Match Report
Durham Cougars vs HEAT
85-82
Competition:
HEAT cooled by Cougars in County Cup thriller!
HEAT were on the road again in their second game in three days, half way through a four game in eight days schedule. A place in the semi final awaited the winners and also East Durham A the current Cup holders.
Martins started with a basket for Cougars before Turner netted twice and an AND1 by Ord gave HEAT a 3-point lead. Cougars then snapped back at HEAT with a dominating minute of attacking basketball with 7 unanswered points and the lead at 11-7. Robinson then skipped his way through the Cougars zone to pull HEAT within 2-points. Martins hits back for Cougars and is fouled by Colmer but can only make 1 of his two free throws. Davies then goes on an 8-point shooting spree to give Durham an 11-point cushion with less than a minute remaining. Turner drives strong for HEAT then Ord makes a steal and with one second left Robinson makes a long two leaving HEAT seven down going into the 2nd quarter.
Ord drives strong on an inspiring run making the difference 5-points but a superb shooting display from Jonson and a fast break by Morgans pulls Cougars 11-points clear of HEAT until HEAT step up their game and Turner is fouled on the way to the basket. He makes both. With a couple of steals HEAT pile the pressure on Cougars and when Robinson is fouled after a quick basket he make one from two. After an excellent display of basketball HEAT allow Cougars an easy basket and back into the game at 30-27 Cougars. A of basket from Robinson followed by one from Ord gives HEAT a 1-point lead. Jonson then scores for Durham, 1-point up Cougars. HEAT move the bal l and a long 3 from Robinson gives them a 2-point cushion until Davies nails both his free throws as he’s fouled by Colmer. 36-36. Turner steps up for HEAT giving them a 2-point lead before Martins and Burton score quickly in succession. Cougar’s 2-points up. In the last seconds Robinson steals from Dixon but his shot just misses.38-36 Cougars.
A good opening to the 3rd by Cougars sees them go in front by four points and after three good minutes of basketball it’s a 10-point lead. Turner and Robinson then combine for 11-points to bring HEAT within a point and when Thomas is fouled, AND1, HEAT take 2-point lead 55-53. Dixon responds with a long 3 to give Cougars the lead once again. Ord has the chance to give HEAT the lead again with free-throws but misses both; Thomas takes the rebound strong and HEAT go 1-point up. A lapse in concentration from HEAT sees them give away 7-points in the last minutes and instead of being in front, HEAT trailed 61-59 with 10 minutes to play.
Cougars rushed into an attacking frenzy leaving HEAT cold and wounded and trailing by 7-points. Another fight back from HEAT followed with Robinson, strongly supported by Turner and Ord. Turner who was outstanding all game then Hits two 3’s and a field goal as HEAT regain the lead. Cougars bite back almost immediately as Martins draws the AND1 but he cannot convert at the line. Through Ord HEAT build a slight advantage 79-76 but 6-point unanswered run by Cougars sees the lead swing back to the home side, 83-81 with less than a minute remaining. A good play by HEAT has Ord at the line, he makes the first, misses the second. 83-82. Cougars take the ball up the court and Morgans hits a two.85-82. HEAT worked the ball to Thomas who was fouled inside, two to come four seconds left. HEAT calls a time-out. The plan was simple, make them both and press! Unfortunately the first part didn’t work and Thomas missed both although HEAT did get the ball with a steal from Turner but the shot was in vain as the buzzer went and Cougars advanced to the semi final.
An excellent game with great basketball from both teams.