Taipans v Wildcats 3/10/09

[GordonG]

I think the Snakes are gonna sneak away with this one, but it's going to be real close.

Snakes by <insert number here> :D

[2sc945]

Snakes by 16.

[Nerf Herder]

I wish the best for Bevo, but hopefully the second game in two days in the Nth Queensland Swing might help Cairns get over the line by 5 :)

[SB.1]

This will be a tough get for the Wildcats. They would really want to win on Friday night to have some momentum to take into this one. Otherwise I can see it as an 0-2 weekend.

Playing the following night after SFA preparation is always tough, especially when you consider this team has not had much time together.

I'm not a fan of these Friday-Saturday road trips. Hold that, I would be a fan, if the Wildcats actually got their fair measure in return - i.e. the doomsday double where teams had to play in Perth the night after Adelaide.

[Agent 15]

I have no idea how to pick this one, depends if the Cats are showing signs of playing better as a team or not by game 3...

I think if they are starting to gel better then we will beat Cairns

[Alex_Traitor]

Pressure slightly off now with the win tonight, I think we can live with 1 and 2 from 3 road games to start the season. Though a win here would be lovely. Should be another very close game. Cats by 1.

[Tropo]

With the possible loss of Rogers and the two games in two days being an issue for Cat I think that the Taipans may get this one. Close game in Townsville last night would have drained the Cats emotionally as well.
Go the Taipans

[alleyoop]

Cats to carry the momentum from their epic win to make it a winning double.

[Dunkin' Dan]

Hard one to pick. Backing up after last night will be tough for us, but on paper the Cairns roster looks pretty beatable.

Refs by 2, just like last night.

[DDFan]

I'm more concerned about whether Gordon's taken on my advice regarding the final scoreboard pics. :p

[SB.1]

After last night's momentum and morale boosting win, I can see the Cats taking this but in single figures.

[alleyoop]

Refs by 2, just like last night.

http://imgsrv2.tennisuniverse.com/mtf/images/smilies/laugh.gif

[WilloWildWaves]

Big win for the Cats last night, lets hope they can do it again GO CATS

[Marius08]

I will be interested to see if the Cats can shut down Mills, or maybe they will just negate he and Jones' offensive punch with their own.
The matchup of Redhage and Rychart will be a good one to watch, Redhage will want to step up from last nights off performance.
Big Red should have Crosswhite's number, and him and Wagstaff splitting the minutes vs Melzer will be very interesting to see.

I'm hoping Lisch can back up his strong last quarter last night with a four quarter performance tonight. He really seemed to have more confidence in looking to breaking down his man off the dribble after hitting a couple of shots last night, and if he gets the chance to show off his ball-handling skills a little more often, it should create a more open offence, which will suit all involved.

I reckon Cats by 6 in a very close contest, they won't let the Taipans streak out early like the Crocs did last night.

[bad gambler]

Didn't the Cats complete the double over the Taipans and Crocs a couple of seasons ago on back to back nights?

[Julian]

Didn't the Cats complete the double over the Taipans and Crocs a couple of seasons ago on back to back nights?
Probably.

What will always sticks out in my memory is the season where we started with a 8-2 record which included a Sunshine Swing defeating Bri$bane on Wednesday, Townsville on Friday, capped off with a double-overtime loss to Cairns on Saturday. Awesome-o.

[Alex_Traitor]

What time does the game start?

[Marius08]

What time does the game start?

Twas 7:30 wasn't it? Well 7:40 after all the pre-game stuff I guess.
Still an inactive Fiba Live Sports page though grrr.
If only there was a radio stream I knew of :(

[bad gambler]

Supposed to have started at 7:30pm AEST

[bad gambler]

Cats 31-27 after 1Q

[bev]

"Game Not yet Available" 23 mins after tip off makes me see RED.

[Marius08]

Cats 31-27 after 1Q

Cheers for the update bad gambler, another high-scoring opening term, should be a good one.

EDIT: Live Scoring seems to be working for me now at:

http://www.fibalivestats.com/matches/1329/01/04/34/35HJdhMdTuNkg/

[Alex_Traitor]

Finally found the link. Cats by 5 in the second, Redhage with 3 fouls already.

[alleyoop]

Even spread again so far. Schenscher and Weigh prominent.

[Alex_Traitor]

Someone get on Boods please. He's Cedaring us.

