THE Lithgow Lazers basketball players have only had their colours lowed once — by the Canberra Gunners — and this week had the chance to avenge their loss when they hosted the Gunners at a very chilly Lazerdome.
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Keeping their unbeaten home court record intact, the Lazers came came away with a 75-67 win.
The Gunners are a youthful, energetic team that never gives up and plays solid defence.
The visitors started at a high intensity rate and shell shocked the Lazers to get out to a 10 point lead before Lithgow even scored.
Lazers found their rhythm and at the first quarter break were only down by three 22-19.
The second quarter saw much the same as the first quarter with the Lazers digging deep and their experienced players stepping up, to take the quarter 27-24.
At the break the scores were locked at 36-all.
During the break the coaching staff emphasised that the Lazers needed to be patient in their offensive structures and step up to another level in defence.
The third quarter saw the Lazers adhere to all of the above even though the Gunners kept up their relentless pressure, Lazers taking this 16 to 10.
During the quarter break coach Richard Marjoram said the team needed to use the clock and not rush the plays, keep together.
The Lazers played to the game plan to win the final quarter 13-11 and the game 75-67.
Overall the game saw John Fenton show his vast experience pulling down big rebounds at vital times.
He was backed up by Kurt Northey and Ryley Hughes who was once again relentless in defence.
Top scorers were Michael Cox and John Fenton (14 each), Ryley Hughes and Adam Marjoram (11).
For the Gunners their big men Evan Fowler (18) and Nick Jackson (15) were their best.
The crowd that braved the bitter cold were entertained by Emma Guffogg who sang during the break, also opening the game with the National Anthem.
The Lazers played a double header, winning their Sunday game against Wagga Wagga and a full report on this game will be featured in Saturday’s Mercury.
