Buoyed by a 10-0 fourth quarter spurt, and by the efforts of Pat Reidy (24 points) and Mike Mitchell (23 points, 12 boards) North Melbourne prevailed against Sydney. In a sluggish game before a poor opening night crowd, it was six minutes into the final period before either team scored. The Kings led 70-68 with a little over five minutes remaining before the Giants went on their run. "We lost the game in 30 seconds," Sydney coach Alan Black said. "They put the pressure on us and three times we turned it over and that was the game there."
North Melbourne: Reidy 24, Mitchell 23, McDonald 14, Goodwin 9, Stiff 7, Johnson 6, Shanahan 2.
Sydney: Burton 19, Bolden 14, Whitehead 12, Thomas 11, Dickenson 11, Trahair 9, Williams 3, Nielsen 2.
Back to Home Page
The opening game of the 1997 Mitsubishi Challenge between the North Melbourne Giants and Sydney Kings was not a pretty contest, although the Giants managed to break away from the determined Kings to win 85-81 in regulation.
The Giants got on the board early care of new import Mike Mitchell (23 points, 12 rebounds) and point guard Darryl McDonald (2-2 Three's in the first quarter), but from there the remainder of the quarter was evenly contested, with both teams emphasising defence.
Again, the second term mirrored the first, with scores hard to come by. The Kings began to find some range, while David Stiff struggled with the referee, picking up three first half fouls. The teams headed to the change rooms at half time with the scores locked at 42 a piece. Good signs for the Giants were the shared minutes, with Coach Brett Brown not afraid to use his bench. Alan Black used Cameron Dickinson and Brad Williams off the bench.
The third quarter again followed in the footsteps on the previous two, although the crowd witnessed a free flowing start to the quarter which saw both teams easily find the bottom of the net.
Sydney took a two point lead, 68-66, into the final term. Not one field goal was scored in the first six minutes of the final term, and the only trouble the scores were presented with was a pair of free throws. In order to maintain the defencive intensity and create some offensive opportunities, coach Brown revealed a new press defence, which gave numerous scoring chances for the Giants, while Sydney attempted to conquer the pressure defence.
What resulted was a 76-70 lead to the Giants, with Mike Mitchell starring.
Brett Brown described Mitchell's game as "...what I always feared in him as an opposing coach..." Sydney couldn't reel in the difference from there, and the Glasshouse rocked to the tune of another Giant victory, but a new look roster.
Final: Giants 85 (Reidy 24, Mitchell 23, McDonald 14) d Kings (Burton 19, Bolden 14, WHitehead 12)
Notable Performances:
•Mike Mitchell - 23 point and 12 rebounds on debut, clearly picking up the MVP. Mike settled into the line-up well, after missing the majority of the pre-season. His defence complimented what the Giants have been looking for - an athletic offensive power. •Darryl McDonald - Did his job again, with 14 points to go with 10 assists. With some new members, Darryl is going to produce some extra turnovers as the team moulds. •Matthew Reece - Didn't get into the game, and was shy with the ball. He will hopefully adjust to the new environment and provide the Giants with some outside touch. •David Stiff - As David said, all he needs to do is play a role, and he did that tonight. David was one of three players who were able to keep the ball alive on the boards. Determination was excellent from the former Devil. •Rod Johnson - Also didn't make the usual impact he is know to create. Rod should turn in better performances, as he is now starting in the off-guard position. •Patrick Reidy - Pat shot reasonably well, and is showing true responsibility on the floor as a captain should. Pat was free to take many perimeter shots this year, and won't be relied upon to rebound. He lead all scorers with 24. •Andrew Goodwin - Fouled out of his first game for the Booze Less Giants, but provided a solid game. Andrew is 208cm and was clearly the tallest player on the floor. His efforts on the boards was outstanding. •Cameron Dickinson - Was expected to make an impact, but wasn't able to connect on his shots. Scored 11. •Aaron Trahair - D-Mac had the better of Trahair, who has fallen victim of the usual Sydney media. Scored 9. •Isaac Burton - The athletic import returning from last season, Burton was yet another King who didn't play to his capacity. •Melvin Thomas - Was shut down by either Stiff or Mitchell, and was not able to hit any open shots (mainly because he wasn't given any). •Bruce Bolden - Big Bruce found the rebounding position at the offensive end, and at times kept the Kings in the game.
Final Note: The North Melbourne Giants have a new mascot - G-Man. Get along to the Glasshouse to see G-Man, who has the ability to join in the dance routines.
