Dragons tested by physical Giants side

USQ Dragons knew they were in for a physical contest against the Granite Belt Giants at the weekend.

Dragons’ sharp shooter Paul Aleer said the last time USQ travelled to Stanthorpe it was an intense encounter.

“They’re from the country so they’re a bit rough,” Aleer said.

“They play a really physical style of basketball.”

He said it was something the athletic and disciplined Dragons tried not to give into.

Dragons kept the Giants to just five points in the first quarter and continued to dominate throughout the whole game.

“We were doing good for three quarters and then in the fourth quarter it just got heated,” Aleer said.

“Then a fight almost broke out between one of the players and a guy from our team.

“They just started pushing each other.”

He said it wasn’t the first time passions flared between the two sides.

“The first instance was down in Stanthorpe there was another almost fight,” Aleer said.

“Maybe they were just trying to intimidate us but it didn’t work.”

The Dragons proved why they’re at the top of the table and defeated the Giants 97-54.

The reserve grade also posted a convincing win 62-33.

Dragons have one game left before finals to gain top spot on the ladder.

However, coach Jack Gallagher said the team would forfeit the last game in order to play a tournament in Dalby the last weekend in November.

This means the Dragons will finish second to the Warwick Wildcats.

“We’re not too worried about it,” Gallagher said.

“We’re confident we will beat all the other teams and win the competition.”