Wildcats overcome slow start to go 7-0
After surviving in overtime last round, Warwick has escaped with another narrow Heathley Big Q League victory.
This time the Wildcats fended off USQ 94-92 to remain unbeaten through seven games.
Once again James Legan was the go-to man, dropping 32 points and six three-pointers as the Wildcats overcame a big first quarter deficit to trail by just two at the main break.
Towards the concluding stages they were able to extend the lead beyond a field goal with less than one minute to play, pulling out enough to get the win.
QBL player James Kuon was strong again with another 20point game, while Manylok Mayek was the go-to option for the Dragons, dropping 31 points.
Assistant coach Jeff Clark said the signs were positive for the Wildcats as they continued to play through injuries.
“We’re just starting to get a lot of teamwork going which can be hard with players brought in from different clubs,” Clark said. “A lot of other teams play together in the Toowoomba comp. A few of our locals have moved to Brisbane, but we’re slowly starting to click together.
“Each game they’re getting more confident with each other.”
The result means Warwick can’t be unseated from a toptwo berth, ensuring a home semi final. However if the Toowoomba Saints win both remaining fixtures between the two teams the race for the minor premiership will come down to a count back.
It was the Saints that were at their dominant best in the weekend’s other fixture as they demolished an understrength Harristown 116-76.
The Saints opened up a big 20-point lead after the first quarter courtesy of 12 points from Joel Seaby and nine from Henry Adler.
The Runnin’ Rebels stuck to the task in the second, before the Saints again kicked clear to lead by 34 heading into the last term.
Adler (27) and Seaby (20) led the way for the Saints, while Josh Derksen had 23 for Harristown.
Clark said the impressive win put them right into the championship picture.
“It was a pretty comprehensive win, and the five Harristown had were good,” he said. ‘Right from the start I thought they would be tough to beat. They have a good mix of size, speed and outside shooting.”