HEAT STAY HOT ON THE ROAD
After five consecutive wins at home, tonight’s first game on the road was always going to be a litmus test for the Judd Flavell coached side, but it was a test they passed with flying colours.
The Heat started well and led by good margins through most of the game, but knew the Hawks were capable of putting on a run at any time.
Flavell described a solid all round performance from his side.
“Tonight was a good win; we played well with enough of a buffer at the end to keep it safe.
“Importantly for our first game on the road we started well and managed to build a lead but they came right back as we knew they would with their shooters and ability to push the ball. Then going into halftime we made a good run, about 8 and 0 I think and we led by around 13. The third quarter was close but we managed to hang on and held an 8 to 12 point buffer through most of the final quarter which proved enough in the end.”
Flavell was pleased with his side’s ability to hang tough at the end of a road game against quality opposition.
“Absolutely, we hung in at the end of the game as I said. Our defence was good at the end when it needed to be to deliver a good solid win.
“Corey and Kavossy played really good all round games, at both ends of the court. They chose their moments to attack well which was crucial for us. Rick and BJ were good inside as well in what was a strong all round team performance but Corey and Kavossy led the line well and made good decisions all night long.
With a quick turnaround to the Heat’s next game in Palmerston North against the Manawatu Jets tomorrow night, Flavell has just the one injury concern.
“There are no injuries to speak of other than a niggle that Dillon Boucher carried into the game. He is a bit tight right now but otherwise everyone is good. Manawatu is a dangerous team, we will have to start well and maintain the same sort of intensity as we showed tonight. They are likely to be a dangerous side on their home court.
“Tonight’s win is only good if we win tomorrow, we have to show we are for real in this league.”
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