULTS
Boomers Boomdogs vs Colts
Boomdogs 42 defeated Colts 39
