Tigers hold second after mauling Hawks - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Tigers hold second after mauling Hawks

By Guy Hand 23/12/2005 10:05:36 PM Comments (0)

The Melbourne Tigers completed a six-day sweep of their major NBL championship rivals with a 13-point victory over the Wollongong Hawks at the State Netball Centre.

After brushing aside league leader Sydney last weekend and third-placed Adelaide midweek, the Tigers further strengthened their grip on a top two spot with the 102-89 victory over the fourth-placed Hawks.

Twice the Tigers had to dig themselves out of deep holes to post the win - trailing by as much as 15 points at one stage.

But each time the Tigers showed they have the fight as well as the firepower to be legitimate contenders for their first title since 1997, finding a different gear and different route to the basket when required.

Tigers centre Chris Anstey was again outstanding, with 23 points and 11 rebounds, while veteran guard Darryl McDonald also had 23 points.

Wollongong powered out of the blocks and led by 10 points at quarter-time, before pushing the lead out to 15 points early in the second.

But the Tigers wound it back and grabbed a two-point halftime lead, then fought back from a slow start to the third quarter and a seven-point deficit to go into the final change locked at 75-75.

Bench guard Daryl Corletto provided the spark for the Tigers with two clutch three-pointers early in the term among his 18 points to allow his side to open a match-winning gap, while its defence shut down the Hawks.

The Tigers now have a 19-5 win-loss record and have won 13 of their past 14 matches, while the Hawks slip to 13-10.

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