THE Shoalhaven Tigers ensured they made a winning start to their new era at the Shoalhaven Indoor Sports Centre, by defeating the Springwood Scorchers 71-61 on Saturday night.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Playing on the John Martin Showcourt, the Tigers, wearing black armbands to remember the late Rick Davies, jumped out of the blocks on their new home court, to lead 10-5 midway through the opening term.
Despite the visitors fighting back, the Ben Bagoly-coached hosts led 19-17 at the first break.
The hosts' fastbreak offence saw that lead stretch out to nine midway through the second period, before the Scorchers closed it to be down by just six (39-33) at half-time.
At the intermission, the Tigers showed why they call the third quarter the championships quarter, as they outscored their opponents 17-5, to lead 56-38 at three-quarter-time.
In the final period, the lead stayed in double-digits, as the hosts ran out 10-point winners.
In the Waratah League division two men's victory, which moves Bagoly's troops to 2-0 this season, Bruce Ozolins was the star with 35, including four shots from downtown.
Nick Bizjak was the black and gold's next highest scorer with eight, with both Samuel Balfour and Dane Jensen adding six.
The Tigers next travel to Bolton Park Sports Stadium to face the Wagga Wagga Heat, who are 0-2 in 2021, from 6pm Saturday.
We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.