Heat suffer away day blues against Sabres
Published on: 12th October 2011
Huddersfield Heat suffered a heavy away defeat to the Sheffield Sabres by 90-60 at the English Institute of Sport in their English Basketball League Division 3 North fixture. With this defeat the Heat move to an 0-2 record in league play as a tough opening fixture list begins to take its toll.
HUDDERSFIELD HEAT 60 (18+14+16+12)
Andrew (2), Swaine (36), Woodward (4), Treen (0), Huggett (0) – Walker (0), Gray (1), Bigley (6), Allison (2), Kozlowski (0), Stanger (0), Irving (9)
SHEFFIELD SABRES 90 (26+31+13+20)
Walsh (4), Connor (6), Okorie L (10), Smith (9), Gordon (17), Wilson (2), Chandley (0), Walwyn (2), Windle (28), Okorie D (12)
The first quarter began brightly for the Sabres with a quick 10-0 lead in the opening couple of minutes as the Heat’s defence struggled to keep up. Finally a couple of scores from Jason Swaine, finally got the Heat going offensively, and from then on in the Heat would keep matching the Sabres score by score till the end of the period, which would end with a score of 26-18 to the South Yorkshire side.
The second quarter would see a tremendous shooting display put on by the home team as they would hit seven three point baskets, including four from Dmitri Okorie and two from Richard Windle as the home team blew the game open. The Heat would continue to struggle offensively, and were restricted to isolated efforts throughout this period. The half time scoreboard suggested the result was already decided at 57-32.
The second half began brighter for the Heat as for the first time they began to restrict the Sheffield offence. Swaine would continue to score on his way to a game high 36 points, but the visitors were unable to make any real headway into the Sheffield lead. A 13-16 quarter in favour to the Heat would leave the scores at 70-48. The final quarter, with the game already decided was littered with errors as both teams made changes, with the home team maintaining more consistency and edging the quarter 20-12. Player-coach Eduardo Perez commented after the game:
“We’ve had a bit of a setback today, but we always knew we would face adversity this year as we step up in level. It’s how we respond in the coming weeks that’s the important thing. We’ve had two very successful seasons, so this is very much a new feeling for this group, so we will take it on the chin and move on.”
Next up for the Heat, a home matchup against fellow promoted team Warrington Wolves next Saturday at 5.30pm at Rishworth.