[Alex_Traitor]

Looks like shit D cost us big in that quarter. Cairns by 5 at the half.

[alleyoop]

Cairns are just too good.

[Alex_Traitor]

We were up 4 at quarter time. Lets go Cats.

[curious]

Where's Rogers?

[Dunkin' Dan]

Stats say we're shooting the ball pretty well. No major dramas on the boards or with looking after the ball.
Stopping them from hitting the 3 at 50% would be a good start for us this half.

[alleyoop]

Where's Rogers?

Tore a muscle near his elbow last night. Out for 3-4 weeks.

[alleyoop]

'Pans extending. This one looks done.

[Alex_Traitor]

'Pans extending. This one looks done.

Did you watch last night? ;)

[Alex_Traitor]

Absolutely fucking horrible.

2 12 point quarters in a row despite shooting over 50%.

How is that even possible?

This Cats team continues to set new records of mediocrity.

[Cussy]

Where's Rogers?

At your mums house.

[Alex_Traitor]

This is the worst game we've played over the last 2 years. Thank fuck for the win last night.

Please show your wares Bevvo, even Henry can coach a 20 point loss.

[Dunkin' Dan]

Ehh.... no biggie.
Start of the season was always going to be slow for us. We'll get 'em next time.

[Alex_Traitor]

Super lucky not to be 0-3 right now, and conversely unlucky not to 2-1 aswell.

5 home games in a row now, anything less than 4-1 will be very dodgy.

I can't wait for next Friday night. Game voice will be there in full force.

Must be said we are really, really, really missing Loughton right now. Catt is wayyyy past it.

[Alex_Traitor]

Very disappointed in Weigh so far. After a blistering pre season hasn't done anything more than he did last season yet. Shooting has been worse than anyone.

Anger/disappointment is bubbling right now.

[alleyoop]

Very disappointed in Weigh so far. After a blistering pre season hasn't done anything more than he did last season yet. Shooting has been worse than anyone.

Anger/disappointment is bubbling right now.

Was never going to be an easy start with this schedule, particularly with the team not having much prep time together. As you said, this upcoming home stretch is critical.

[Alex_Traitor]

Was never going to be an easy start with this schedule, particularly with the team not having much prep time together. As you said, this upcoming home stretch is critical.

Still, missing wide open looks is unforgiveable, something Loughton kept to a minimum. Come back mate!

[WilloWildWaves]

Verry dissapointing result, though he got the points and a good shooting percent I think Schenscher needs to step up ( esp if Rogers is gonna miss a bulk of games again). If our 7 footer continues to grab 3/4 rebounds a game we are in trouble

[Dunkin' Dan]

You (Alex) gots ta chill.

Congrats to the Taipans. Bit of a walloping in the end.

[djmenow]

Martin is not a starting PG imo. Looking at his stat lines tonight is a sad sight. 23 mins, 0 points and only 1 assist. He would be good as a backup and that is all.
Only 4 FTs for the game to for the whole team. We are living too much from the 3 point line I think. Yes it got us over the line last night but it killed us tonight.

I know we have to give the team time to gel but our next home games will certainly show what we have this season. I would hope for at least 4 wins.

Frustrated I am.

[Alex_Traitor]

I'm trying to find positives from the performances so far and the only thing I can hang on to is that the Breakers will be 1-2 aswell after this round.

Nick Marvin's spin that Catt was a '20+ player only 3-4 seasons ago' is even more vomit worthy now.

[GordonG]

Snakes by <insert number here> :D

Please insert '18' in the space provided :D

[Bench Warmer]

While the start overall is ok, you wouldn't think the Cats are up there with the top teams ATM. I honestly think we're still a little bit lacking in the back court - that's nothing against Lisch, who was the Cats' high scorer tonight, but I get the feeling we just have one too many role players in the back court this year. We really should be winning the boards by a lot if we're going to be legitimate contenders this year.

[Alex_Traitor]

Please insert '18' in the space provided :D

Any insights into the game Gordon?

[GordonG]

Any insights into the game Gordon?

Not really, it's a bit hard to watch a game when you're looking through a viewfinder. Melzer was everywhere, and that may have been part of the Cats problem - they spent so much effort trying to shut down Mills, Crosswhite and co that they forgot about Melzer, Rychart and Boody.

