Cotton inspires comeback
If you ever needed proof of how a great team can overcome adversity, look no further than Bunbury Basketball Association men’s superpower club Tornadoes Black.
Twelve seconds into the third quarter against the Dunsborough Oilers on Tuesday night, they trailed 47-32, on the back of a clutch shot from downtown by Anthony Marinovich.
Then, 31/2 minutes later, it was a tied ball game, on the back of superb deeds from Xavier Cotton (33 points) and Callum Heap.
Once in front, Cotton and company rolled to a 86-68 win over a plucky Oilers side, who showed plenty of endeavour against the league leaders.
Early in the night, the visitors looked on course for an upset, as their speed across the court and slick ball movement caused a few headaches for the Tornadoes Black defence.
Pitted with a wall of four players under their offensive glass, the Oilers jacked up several looks from beyond the three-point line, with many of them landing.
But Cotton, who has been in and out of the team over the past six weeks, reminded everyone once again just how valuable he is — by making plays at both ends of the court, much to the delight of his teammates.
Although they fell short, the efforts of Kelton Kemp, Leigh Rickwood-Pitt and Lachlan Frame were excellent and if they continue to shine in this fashion, the 2-12 Oilers will cause plenty of heartache for their rivals down the final stretch of the campaign.
A depleted Bulls outfit fell 96-84 against Aces Sky, despite a game-high 41 points from Travis Durnin, while reigning champs Aces White came from the clouds to stun second-placed Tornadoes Red 91-86.
Fixtures (tomorrow night at South West Sports Centre)
A-men - 8pm Tornadoes Red v Tornadoes Black, Bulls v Dunsborough Oilers, Aces Sky v Aces White; A-women - 6.30pm Tornadoes Red v Tornadoes Black, Bulls v Dunsborough Oilers, Aces Sky v Eaton Eagles.
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