Rnd 20: Rios puts on a clinic as Forestville dispatches South Adelaide
By Sam Phillips
Forestville Eagles 80 | South Adelaide Panthers 63
A huge 35 points from Forestville livewire, Jake Rios helped the Eagles account for a South Adelaide side that battled hard, 80-63 at Wayville in a sponsors and members appreciation match.
Forestville started the night in what has almost become routine fashion, with two of their stars Rios and Adam Doyle combining for the opening points. Brad Gerlach was busy in defence, applying a crucial block and collecting 6 rebounds for the half.
Tom McKenzie was strong presence inside the key for South Adelaide, with 6 points for the quarter. It was Rios however who made the biggest impression, nailing three 3’s early on, helping the Eagles to a double digit margin at the first break- 25-14.
South started the second quarter in much brighter fashion, Adrien Coleman was typically prominent as he picked up 14 points for the half (also 8 rebounds). Sam Mckenzie was also very useful defensively, putting in three strong efforts to help South get some important stops. Both sides were battling hard, but Forestville were able to execute marginally better, holding a 5 point half time advantage.
Strong rebounding by Coleman (15) and Fuller (9) was keeping the Panthers in the hunt, but Forestville began to impose themselves offensively in the second half. Rios continued to dominate, while lesser known Stefan Wright was handy with 8 points. Adam Doyle (11 points) also began to increase his tally, getting some shots to fall after a quieter start to the game.
The Panthers did go on a 10-0 run midway during the last, but Eagles Coach Andy Simons urged his men not to rest on their laurels and a large buffer was quickly restored. Jake Rios was well ahead of the field, in what would be close to his best game all season (35 points, 4 assists). Adrien Coleman continues to show good on court leadership for South, especially considering what has been a tough season, recording a double-double of 21 points and 15 rebounds.
Forestville meet Sturt this week in what will be an important match, as securing 3rd spot and a double chance might be the difference between glory and better luck next time.
Round 21: Saturday, 13 August at 8:15pm
Sturt Sabres v Forestville Eagles @ Pasadena
Norwood Flames v South Adelaide @ Mars
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