LIONS ROCKET BACK DOWN TO EARTH

After a round 1 victory over the Eastern Mavericks, the Lions went into a tough weekend double header against the Sturt Sabres and the North Adelaide Rockets, and have come out the other end licking some very deep wounds. After going down to a well drilled Sturt squad by 6 points on Saturday evening, it got much worse for the Lions on Sunday, getting belted by title favourites North Adelaide Rockets 129-73.Up against a young and injury depleted Sturt at Starplex, it was Centrals who came out on top at the end of a tight first quarter, leading 27-22, as big man Zane Reeves looked to have the wood on 36er Jordan Dodman early on.  With control of the game up for grabs, it was the Sabres who came out ablaze in the second quarter, as they went on a 26-8 scoring spree on their way to a 50-42 half time advantage. Sturt hit an impressive eight of 11 three pointer’s in the first half compared to the Lions’ 3/10. Despite Centrals drawing close a few times throughout the second half, Sturt always seemed to be in control, leading 75-61 at the final break, before running out 92-86 winners. Matthew Clarke top scored for the hosts with 22 points, and Zane Reeves had a solid game for 15 points and eight rebounds. On Sunday, it was ugly right from the tip-off. A dismal 12 point first quarter from Centrals was more than matched by 26 points from North Adelaide. The Lions had 25 of their own in the second quarter, but North exploded for 41 to lead 67-37 at the main break. By three quarter time it was 101-54 and the result was a mere formality. Matt Atkins top scored for Centrals with 15 points, but the show belonged to North Adelaide guard - and 36ers player - Erik Burdon, who connected on nine 3-pointers on his way to 41 points.

With Erin Philips away on national duties, the Centrals women’s side didn’t fare any better than the men, going down to Sturt 90-42, and 108-56 to the Rockets. Charlotte Taylor top scored for the Lions in both games with 15 and 12 respectively. After a tiring and disheartening weekend, the Lions have to get straight back on the horse, with another double header scheduled this weekend. The two sides travel to Marden on Saturday night to take on the Norwood Flames, and then host the giant-killing Southern Tigers on Sunday afternoon.

Saturday, April 12: Lions vs Norwood Flames @ Marden (Women 6.30pm, Men 8.15pm)

Sunday, April 13: Lions vs Southern Tigers @ Starplex (W 1.15pm, M 3pm)