THE undefeated start to the Waratah League division one men's season for the Kennedy's Tours Shoalhaven Tigers is over, after losing to the Illawarra Hawks 93-58 at the Snakepit on Saturday.
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After going 4-0 to open the season, Ian Ozolins' Tigers traded baskets with the hosts in the first quarter, to only trial 19-16 at the first break.
But the Hawks asserted their dominance in the second quarter, outscoring the Tigers 25 to 16, to go into half-time up by 12 points.
That lead had stretched to 25 points by the end of the third quarter, before Ozolins' Tigers finally went down by 35 points.
"We really went away from what had been working so well for us this season - doing too much one out plays instead using team work to find the open man," Ozolins said.
"Nobody likes losing and it's a little bit of a reality check for the boys that we need to get back to basics, which includes moving the ball of offence and playing with effort on defence.
"Thankfully, we get a chance to rectify that loss this Saturday when we host Wagga - a side I always enjoy beating.
"We've had a really positive start to the season but it's not up to us to keep it going and not let teams catch us on the ladder."
In the loss, Bruce and Tom Ozolins top scored for the black and gold with 13 points each, while Billy Campbell chipped in 11.
The Tigers will look to rebound on their home court this Saturday, when they host the Wagga Wagga Heat from 6pm at the Den.