Warriors’ worrying start

THE Maccabi Warriors remain winless after their first two matches for 2013, going down to Casey Cavaliers 74-62 in a tough battle at Cranbourne Stadium on the weekend.

The Warriors were out to bounce back from their one-point loss in the season opener, but poor field goal percentage was a key factor in the side’s second consecutive loss.

The teams lined up in front of a bumper crowd that got right behind the home side, which shot out to an early lead, holding a 23-16 advantage at the first break.

Maccabi’s efforts from the field were dismal, making just two shots from 14 attempts, but 11 free throw conversions kept the team in the game.

The visitors stepped up their defensive intensity in the second quarter, but still struggled on the offensive end.

Dean Rzechta, who ended up with a game-high 23 points and 11 rebounds, was single-handedly keeping the Warriors in the contest, with the perimeter play of Jeff Devers (16 points, eight rebounds and three steals) also providing a vital spark.

With his side down by 10 points at the main break, coach Andrew Solewicz rallied his troops at half-time, focusing his address on staying positive.

With those words in mind, Benji Tamir (five points, eight rebounds and four steals) and Adam Laitt (10 points and four rebounds) gave their all at both ends of the court and helped Maccabi bridge the gap and set up an exciting final stanza.

As the game ebbed and flowed for much of the last quarter, Maccabi ramped up its pressure, getting within five points of its opposition with six minutes to play.

The side’s never-say-die attitude was on show as it rallied for a remarkeable comeback, but it wasn’t to be for the visiting team, as Devers missed two attempts from beyond the arc and the Cavaliers iced the game from the foul line.

The Warriors have played both of their first two games without injured skipper Jeremy Dukes and hope that he will return to the starting line-up after the Easter break.

AJN Staff

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