Super win in feline fight

Gatlin and Williams put on a big show

DEMARCUS Gatlin and A.J. Williams provided plenty of clips for the highlights reel as the Geelong Supercats powered to a 103-72 win over Eltham Wildcats at The Arena on Saturday night.

Williams made his Supercats debut after missing the first three games with a broken hand, but Geelong was still missing Liam McInerney, out with a broken thumb.

Williams had the home crowd on its feet early, scoring the first points for the team with a three, with Nick Owusu following suit soon after.

While the visiting Wildcats team boasted an athletic roster, it was home crowd’s favourite Gatlin providing all the highlights.

A superb alley-oop from Owusu to Gatlin in the first quarter set the tone.

The Supercats stepped up the defence, with four steals from Williams contributing to the team’s overall 16 steals for the game compared with Eltham’s three.

Gatlin was outstanding for the home team, finishing with 27 points, five rebounds and five assists.

Williams also starred in his debut with 21 points, including four from nine three-pointers, six rebounds, four assists and four steals.

Big man Lewis Thomas managed a double-double with 20 points and 13 rebounds.

As in the women’s game, defence played an important part in the Supercats’ win, with the team managing to keep Adelaide 36ers guard Adam Doyle to 12 points and import Josh Sykes to 13 points.

“Defensively, we identified the way we wanted to play, and that’s what we have to do the whole season if we want to win,” coach Leon O’Neill said.

“We played to the scout, when we do that we’re very tough.”

Williams enjoyed the winning feeling in his first game for the Supercats.

“As long as my teammates have the confidence in me, I’m going to have the confidence to do what I do best and get out there and get wins,” he said.

“It felt good being out there tonight. I came to win, and we’re going to do our best to stay on the winners’ list.”