Dragons head to big dance
It was an intense final 30-seconds but USQ Dragons have booked their place in the Heathley BIG Q League grand final.
The Dragons advanced after 81-78 win against Runnin’ Rebels according to coach Jeff Gallagher.
Rebels had the chance to tie the scores with about half a minute on the clock but missed their opportunity.
“It was pretty tight at the end but we got there,” Gallagher said.
“We were up but they had the chance to level up (the score) but missed. We got the rebound and held on to the ball for the win.”
Gallagher said his team started the match well before Rebels slowly wrestled back control.
“We started the game exactly like we wanted to,” he said.
“We’re a team that likes to run the court and we were in front early.
“But they (Rebels) really worked to slow us down.
“They made us play their game, more half court, which we don’t really like.
Gallagher said “big men” Paul Aleer and Joe Topolov were impressive in their win.
“They both made a difference inside the paint,” he said.
“They played really well at both ends of the court.”
Despite the fact Rebels exposed a flaw in the Dragons’ game Gallagher said his team was confident heading into the final against Warwick Wildcats.
“Rebels exposed the one weakness in our game,” he said.
“But we’ve beaten Wildcats twice before this season and we’re pretty confident already.
“They play a similar game to us so it will be a matter of who converts their chances the best.”
RESULTS Scores from the other semi-final matches were not available at the time of print. The winner of women’s A-grade semi between Wildcats and Rebels will play Dragons in the final.