THE Kennedy's Tours Shoalhaven Tigers division one youth men's side proved one week is a long time in Waratah League basketball.
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On Saturday, the Cubs sent a message to the rest of the competition, by knocking off the first placed Penrith Panthers 85-71 at the Den.
This comes one week after producing one of their worst second halves of the past two seasons.
The match, which tipped-off a massive day at the Den including the Tigers season launch, saw both teams trade baskets in the first quarter before two late three-pointers by forward Kyle Leslie saw the Tigers go into quarter-time up 21-16.
That lead had stretched to 10 points by the main break, thanks largely to the hosts rebounding and disruptive defence.
The match was sealed in the third quarter, as the Tigers outscored their rivals 23-15 in the period, to hold an 18-point advantage heading in the final term.
Much to the delight of the home fans, the Tigers didn't take their foot off the throat and ran out winners by 14 points - to move to 4-3 on the season.
"We really turned a page from last week, as I know how disappointed all the boys were after that Illawarra loss," coach Scott Balsar said.
"It was a bit of a reality check, that we can't play like that and expect to win.
"To the boys' credit, we spoke about it at training and all the boys really dug deep and produced one of the best sessions on court we've had in a long time - I had a good feeling going into the match.
"So to produce a full 40-minute performance like that was very pleasing."
In the win, skipper Riley O'Shannessy top scored with 21 points, while Leslie (20) and Gavin Costain (17) also shot the ball well.
But it was other statistics that were more impressive to Balsar.
"Rebounding has been a weakness of ours all year, so for Kyle [Leslie] and Riley [O'Shannessy] to grab 13 each was excellent," he said.
"By crashing to boards aggressively, it allowed us to secure the ball quicker and get out on the fast break and play like the Tigers of old.
"We also cut down our turnovers from 30 against Illawarra to 17 against Penrith - while I'd like that number to come down further, it's a step in the right direction."
Balsar was also pleased with his team's 20 assists, 11 steals and 38 per cent shooting form the field, while highlighting their need to improve the efficiency from both beyond the arc (32 per cent) and free-throw line (60 per cent).
The Cubs will now enjoy the weekend off for Easter before hosting the Sutherland Sharks from 4pm on Saturday, April 27.