Bathgate, Scotland | Renfrew Rocks returned to the road looking to extend their winning run of form to 3 consecutive games when they took on West Lothian Wolves. Rocks would have a big challenge to contend with the big front court of Wolves but remained confident on the defensive end following the previous weekend.
Both teams got off to a good start off the tip as they traded baskets early on, Scottish-Canadian guard Vlad Pierimarchi got off to a flying start as he raced out to an early 9 points personal in the opening quarter beating the various defenders in front of him and stretching his legs in transition. Milo Lockhart matched the top scoring 9 points personal as he managed to find his way to the basket at will putting the West Lothian defence under pressure. A few defensive struggles allowed Wolves to hang in the game as the quarter ended 23 a piece.
There was quite the turnaround from last weeks offensive struggles as Rocks managed to find their shooting rhythm, with veteran big Jonny Pettit hitting 6 consecutive personal points from post ups and his trademark midrange jumper. Renfrew managed to move the ball and share the sugar as Shay Graham and Kris Carroll chipped in with their own triples, to add to the 3 of Pierimarchi and Calum Alexander - who returned to Bathgate following his summer signing to Renfrew. The four 3's in the second quarter matched all Renfrew could muster the previous week, showing signs of an improved shooting showing, the defence remained solid holding Wolves to 16 points in the quarter and a fifth 3 for the quarter from Martin McQuarrie in the corner finished off a 27 point period as Renfrew went into the interval up 50-39.
Wolves came out of the halftime break strong on the defensive end as the shooting for Renfrew dried up from their hot streak, a galvanised home side fed off the big crowd as they clawed their way back into the game against a rotated Renfrew side. Foul trouble kept Wolves ticking over as they eventually capitalised, hitting 9 consecutive of their 21 quarter points from the charity stripe. Pettit continued his strong shooting as he added another 4 points personal along with Lockhart and guard Thomas McGoran getting himself on the scoresheet to round out a 12 point quarter from the visiting side, enough to hold on to a slim lead at the end of the 3rd.
With all the play for, the energy was high in the stands as the Bathgate crowd would look for a classic comeback win from their team. Big man Shiloh Wakazadi and Kiwi Shay Graham worked a solid 2 man game as they looked to regain a Renfrew control but turnovers in the back court kept West Lothian in it through out the quarter. A continued strong showing from Renfrew guard Milo Lockhart kept the tempo of the game ticking along to respond to a quick 7-0 from the home side, forcing Renfrew into a time out. An energised Rocks side took control of the final minutes as they chipped away at the small deficit, following some big defensive possessions from guard Matthew Keegan, giving themselves a 1 point lead into the final few possessions before Wolves hit a transition layup to put them up 1, turning into an ensuing time out from Head Coach Johnathan MacLeod. Perfect execution from the drawn up play set the Wolves defence up nicely to get Renfrew the space and shot they wanted allowing Lockhart to drive right to the basket and convert leaving too little time left on the clock for a meaningful reply.
Speaking post game, Macleod commented;
"I am absolutely delighted for the boys to be able to clinch this game in the final few seconds, but more importantly to shake off the offensive struggles from last week and show ourselves that we can score the ball, they deserve it most after the work they have put in this week. Putting up 50 in a half is a good showing and bar a quiet 3rd quarter we were well on our way to match that in the second half, the boys can take confidence going forward and I am excited for when we really start to get going. Our biggest challenge remains being consistent over 40 minutes, but we showed ourselves that we can put the team in a position to win and for me, being able to execute perfectly out of a timeout is an added coaching bonus. I tinkered with a few things today throughout the game and continue to learn a lot from the squad, I am enjoying that we don't rely on one person to be our offensive spark, with everyone able to go off on a nightly basis. We look forward to another challenge next weekend against Dunfermline."
Rocks return home to Renfrew on Sunday 27th as they welcome Dunfermline Reign for a repeat of last years Scottish Cup semi-final. Game details and tickets can be purchased via the Game Hub.
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