Posted on 18 June, 2019

An incredible fourth quarter run has seen the NBL1 Cobra Men record a stunning 90-77 come-from-behind victory over the Knox Raiders on Saturday night to secure Kilsyth the Ashes trophy for 2019.

📺 @KilsythCobras 🆚 @Knox_Basketball Mens Highlights #NBL1 pic.twitter.com/fYYKThSdJe

— NBL1 (@NBL1HQ) June 15, 2019

The Cobras couldn’t get anything going in the early going, struggling mightily from the field to trail by 12 at the half. Even the halftime entertainment was going the Raiders way – former Knox star Mick Hill took down Cobras legend DJ Taylor in a half court shootout – with the Cobras at risk of letting the Ashes trophy fall into the hands of their heated rivals. But Hill’s halftime magic was as good as it would get for the Raiders the rest of the way, with the Cobras storming back late behind one of their most spectacular stretches of basketball this year.

A big third quarter by Isaac Turner started the Cobras comeback, with Turner recording nine points in the period, helping cut the deficit to six heading into the final stanza. After a bucket by the Raiders Adam Thoseby to start the fourth quarter pushed their lead out to eight, the Cobras took over with an incredible surge, electrifying the crowd with four minutes of pure basketball dominance. A Peter Hooley triple got the Cobras rolling, and he set up Tohi Smith-Milner with a pretty no-look feed for a thunderous dunk on the Cobras next possession to cut the deficit to three. Hooley wasn’t done, leaking out on the seconds later to convert a Knox turnover in transition, and then set up Felix von Hofe for the go-ahead three to send the home crowd into a frenzy.

Remarkably, the Cobras were just getting started, as von Hofe drained another deep bomb moments later, followed by another tough finish inside by Smith-Milner, who converted an and-one to give the Cobras an eight point lead. Owen Odigie and Turner put the finishing touches on the run, with Odigie going coast-to-coast for a easy layup, before Turner made a heads-up play to steal the ensuing inbounds pass and score inside while he was fouled, bringing the 1000-plus crowd to their feet.

WINNING. PLAYS. What a way to punctuate a 21-0 crunchtime run 😱 #NBL1 pic.twitter.com/NslEAbYki6

— Kilsyth Basketball (@KilsythCobras) June 15, 2019

Turner’s basket capped a stunning 22-0 run, giving the Cobras a 14 point lead they would not relinquish, ensuring that the Ashes trophy would remain at Kilsyth in 2019.

Head coach Justin Schueller was thrilled with his group’s second half response, and although they faced a double-digit deficit at the break, he remained confident throughout that things would eventually turn for the Cobras.

“The second half was some of the best basketball we have played this season,” Schueller said.

“We knew at half time if we continued to believe in the shots we were taking, that we would be in a position to take it in the second half – I didn’t see the 22-0 run coming though.”

“Our collective defence through that stretch was great and it was good to see some of the guys make shots we know they can on a consistent basis.”

Schueller was pleased with his team’s contributions across the board – in particular Odigie and von Hofe – with the Cobras appearing to have left behind their midseason woes in the month of May.

After struggling from the field in the week prior to the Queen’s Birthday long weekend, Turner was back to his spectacular self, recording a game-high 24 points on an ultra-efficient 7-for-9 shooting from the field. Odigie and Hooley recorded 15 points and three steals apiece, with Hooley adding a game-high six assists; and Smith-Milner finished with 14 points, six rebounds and four assists. von Hofe had his second straight hot shooting outing, going 3-for-6 from downtown for nine points, while newcomer Michael Wearne also added nine points in his first start for the Cobras.

“Isaac had a great night and looks to be back to his best post-injury, and I thought Pete and Tohi had a real good influence throughout the night,” Schueller said.

“Two key guys though were definitely Owen and Felix. Owen gave us an advantage at the offensive end which really got the ball rolling and Felix has been doing a great job on the boards for a while now, but when he is making shots we are tough to beat.”

The win was the Cobras second in a row, boosting their record to 8-5; good for third in the league standings. They’ll look to continue their strong play of late this Saturday night, when they take on the Nunawading Spectres in a blockbuster home doubleheader. And with the raucous home crowd with providing some much needed energy on Saturday night, Schueller hopes for the same again this weekend as the Cobras take on another bitter rival.

“We can’t wait for the game this week and hope our fans can be as great as they were on Saturday night,” Schueller added.

“The atmosphere was one of the best since I’ve seen since coaching here.”

The Cobras play host to the Spectres at 7.30pm on Saturday night, with the NBL1 Cobra Women tipping-off proceedings at 5.30pm. Tickets are available online now via Trybooking.