But what would I know, I'm only a photographer :)

[Melb Wildcat]

Any import PG's available? I was worried about our PG's at the start of the season but didnt think it would be this bad.

The Tigers back-up centre would of been a good signing too for the Wildcat i think.

[DDFan]

Not really, it's a bit hard to watch a game when you're looking through a viewfinder.Use the LCD screen, you elitist. ;)

But what would I know, I'm only a photographer :)I'm hang'n out for your scoreboard pic, & I need to see improvement before I call you a photographer.





Just kidd'n mate. :D

[GordonG]

Uploading now, be about 10 minutes. So nyah! :D

[GordonG]

http://www.gordong.com/274-taipans_v_cats/slides/091003-img_1232.jpg

PFFFT!

[Dunkin' Dan]

Pffft indeed. They can't even spell Schensch

[alleyoop]

Any import PG's available? I was worried about our PG's at the start of the season but didnt think it would be this bad.

The Tigers back-up centre would of been a good signing too for the Wildcat i think.

Funnily enough, given the reputation our back court players have, I think our problems so far are more on the defensive end. Whilst out turnovers are too high, defensively we got in trouble last night early with the Crocs scoring at will inside and out, and from the look of the stats the Snakes scored very efficiently tonight, too.

[DDFan]

http://www.gordong.com/274-taipans_v_cats/slides/091003-img_1232.jpg

PFFFT!But where's the chick with the nice tits under the scoreboard?

[DDFan]

Pffft indeed. They can't even spell SchenschRedheads & rednecks, why can't there be piece on earth?

[GordonG]

First time this season we've had our reigning MVP on the court. Unfortunately he was in the wrong colour uniform :)

[DDFan]

First time this season we've had our reigning MVP on the court. Unfortunately he was in the wrong colour uniform :)From the scoreboard, he played with an "I" missing.
Was he patched up?

[SB.1]

Sounds like the Cats just ran out of legs which is understandable given the night before plus this early in the season with the lack of training and prep.

I agree that it seems as though most of our problems are defensive. Redhage and Schensch in foul trouble allows Rychart and Melzer to have their way on the inside. If there is one place we should not be getting dominated it is in the key. Schensch with just 4 rebs is a big worry. Where is the guy that got 20-20s last season? If Rogey is out for 3-4 weeks, can we sign someone on waivers? Is it even worth it?

I'd like to think we can string a few wins together at Challenge now (at least 4 out of the 5 should be the target), and take some much needed confidence to our next road trip. Congrats to Cairns, but I have to question why we don't get teams who have played the night before. It's a massive advantage.

Oh and congrats to Lisch, keeps the hounds at bay for another week.

[curious]

Very disappointed in Weigh so far. After a blistering pre season hasn't done anything more than he did last season yet. Shooting has been worse than anyone.
Anger/disappointment is bubbling right now.
I wouldn't count on Weigh to be able to step up to NBL level.

[Alex_Traitor]

I think I've made menion before, but I never bought into the excitement of having Martin as our starting PG. Holy shit our back court is useless. At least we got rid of PC who looks like having his worst season ever.

What do we do?

[Alex_Traitor]

I wouldn't count on Weigh to be able to step up to NBL level.

But all the signs were there? :confused: I'll give him 5 more games to prove he belongs here. And that's it.

[Alex_Traitor]

I can just see it now. Loughton can't bear to be away from his real family and answers a mid season call. Cat's fans rejoice. Title still within reach.

[Cussy]

I wouldn't count on Weigh to be able to step up to NBL level.

Why do you think that?

[Cussy]

But all the signs were there? :confused: I'll give him 5 more games to prove he belongs here. And that's it.

Fucking hell Alex, you're giving a junior player less than the first quarter of his second season to prove himself? What if he doesn't live up to your standards by 5 games? Change your username?

I admire the passion you have but the constant bagging and calling for wholesale changes at every opportunity is friggen annoying.

[Twinkletoes]

FWIW these are some of my basic observations on last nights game. Whilst it would seem that the Wildcats ran out of legs due to the game they played on Friday night, the Taipans played very well and didn’t let the Cats get back into the game once they established a good lead. At one point in the last quarter, although 14 points up, Fearne was not happy with what was going on and called a time out to ensure minds were kept on the job.

