From: u9034781@cc.uow.edu.au (john abercrombie)
Newsgroups: rec.sport.basketball.misc
Subject: Hawks vs. Cannons
Keywords: Hawks vs. Cannons
Date: 13 Apr 92 03:23:23 GMT
Organization: University Of Wollongong


After witnessing the Illawarra verse Canberra match this past weekend it is 
apparent that Illawarra will be a competitive team this year led by US
imports "Dashing" Doug Overton and Melvin Thomas and supported by Greg 
Hubbard and Justin Withers.The Cannons came out firing in the first quarter
and held a nine point break while the Hawks continued to miss from long
range.Doug Overton however displayed some fine leadership and took over
offensively for awhile while the Hawks fought their way back into the game.
Overton used his lightening speed to leave the Cannons defenders flat-footed
and either score for himself or create an easy hoop for a team mate.Overton
and Thomas have developed a alley-oop play that is well disguised and can be
sprung from anywhere.These two combined for three alleys in the first half.

Steve Hood had one of his better shooting games for the Cannons and he has
had some bad ones.Smyth was able to locate Hood open on the perimeter and 
more often than not he would connect with a three or long-range jumper.I
feel that Canberra must be dissapointed with Hood as he was a big collegiate
name in the US but he has failed to dominate in all three Cannons games so 
far.Reece managed to draw fouls every time he touched the ball and accurate
free-throw shooting kept the Cannons in touch throughout the second quarter.
The Cannons should have used Reece more offensively, he has a multitude of
low post moves and combined with an accurate jumper he is an offensive 
machine.The Hawks had no-one to combat him besides Thomas who used his 
quick leaping to deter a few shots.The second quarter was fairly even as both
teams traded baskets ,the difference for the quarter was Overton who 
connected with five three-pointers to pace the Hawks.

The third quarter spelt the end for Canberra as the Hawks came out running.
Hubbard came to life and showed his offensive ability with two three-pointers
and a few drives.But this quarter belonged to Withers who showed yet again 
that he will be a Boommer before too long .Withers can score from anywhere
and did so as the hawks pulled away.Canberra became dis-heartened and got out
of their offensive flow as the pace quickened .Hood and Reece were still 
providing the points but they lacked support.The snake was then entered into
the game but he looked a shadow of his former self and had no effect on the 
struggiling Cannons.Hopefully Herb will regain his confidence as the season
continues.The Hawks led by about 18 at the end of the third and looked to be
in complete control.

The fourth quarter was a formality, the Hawks had the game although the 
Cannons tried to eat into the lead with some three-pointers.Withers continued
to destroy the Cannons as he scored at will.Hood continued to shoot but thats
all he does and his one-dimensional game seems to be ill fitted with the
Cannons.The highlight of this quarter was the acrobatic Thomas who was
spectacular in blocking several shots and providing some more slams including
a one handed tipp in dunk that amazed all.Thomas has had little publicity 
this season and despite a poor shooting game against the Magic he has shown
great form.The Hawks went to their bench while the Cannons floundered and 
maintained the large lead winning by 17.

MVP for the Hawks was Overton but it could have gone to any one of him,Thomas
or Withers.The Hawks are now 1-1 with a Wednesday game against the Giants
who will be pumped up to win their first home game after going 0-3 on the 
road. This game will be tough for the Hawks to win but it should be close.
Canberra is now 0-3 and do not show much promise.I'll bet Barry Barnes wishes
he was back in Geelong where the Supercats have been suprisingly competitive
so far.
Later.

John Abercrombie
Uni of Wollongong.