A stunning shooting display from Kyle Miller has catapulted Central Districts to an upset 89-80 win over the Daniel Johnson-less Bearcats at Starplex on Saturday.

Miller’s first two touches – a badly missed jumper and a double-dribble – gave no indication of the sort of night he would have, helping his team end a two game losing streak and causing a first blemish on the season for their opponents.

Before leaving the game in the final three seconds to a standing ovation, Miller lit up the Lions’ den with 35 points (11/22 FG, 7/14 3FG, 6/8 FT).

Miller was particularly hot in the second period when his side built a 17 point buffer, with only a superb effort from the enigmatic Joshua Knight getting the Bearcats back into the game.

Knight had a season-high 16 points, including a run of seven straight in the second quarter when the Bearcats needed a spark.

Until then, the Bearcats had been outrun and outgunned by their more athletic opponents, failing to slow the game down as they have done so successfully at home.

The Bearcats were within single figures early in the third and looked to have the Lions’ measure, but then Knight picked up two fouls within seconds and had to leave the game with four personals.

The visitors’ momentum was snuffed out with that substitution, at least for the time being.

Trailing by nine after three quarters, the Bearcats closed to within one inside the final three minutes, with only a couple of Miller bombs from well beyond the arc holding them off. (Even Kyle’s namesake Reggie would be proud!)

The Lions then toughed it out by getting big stops and rebounds, although they were let off the hook with Jason Cadee and Tristan Braithwaite uncharacteristically blowing open three-pointers.

Miller also had 7 assists and 4 rebounds, while Christopher Clausen was all over the court for 18 points and 14 rebounds, and Matthew Atkins turned back the clock with five three-pointers.

The Lions only attempted one additional three-pointer to their rivals, but their +18 advantage in points from outside the arc was the decisive factor in the outcome of the game - the Lions’ win was achieved despite small deficits in rebounding and turnovers forced.

West’s Blake Truslove was a presence inside with 18 points and 16 rebounds, while Braithwaite was a threat with 16 points, but Jason Cadee had his colours lowered in the Point Guard battle with Miller.

Cadee had just 12 points on 4/19 shooting.

The 5-2 Lions are at home again to North next week.

The Bearcats remain top with a 6-1 record and host the Panthers.

Central Districts Lions 89 (Kyle Miller 35, Chris Clausen 18, Matthew Atkins 15)
West Adelaide Bearcats 80 (Blake Truslove 18, Tristan Braithwaite 16, Josh Knight 16)

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By James Woite