Character key to ‘Neers win
BASKETBALL: Toowoomba Mountaineers captain Damon Bozeman shot the lights out.
Forward Harold Ridgeway recorded a double-double.
Josh Derksen navigated early foul trouble to make a valuable contribution and Manylok Mayo played his role to perfection.
But it was his side’s fighting character and refusal to back down that impressed Mountaineers coach Danny Morseu the most in his side’s 90-88 win over the Ipswich Force.
“I was really happy with the team’s performance,” Morseu said.
“It was all about character for us. The guys played really well in the first quarter and got out to a great start but Ipswich came back at us hard.
“They really tested us, particularly in the second quarter but we kept our cool and we got the win.”
Toowoomba went in to the first break with a commanding 32-19 before Ipswich mounted their comeback.
“They (Ipswich) took advantage of our situation in the second quarter,” Morseu said.
“Josh (Derksen) was in a bit of foul trouble early so that forced us in to a bit of a rotational change.
“We had to bench Josh because we want him down the stretch and Ipswich came at us.
“The boys showed some real fight though – we never gave up.”
That spirit and character proved to be the difference in the end with Ipswich winning quarters two, three and four.
The Mountaineers victory was built on another commanding performance from star guard Bozeman.
The American scored 42 points and was ably supported by Ridgeway and Dersken.
“Damo shot the lights out again,” Morseu said.
“Harold put up a doubledouble (25 points and 18 rebounds) and Josh scored 15.
“The whole team played their part though.
“I said to Mayo (Manylok Mayo) at one point ‘it doesn’t matter if you’re not getting the ball. You can get out there and still contribute’.
“He went out there and did a great job for us pulling down some boards and marking up on defence. That’s what this team is about – getting in and doing your job.”
Unfortunately it wasn’t as enjoyable a night for the Mountaineers women.
The Mountaineers women lost 105-56 to Ipswich Force, despite a double-double (29 points and 16 rebounds) from import forward Donnaizha Fountain.