NBL1 Round 2 vs Southern Tigers
Men
After losing in the season opener, the Norwood Flames (0 – 1) are trying to snag their first victory of the season at home against the Southern Tigers (0 – 1). A close loss to the North Adelaide Rockets is in the rear-view mirror now and a chance to get themselves on the right foot has presented itself in this matchup.
The Southern Tigers started the game well on both ends, playing with great physicality and forcing Norwood into awkward situations on both ends. This led to a quick 4-point advantage for Southern. Norwood tried to utilise paint touches to force scrambles from Southern, however, the Tigers communicated effectively, and Norwood was unable to attack well off closeouts. Instead, they elected to utilise the size of Anthony Green in the pick and roll, creating extra space of the screens as Southern had to send two at the roller. This worked initially but Southern were able to get deflections off the passing of Norwood, leading to some easy fastbreak opportunities. A very close quarter but Norwood trailing, 20 – 24 at quarter time.
An electric alley-oop slam opened the second quarter as Daniel Webber connected with Anthony Green. This sparked some energy in the Flames as they chained together stops to start the second. However, Southern was still clinging to their lead, answering Norwood whenever they made a small run. Norwood effectively slowed down the Tigers, limiting their transition and forcing them to execute in the halfcourt. Unfortunately, this also limited the ability for Norwood to get in transition which is a major component to their offensive rhythm. This slower pace compared to the first made a quick yet physical game into a true battle, both teams earning every single point they put onto the board. It looked for a moment that Southern was going to run away with it, but Trey McBride led Norwood back into the game, and by halftime it was a 1-point affair, Norwood trailing 42 – 43.
Southern Tigers came out of the half with a 5-0 run before Cooper Osborne ended their run early with a tough drive and score. The Flames went back to their pick and roll strategy which generated good looks for the Flames, who took the lead on a strong drive and finish from Cooper Osborne. Southern quickly took back the lead, going on strong 7-0 run getting to the rim with ease. Norwood answered back as they too attacked with purpose and what was once a defensive minded game became extremely offensively focused, both teams trading baskets. Norwood was fine trading buckets until a 3-point shooting drought led to Southern breaking away into a double-digit lead. This lead held until halftime, Norwood trailing 58-68.
The captain, Daniel Webber drained two much-needed triples to open the final quarter, hoping to get his Norwood Flames rolling again offensively. Southern was unwilling to fade away, keeping their lead at double-digits. Trey McBride followed Webber’s lead and came alive offensively in the fourth, scoring 10 in the period, attacking the rim with purpose in isolation. For a moment Norwood was gaining momentum and looking like they could steal the game, bringing it to within 6, but it wasn’t enough as inefficient 3-point shooting and defensive lapses plagued the Flames in the final quarter. Southern took advantage of every mistake from Norwood going on a 7-0 run to end the game, spoiling the Flame’s home opener, the final 84 – 97.
