Message to keep it simple pays off

URGED to clear their minds and just play basketball, the Chargers men returned to their dominant, free-flowing best against Albury-Wodonga at the DEC last night.

Coming off a horror road trip where the side dropped both matches, Hobart responded in typically emphatic fashion to blow away the Bandits 113-83 and return to the top of the South Conference.

The home side led for all but 29 seconds of the contest but it took until halfway through the second quarter for them to grab complete control, with the plucky visitors making life difficult on the offensive glass.

The Chargers were out rebounded 14-5 in the first stanza – including six offensive boards which allowed Albury score 11 seconds chance points – but tightened up to only concede another five for the match before the sweet shooters found their range.

In a shared performance in which six players hit double figures it was Robert Heyer who led the way with 23 on eight of 10 shooting and five three pointers.

Tiri Masunda (15 points at 87 per cent from the floor) provided the spark off the bench, while both Lewis Thomas and Chris Whitehead had extremely efficient nights.

“We are still a bit off, it is great when we are knocking down shots but you are not always going to do that,” coach Anthony Stewart said.

“The chemistry was a bit better tonight than it was on the road. After a bit of a chat to a few of them I think we are starting to get a bit more of an identity and understanding of roles and responsibilities in this team.

“Sometimes we are overthinking things, we have a really talented group, just play basketball.

“I can’t see many teams stopping this team if they are flowing.”

Hobart also shut down key Bandits playmaker Deba George, restricting him to just five points and seven turnovers.

The Chargers are at home next Friday against Geelong.