(Courtesy Norwood Basketball Club)

Bitter enemies North Adelaide and Norwood have played out another classic, with the Rockets ending the Flames’ seven-game winning streak, 94-86 on Saturday night at Hillcrest.

Billed as the match of the year, these two talented teams didn’t disappoint, as the match see-sawed through 16 lead changes and nine ties. Twice the Rockets pulled away to double-figure leads, and twice the Flames reeled them back to regain the lead. The Flames pulled ahead 81-80 with 1:57 to go but a clutch three by Jason Reardon (his first in five attempts) and a three-point play by Dallas Quigley off a slick Nick Hambour assist gave the hosts just enough. Free throws and a 3-pointer at the end as players were walking off blew the scoreline out.

The Rockets set the tone early with double-teams and efficient team ‘D’, keeping the Flames off balance. Tentative attack against the press also left Norwood with little time to run their offense, resulting in a succession of rushed shots. Down the other end, the Rockets struggled as well. The Flames snapping to life defensively mid-way through the quarter after a sluggish start.

North lead 22-19 at quarter time, 43-42 at the half and 66-55 at the final change. Norwood won convincingly on the boards – 49-34, but wasted it with 21 turnovers. North went 18-33 (55%) from the field in the second half – much from lay-ups and open jumpshots – to out-execute the Flames in the clutch. Crucial lapses in defensive concentration cost the Flames dearly.

For the Rockets, 36ER Erik Burdon top-scored with 22, including 9-10 from the line and four steals, Leif Burdon had 14 points after being shuffled into the starting lineup to avoid a Keith Krause/Jason Reardon matchup; Nick Hambour was big when it counted with 16 points and 10 boards, but it was Michael Zorich who proved the difference. His 17 points at 62%, 5 assists came at crucial times when his team really needed them.