Posted on 18 May, 2011

After finally getting their first win at home for 2011 last weekend the Swinburne Kilsyth Cobras (3-5) will be keen to do it all again this Sunday against the Dandenong Rangers (5-2).

The last time that these two teams met it was round two and the game went into overtime, with Kilsyth coming away with a five point win. Since that game Kilsyth lost their next four games before a win against Canberra and Hobart getting their year back on track, Dandenong on the other hand have claimed some big scalps, being the only side to defeat Bendigo this year, winning on the buzzer by one point as well as pulling of a 12 point win against Knox last weekend.

The Swinburne Cobras 76-65 win against the Hobart Chargers last week showed the rest of the competition not to discount them from Season 2011. Tim Lang has been outstanding in his last two outings and with 21 points and 9 rebounds against the Chargers will again be one that Dandenong will need to watch out for.

Matt O’Hea scored 34pts in round two against the Rangers and since then has been a little quiet on the scoring front, O’Hea is sure to be keen to replicate his form against the Rangers.

Apart from another slow start to their game against Hobart Kilsyth illustrated just how good they can be ensuring that they won every other quarter, one of the main issues for the Swinburne Cobras in their losses had been their shooting inaccuracy however against Hobart they were shooting at a respectful 45% (FG).

Dandenong had an even spread of scorers against Knox last weekend with Dusty Jura (22pts, 8rbds), Andrew Harms (20pts), Brent Hobba (17pts) and Luke Fitzgerald (14pts, 10 rbds) meaning that they just had to many avenues to the basket for Knox to handle. Kilsyth will need to be sure they produce a strong defensive game if they wish to defeat a well-oiled Dandenong team.

Expect Sunday afternoon’s game to be a tight, tough and intense struggle with both sides coming off impressive wins. Kilsyth needs to ensure that they win to stay in touch with the top four, and Dandenong will be keen to continue their impressive run.

The Swinburne Kilsyth Cobras tip off against the Dandenong at Home at 1:00pm Sunday May 22. 

Kilsyth Basketball are hosting the 2011 Under 16 National Championships this July. Volunteer and Business opportunities are available email megan.martin@kilsythbasketball.com.au for further information.