NBL 2014/15 Round 19: Townsville annihilate dismal United
In the only Saturday night fixture in round 19, the Townsville Crocodiles have taken care of business on their home floor, absolutely wiping Melbourne United with a 105-68 drubbing.
The Townsville RSL stadium was loud and loving the Crocodiles finish off their season with pride, something that cannot be said about their opponents.
It was a true start to finish performance, jumping out of the blocks to lead 28-17 by the quarter time siren.
In one of the very few times the Crocs have been able to notch triple figures over the past few years, it was import Brian Conklin who led the way. Conklin shot a wildly efficient 10-11FG for a total of 23 points and 10 rebounds.
He was joined by Mitch Norton with 23 points, while Clint Steindl (15 points, 3 assists) and Todd Blanchfield (10 points, 3 rebounds) joined in on the party.
Speaking of joining in the party, the Crocs held a 37 point lead heading into the final term and emptied the bench which allowed development player Tom Howard chalk up a few minutes.
His one make for the game was a significant one, knocking down a three pointer to bring up triple figures for the home side.
For Melbourne, it has been an embarrassing weekend. Being harassed by the Taipans the night prior only to be humiliated by their Queensland rivals who will also miss out on the post-season.
Jordan McRae topped the team with 24 points and seven rebounds, while Mark Worthington was once again playing a captain's role with 15 points, six rebounds and four assists.
Apart from the two mentioned above and a small role from Darryl Corletto (14 points), the team simply did not play with any inspiration or intensity.
Offence was again stagnant and it showed with the team shooting 35% from the floor. Daniel Kickert (1-9FG), Nate Tomlinson (2-7FG) and Stephen Dennis (0-3FG) were nothing like their usual selves.
The team was without David Barlow, who sat out due to injury. Barlow was also rested throughout the second half in their match against Cairns the night prior.
For United, they have two games against Sydney to round out their season, hoping to show some sign of life at the end of what's been a train wreck.
Townsville finish their run home with Wollongong and Perth in what could be a strong finish to the season.
Townsville Crocodiles 105 (Conklin 23, Norton 23, Steindl 15)
Melbourne United 68 (McRae 24, Worthington 15, Corletto 14)
@ Townsville RSL