Colonials Spectacular in 105-100 Exhibition Loss to Sydney Kings

Aug. 18, 2005

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA (Aug. 18) - After a pair of relatively easy victories to begin its Australian tour, GW's third exhibition game was a spectacular display of intense competitive basketball that felt more like a postseason game than a preseason exhibition on foreign soil. GW junior J.R. Pinnock was in mid-season form scoring 30 points, including five three-pointers. But despite the Colonials' extraordinary effort, it was Sydney's professional team, the Kings, who had a little more firepower and escaped with the 105-100 victory at Sydney's Sutherland Stadium Thursday night.

Following a three-minute scoring drought to begin the game, the Colonials finally got on the board with an Omar Williams layup but trailed only 3-2. From there the game shifted into high gear with both teams trading baskets from both inside and outside.

GW repeatedly pushed the ball and its athleticism kept them in the game but the Kings consistently found an open man on the perimeter and hit wide-open threes exploiting GW's aggressive zone defense. When the Kings went inside, it went to former Virginia Tech standout, Rolen Roberts who finished with the savvy and authority of a seasoned pro on his way to a 30-point night. The Kings also were deadly from the foul line as they converted 85 percent (28-for-33) and knocked down half of their three-point FGs (15-30) while the Colonials shot 10-27 from long range.

The longer the game kept up its breakneck pace and it became apparent that the Colonials were not going to go away, tempers flared near the end of the first half when Sydney's BJ Carter got tangled with Colonials' sophomore Maureece Rice. After order was restored, Mike Hall and Roberts also exchanged heated words and the tension between the heavily-favored professional team and the pesky college team from America was palpable.

Down 51-48 at halftime, Pinnock opened the second half with a three-pointer to knot the game at 51 all. The Kings led, 76-70, after three periods and 93-81 with 5:36 remaining and appeared to be distancing themselves but GW never gave up and closed to within two at 100-98 with 17 seconds left. The Colonials were forced to foul but the Kings converted all four free throws for the final margin.

"I think they [GW] are very athletic and they played really well," Sydney coach Bill Tomlinson said afterward. "I understand they had some of their players away like we got some of our guys away too. I'd like to see both teams go at it full strength. It was an entertaining game but I think we caught them on the perimeter with our three-point shooting and obviously we've got Rolen Roberts whose a pretty good fellow in the middle and I don't think they would be expecting to play against a body like that."

Mike Hall hit a pair of threes en route to a 22-point, eight rebound effort and Omar Williams posted a 16-point, 11-rebound double-double.

Playing under Federation of International Basketball Association (FIBA) rules that include a 24-second shot clock, four 10-minute quarters, a wider trapezoid lane and a deeper three-point arc, the Colonials shot 42.7 percent (35-for-82) while the Kings shot 47.7 percent (31-65).

"Tonight's game was exactly why we came here," Hobbs said afterward. "To play against terrific competition and have to compete. The fact that we had eight players and the way we competed, I thought the guys showed great character. It was as good and as exciting of a game to watch. It was one of the very few times I was glad I was in the stands watching it as opposed to coaching it because it gave me an appreciation for how hard we play and how well we play. Generally I'm not this nice after a loss but, given the fact that is was three games in three days, they really competed. I have no idea how Mike [Hall] and Omar [Williams] were able to play as hard and as well over those last three minutes given the fact that they were totally exhausted. It was great to see from a coach's standpoint."

Despite the size disadvantage, the Colonials outrebounded the Kings, 46-44, including a 21-11 advantage in offensive boards--a testament to GW's mindset and perseverance.

The Colonials will have a pair of off days Friday and Saturday before taking the two-hour flight north to the coastal city of Cairns to face the Cairns Taipans of the NBL (Australia's version of the NBA) Sunday at 1 pm Australian time.

GW's Australian Exhibition Results/Schedule
Aug. 16 - GW 126, Central Coast Power 64
Aug. 17 - GW 106, Australian Institute of Sport 87
Aug. 18 - Sydney Kings 105, GW 100
Aug. 21 - GW at Cairns Taipans, 1:00 pm
Aug. 23 - GW at Cairns Taipans, 7:30 pm

Score by Periods
1 2 3 4 Total
GW 18 30 22 30 100
Sydney 22 29 25 29 105

GW percentages: FGs 42.7% (35-82); 3FGs 37.0% (10-27); FT 71.4% (20-28)

Sydney Kings percentages: FGs 47.7 % (31-65); 3FGs 50.0% (15-30); FT 84.8% (28-33)

GW scoring: Pinnock-30, Williams-16, Hall-22, Rice-13, Elliott-10, Kireev-7, Akingbade-2, Gonsalves-0

Att.--1,020

Calendar

Upcoming Events

Recent Results