Posted on 27 April, 2016

Struggling to find an offensive rhythm for most of the evening, the Cobras put on a defensive display late against Melbourne, holding the Tigers to just four points over the game’s final 13 minutes to turn an eight point deficit into a comfortable 73-63 victory.

Kilsyth’s lock down defence was fuelled by guards Avery Johnson and Jackson Brazier, who played a key role in forcing eight Melbourne turnovers during the stretch. After Joel Naburgs skied for a tip-in to trim the Tigers lead to 53-59 with three minutes remaining in the third quarter, Johnson jumped the passing lane on defence for a steal and bucket, then Brazier followed with a steal of his own to set up Naburgs for a three-point play.

Even with all of their third quarter brilliance, Johnson and Brazier were just getting started. After Johnson slashed inside for a left hand layup early in the final period, Brazier stripped Tigers import Bo Liu and finished with an easy transition layup, then followed with another steal and finish just 20 seconds later to cap a stunning 15-0 run from the Cobras.

“We finally got our defence right in the second half after Avery’s steal and basket,” Cobras Head Coach Rod Popp said.

“That followed by Jackson’s effort set the tone for our finish – to hold them to just four points over the last 13 minutes was outstanding.”

With the Cobras holding onto a seven point lead with five minutes remaining, the duo put the final nail in Melbourne’s coffin; Brazier leapt over two defenders for a big offensive rebound, then dished to Johnson who converted a difficult three-point play. The huge hustle sequence gave Kilsyth their first double-digit lead of the game, much to the delight of the capacity crowd on Junior Domestic Night, which was worked into a frenzy following Johnson’s and-one bucket.

Although the Cobras scored just two points the remainder of the way, they held the Tigers to just one basket on the other end to cruise to their fourth consecutive home win.

Heavily favoured heading into Saturday’s game, Kilsyth struggled mightily early on, giving up several uncontested layups while going cold from the field on the other end of the floor. Trailing by as many as 13 points, it was another Cobras run that proved vital in the end, with Naburgs, Johnson and Kyle Adnam leading a 13-3 surge to end the first half. A buzzer-beating three-pointer from Johnson capped the run, pulling the Cobras to within 40-42 entering the break.

“It was not a good start to the game as we had trouble getting our defence into a rhythm,” Popp said.

“Combined with some poor shooting and facing a Melbourne team that was ready to play made it tough early on, but our spurt to end the half and Avery’s shot at the buzzer gave us a big lift.”

Johnson led Kilsyth with a game-high of 21 points, to go along with ten rebounds and three assists, while Naburgs was exceptional again, finishing with 20 points and nine rebounds. Adnam and Tim Lang each added 13 points apiece in the win, and Brazier’s three steals and three offensive rebounds proved huge in the end.

On a night were nothing seemed to fall for the Cobras, they again received a big boost from their home crowd, something Popp believes has helped his team find success on Hugh McMenamin court early in 2016.

“Again the crowd was energised and vocal,” Popp said.

“They’ve been outstanding and are becoming a real sixth man for us.”

Kilsyth heads on the road to Mt Gambier on Friday night to take on the reigning champion Pioneers. It will be the only regular season matchup between the South Conference rivals this season, with tip-off scheduled for 8:00pm.