Melzer was very good and is top quality when on his game and Rychart also was very good. Boodnikoff is playing well and Jones did what he needed to last night. Crosswhite didn’t have a great game and neither did Mills. Fearne didn’t seem happy with what he was doing at times and replaced him with Williams on these occasions (one of them only 2 minutes into the game).

Perth seem to me to not have gelled all that well yet and should have a fair bit of improvement in them. Lisch started off well but copped a heavy knock in the 2nd quarter and was off for a while. I thought Weigh was quite good and he looks a good player to me. I think Cattalini’s problem was the fact he had played the night before and it was strange to see him playing against us after being such a big part of the Taipans in the previous 4 seasons. Schenscer seems to be still finding his way in his new team, which is understandable and that probably goes for most of the team to some degree.

Aaron Fearne is a coach with a good record (ABA, etc.) and has a hard nosed and thorough approach and I think the Taipans are going to be very hard to beat at home. If they can get it together on the road, they will challenge for a semi-final spot.

[Twinkletoes]

Forgot to mention that the AFL Masters National championships is on in Cairns at the moment and a strong contingent of the W.A. team turned up to support the Wildcats. My guess is that there were 60 or 70 of them and they contributed to what was a great atmosphere, considering the crowd was just over 3000.

[curious]

Why do you think that?
I have seen Weigh play at SEABL level.
Certainly a good player no doubt at that level.
He's only a kid and should be given some slack, without the hype of him being able to be a key player so soon. I am sure he will develop in time.
But to place so much importance on hiis shoulders now is unfair.
If he is expected to do it now, I find that unlikely (and unfair).

[Cussy]

Very true. I have been guilty of pumping him up but I am extremely impressed with his composure at this level, let alone his talent. I don't expect him to be All NBL this season but I think he will be a very good player soon enough.

[SB.1]

Woah a civil exchange between Curious and TC! Has someone hacked into their accounts?

[Alex_Traitor]

Fucking hell Alex, you're giving a junior player less than the first quarter of his second season to prove himself? What if he doesn't live up to your standards by 5 games? Change your username?

I admire the passion you have but the constant bagging and calling for wholesale changes at every opportunity is friggen annoying.

Sorry, I had a skin full last night and decided posting here was a top idea. Obviously it wasn't.

[Cussy]

I'm not a fan of these Friday-Saturday road trips. Hold that, I would be a fan, if the Wildcats actually got their fair measure in return - i.e. the doomsday double where teams had to play in Perth the night after Adelaide.

Perth are (almost) on the receiving end of one this week. The Blaze play Cairns on Wednesday night and then head to Perth for a Friday game.

[paul]

The thing that gets forgotten about Schenscher is that him being 7’2 is an advantage in some ways, but also a disadvantage in other ways, something that was exploited last year and has been again this year.

If you have players who can hit jumpers in your frontcourt (ie Rychart and Melzedr lat Saturday) you can drag Luke away from the basket where he can be driven around, and from where he struggles to get back to contest the rebounds or block shots.

This is why this league is so tough on big guys, they really need to be mobile or other teams will run them out of their game. Schenscher is a good big, but it is a balalncing act for his team to get more out his mismatches than the oppo gets from the other end.

[R-Diddy]

What I wouldn't give to have Alex Loughton on our team right about now.

[Cussy]

What I wouldn't give to have Jeff Dowdell on our team right about now.

Douche

[R-Diddy]

Douche

Harsh dude, why would you misquote me like that?

[Cussy]

Fun?

[R-Diddy]

You know I'm going to cast the "Forever get warm beer at Cats games" spell on you now for that don't you.

[haggard]

Fun?

are you asking a question or unsure about it?

[R-Diddy]

are you asking a question or unsure about it?

He only does it coz I'm black!

[Cussy]

You know I'm going to cast the "Forever get warm beer at Cats games" spell on you now for that don't you.

I think the bar manager did that years ago!

[Cussy]

He only does it coz I'm black!

I actually do it cos you're haggard's mate.

[haggard]

I actually do it cos you're haggard's mate.

Mates, its nice to have them

[R-Diddy]

I actually do it cos you're haggard's mate.

Why should I be judged for a mate that has a poodle in his avatar.

[Cussy]

It could be you sitting on his lap in his next avatar.

[haggard]

could be..

[Cussy]

hahahahahhahahahahahaha

[cairns]

Perth left with mixed fortunes in NQ. Taipans owe the win to the Crocs for wearing out the Wildcats the night prior :cool: