The hot shooting Stayers couldn't miss, and the Regulators couldn't match them.
Well there's not a lot you can do when a team hits roughly 75 three-pointers (yes - some were contested). All Regulators on the floor put in 110% and played very well, but you're not gonna beat a team shooting like that.
Game highlights:
• Digs and Ben not bringing their cameras and so no shots or footage of the game for you to browse
• Team Mascot Dillon showing some potential to be the ball boy in years to come with some real hustle in the shoot-around
• Reuben getting ejected after arguing some rough play a bit too much - reducing us to five
• Matt Owens taking over offensively with great shots, drives and passing
• Regulators going on a patient and extended run to tie the game with under 10 mins to go. This was a direct result of Owens scoring, Digs and David controlling the tempo, Sam and Matt defending well and getting all rebounds. Inspiring stuff.
• The Regulators unveiling their new defensive scheme - the first time a team hasn't played straight 3-2 zone in 45 years of recorded Melbourne Mens basketball
• After being behind by heaps all game long and then tying the game up, the opposition immediately hitting a 3 pointer. Happens so often in all levels of basketball that it's just ridiculous
So once again, positive signs everywhere - now where's that fucking WIN?
That's all I got to say - except there's a chance we may get some training organised this weekend. If you see a pig flying in your local area, then you know what the Regs are doing.
Undermanned, the Regulators showed what can be possible this year in a fast-paced, high-scoring game.
Only three Regulators were able to get to the game, Centre Sam and Guards Digs and Ben. After borrowing a player from the other team, the Regs got rolling and showed some good basketball throughout the contest.
Free agent signing Sam Fuggle dominated in the post against a strong defence. Fans are looking forward to a full season of steady post play from the big man and judging from this game they won't be disappointed. He could have scored plenty down low, but was happy enough to give it up and get others involved.
And get involved they did, Digs continued to score baskets with drives, blistering speed in transition and even pulled up for a couple of jumpers. The drive seems to be his main weapon now as the 3 point shot and outside jumpers are still on extended leave. Until defenders play off him a bit, he will hurt them inside.
Ben Torrance, bravely playing with a crippling groin injury, could only manage to jog in straight lines. This may have slowed lesser players, but Torrance used it as a showcase for his deadly 3 point range. 12 points on 4 triples proving that even on one leg, 'Lights Out' Torrance is all class.
As to the whereabouts of the rest of the team, Reubens' press release of not being able to play came too late for the officials. Roopa should have been notified again (will note this for future) and it's been reported Matt & Matt had a grand final before this game. We can only assume they won that fucker and were celebrating forthwith. If that's the case - I raise my glass to them and say 'Cheers - now come help the Regs win some Fucking games!'
