Superior rebounding ensured the Wollongong Roller Hawks stayed unbeaten after two wins over arch-rivals Kilsyth at the weekend.
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The Hawks moved to 9-0 for the season at sit atop the National Wheelchair Basketball League ladder, but they were tested in both games in Victoria.
On Saturday, the Hawks prevailed 86-78, largely thanks for 34 rebounds to 24, including 12 offensive boards.
"Kilsyth challenged us in both games and the team played well to overcome a very strong team," Roller Hawks coach Brendan Dowler said. Paralympian Brett Stibners was once again the standout for Wollongong.
Stibners had 31 points and nine rebounds but he was well supported by Shawn Russell (19 points, nine rebounds, nine assists), Nick Taylor (18 points, eight assists) and Luke Pople (16 points, eight rebounds, eight assists).
"He's a natural athlete, with an all round game. His stats speak for themselves." Dowler said of captain Brett Stibners.
"He has been very consistent this year and contributes where the team needs at different times.
"He can score when we go a bit cold, handle the ball and give out assists, and lead our 'D' and pull down rebounds."
But the Cobras pushed the Roller Hawks the entire way with Wollongong coach Brendan Dowler relying on his starting five for the majority of the game. Stibners, Taylor and Nick Scott each played the full 40 minutes, with Clay Kelly the only bench player to see any court time.
"We had a couple of players out and this impacted our rotations," Dowler said.
"Credit to the players who had to play more minutes than they normally would and against a strong opposition to come away with two wins."
On Sunday, the Hawks again wore Kilsyth down, setting the platform for victory with a 15-0 run early in the second half, after leading by just one at half-time.
Dowler admitted the Hawks needed to fix some defensive issues before securing an 80-61 win.
"Our defence wasn't what it needed to be in the first game and that was reflected in the scoreboard," he said.
We focussed on our defence to start the second game and while we reduced their inside scoring from the first game, Kilsyth adjusted and went to their outside shooters. We adjusted our 'D' again and credit to the players who executed that well and resulted in a more convincing win."
The Hawks now prepare for a half-cluster round against Sydney Metro Blue Hornets, Perth Wheelcats and Red Dust Heelers on June 28-30.
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