The South Adelaide Panthers came agonisingly close to producing the upset of the round, going down 63-62 to Forestville in the women's game at Wayville on Saturday.

The Panthers, who succumbed 105-46 in their last meeting with Forestville, put that dread night behind them, and with 8.4 seconds to go, had the chance to steal the win.

Claire Johnson was forced into a tough shot to beat the buzzer, which was straight but long, as South lost their second match of 2011 by one point, and dropped to 0-3 overall.

Johnson was one of the Panthers’ best players on the night, finishing with 13 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals.

Elizabeth Keane, who had been the shining light for South in two disappointing losses, was held to just 6 points on 2-9 shooting, but did contribute 10 rebounds and 2 blocked shots.

Sarah Peddle had a team-high 15 points along with 5 boards, while Simone Nelson had 13 points and 5 boards.

Forestville’s Jess Fergus, who led from the front with great intensity when the game seemed to be slipping away from her team, was the Player of the Game with 18 points and 8 rebounds.

Georgia Minear, who put up 22 and 29 in her first two games, was held to just 11 points on just 4-17 shooting, although she did contribute 6 rebounds and 4 assists.

South did a great job of preventing Tara Robinson from getting shots off, with the Eagles Centre attempting just 5 field goals (4 of which she converted). Robinson also had 6 points, 5 assists and 3 blocks.

Jamie-Lee Bow and Alex Duncan each added 9 points, with Duncan also contributing 12 rebounds and 6 assists.

The Panthers will fill aggrieved at missing another chance to win, especially after leading by six with 6.17 to go in a low-scoring affair.

However, Fergus upped the ante, and Forestville scored 10 of the next 11 points.

This came after scoring just 11 points in the first 13.43 of the second half.

At half-time, although unconvincing, Forestville had a comfortable 42-33 advantage.

However, not for the first time, they came out after half-time sluggish, and were outdone 18-7 in the third period.

They missed a lot of easy shots, and South made them pay at the other end.

The Eagles played their best basketball of the night in the second period, winning the quarter 20-13.

Only two points separated the two sides at quarter-time, with Forestville holding sway 22-20.

All through the game, the Panthers took great care of the ball, finishing with just 5 turnovers to Forestville’s 13.

However, they only shot 36 per cent from the field, while their opponents converted at 42 per cent.

Very few fouls were called in this game; South with just 5 and Forestville 10. This lead to a combined 16 free throw attempts the entire game.

 

Defining moment: Again, the old saying, free throws win basketball games. South’s best opportunity to win the game came up the foul-line with 33 seconds remaining. One make would tie; two would give them the lead. Up stepped Taya Crockford, a career 55.2 per cent foul shooter. Unfortunately for her club, she missed both. The Panthers scrambling defence forced Minear into a turnover, and had a 5 on 4 advantage after the Eagles’ star appeared to be affected by bleeding from the nose, however, Forestville forced the ball back out of court. Following a time-out, South failed to get an open look, and went down by a lousy point. However, had they hit their free throws, it could have been a much different story.

Forestville verdict: The reigning champs have struggled in their home matches this season, only managing a one point win in this one when they would have expected to win by a lot more, as well as a tough two-point loss to Southern. When they were at their best in Round 2 against Woodville, Forestville looked like contenders once again, but they have looked a step slower than normal in Rounds 1 and 3, as well as lacking intensity. Coach Sharon Simons will certainly need to address the Eagles’ 0-3 record in third quarters, where they have been outscored 66-39. This was also a problem for the team last season. Fergus aside, Forestville will require a much improved performance when they take on Sturt and West.

South Adelaide verdict: This was a heartbreaking loss for a Panthers’ team that now sits 0-3, having lost twice by one point. It will be a bitter-sweet feeling for this team, knowing they came so close to causing a massive boilover, but only sit percentage above Woodville and Eastern for the wooden spoon. Although they lack the talent that many of their rivals have, South showed great fight and spirit; qualities which will take them a long way if they are to fight their way back into the finals race. The fact they only turned the ball over five times against arguably the best defence in the competition was an outstanding effort. This was a step in the right direction, and they will be hoping to improve again in their next match against Southern.

By James Woite