NBL 2014/15 Round 20: Crocs break Hawks in home finale
In what was the final game inside the Townsville RSL this season, the Crocodiles have shown too much bite for the Wollongong Hawks, running out 82-66 victors.
Another impressive performance by Todd Blanchfield once again has NBL fans in a spin, as the Australian forward recorded yet another double double to add to his tally.
With a team high 16 points and 12 rebounds, Blanchfield exemplified the balanced attack the Crocs displayed on Friday night, as they really ever only had one slip up.
That came in the second quarter which allowed the Hawks to go on a run, cutting a 12 point deficit to just three by the main break after a Gary Ervin three point play.
Ervin, who tried his heart out all through the evening, tallied a game high 19 points on 50% from the floor. He was joined by his backcourt buddies Jahii Carson (15 points) and Rhys Martin (7 points) who never gave in.
Without Larry Davidson filling the hole in the middle, Townsville's forwards were able to gain a real advantage inside.
Brian Conklin, Mickell Gladness and Jacob Holmes were all able to shoot greater than 50% from the field, which then allowed their guards more time and space to create.
Davidson's effects also stretched out to the offensive end, as Oscar Forman struggled to find his rhythm without a presence inside demanding attention. Shooting just 1-6FG, he, among others couldn't quite get into the game.
It was the Crocs however who were deserved victors, ending up running away with the contest in the fourth quarter. Their 27-19 final quarter scoreline reflects their intensity given for forty minutes, plus four of the starters finished in double figures.
Townsville now travel to Perth to face the Wildcats in their final game of the season, while the Hawks have possibly the toughest test in the league right now as they have a date with Adelaide.
Townsville Crocodiles 82 (Blanchfield 16, Conklin 15, Norton 12)
Wollongong Hawks 66 (Ervin 19, Carson 15, Coenraad 9)
@ Townsville RSL
Photo Credit: Townsville Crocodiles