David Nurse had 22 points and 7 boards as the Bearcats overcame an 11 point deficit late in the third quarter to defeat Forestville 75-68 at Port Adelaide on Sunday.

Going into the Round 4-5 double-header, West were undefeated, but could so easily have gone 0-2 this weekend, if not for a 26-12 fourth quarter.

Adam Doyle was outstanding for the visitors with 10 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals, while John Wernham (10 points, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks) held his own against his much bigger opponents Jeff Dowdell (12 points, 9 rebounds) and Blake Truslove (7 points, 10 rebounds).

Brad Sullivan was on fire for three quarters, but went cold in the fourth, finishing with 15 points, including three treys.

The Eagles played the better basketball for most of the match, but had some close calls go against them down the stretch, which led to Coach Andy Simons picking up a technical foul.

Trent Fildes (11 points, 4 assists) fouled out when appearing to have clean purchase on a steal attempt, while Rashad Tucker (8 points, 7 rebounds) picked up his fifth foul for an over the back foul, which players from both sides had been getting away with the entire game.

West shot just 35 per cent from the field to Forestville’s 41, but held a 51-30 edge in rebounding.

Tristan Braithwaite did most of his damage early, finishing with 14 points.

The Eagles got off to a good start, leading 9-8 after 5 minutes, before West scored 10 consecutive points, with Braithwaite at the helm of the attack.

However, Doyle ignited his teammates as Forestville fought back with a 14-2 run of their own, despite Tucker being off the floor, and led 23-20 at quarter-time.

After conceding the first two points of the second quarter, the Bearcats hit back with an 8-0 run, before the two teams predominantly traded baskets the remainder of the period.

At half-time, West led 38-36, and it was anyone’s game.

The Eagles took control in the third with a 20-7 streak, again led by Doyle and this time Sullivan, who hit two three-pointers and a long jumper.

However, the Bearcats scored two crucial baskets late in the period, getting them within seven at the end of the third.

West then scored 10 of the first 12 points of the fourth, led by some hot shooting from Nurse.

The Bearcats had turned the tables on Forestville in the space of about five minutes.

The next couple of minutes were cagey, with both teams struggling to score.

Tucker picked up his fifth foul half-way through the quarter, then Fildes also fouled out shortly after, with Dowdell making the most of the penalty situation with two free throws.

Nurse hit two free throws off Simons’ tech, before Dowdell knocked down a three, putting Forestville within three at 65-62 with 3.02 to go.

Out of a West Adelaide time-out, Sullivan committed a silly foul, which resulted in three points, as the Bearcats got the rebound and scored.

Blair turned the ball over, and then picked up another bad foul, with Nurse making one of two free throws.

Things were unravelling for the Eagles, before Brad Haydon hit a tray to reduce the gap to four.

West got two good looks on the next play, but failed to convert either, before Doyle was fouled with 41 seconds left.

Doyle could only convert one of his three free throw attempts (the Bearcats committed the ultimate sin of a lane violation on his second free throw), but Forestville now only needed a stop, and they would have the chance to tie.

The Eagles took the risk of continuing with the 1-2-1-1 trap they had been attempting for the previous couple of minutes, which West broke down.

Dowdell missed the lay-up, but was fouled on the rebound, and converted both foul shots.

Haydon missed a three on the next possession, before the Bearcats iced it from the line.

Defining moment: There were a number of key plays in this game, including the fifth fouls of Tucker and Fildes, but most importantly for West was their ability to hold their nerve in the final seconds. With 41 seconds to go, the Bearcats had a three point lead and possession, so a score would almost seal the match. Against the Forestville trap, West got the ball up the floor easily to Dowdell, who somehow missed the uncontested layup, but buttered up with the rebound. Dowdell then held his nerve from the free throw line, helping his team hang on.

West verdict: The Bearcats will be pleased with their comeback, but should feel fortunate to have avoided a second consecutive loss. Nurse’s form has been excellent, while Braithwaite was also good here, but they need to get more scoring production out of Dowdell and Truslove, especially when they have smaller opponents on their backs. Their form has been inconsistent across quarters, but with a 4-1 record and their next match against a South team that has lost three straight, West are in a good position as of now.

Forestville verdict: Although they did not get the result they desired, they should be pleased with this performance. Only hours after being comprehensively beaten by Sturt, the Eagles had much to prove against the Bearcats. This match signified that despite their lack of size and depth, Forestville is capable of matching it with the best of them on their day. Their full court pressure was excellent, but in order for this to be effective they need to hit shots, or else they will not get a chance to set up, much like the fourth quarter. The Eagles (now 3-2) have another tough match against undefeated Norwood at Mars next week.

By James Woite