Lazers were down in numbers travelling with only six players due to other players having other commitments and the immediate retirement of Kurt Northey.

The Lazers knew they had a big challenge ahead of them as Wagga were sitting in second position on the table, even though Lazers beat them earlier in the season on their home court.

In the dressing room pre-game the Lazers were thinking positively, they knew if they put their best defence together they could shut Wagga down.

Coach Richard Marjoram said the Lazers also had to bring their team game, good offence, plenty of patience and most of all enjoy them selves on the floor.

The first quarter saw Lazers get off to a good start, Jaidyn Goodwin hitting some good outside shots and Matur Malauch scoring at will within the key hole area. 

Adam Marjoram supported by Terrence Durham, Todd Brownlow controlled the rebounding and kept the Wagga big men at bay; in the open floor Kobe Hunter never gave his opposition player much room to move. 

As the first half advanced the Lazers started to tire and Wagga narrowed the gap, but Lithgow went in at half time two points up.

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In the change room at half time their coach Richard Marjoram spoke about digging deep for energy as it was going to be a long second half, but also enforced on his players that they were heading in the right direction for a important win.

The second half took a little time for Lazers to find their feet, and during this time Wagga took a slight lead, but after a time out was taken by the Lazers they slowed down and re focused.

The Lazers then quickly took control of the game and held the lead until the final whistle where they won 91 to 81. 

“The game the week before against Bankstown set the platform for them, it gave them the belief that they can step up against quality teams and grind out a win,” Marjoram said. 

After the game the Lazers nervously awaited the results of the other games, that being Shoalhaven against Bankstown and Queenbeyan against Canberra and when results finally came through, it was in Lazers favour with Shoalhaven and Queenbeyan both losing, meaning Lazers were through to the quarter finals.

Lithgow Lazers will be playing Hills Hornets on Saturday, August 4 in a must win match to proceed to the semi-finals. 

“During the week at training players will be focusing on staying together in defence, as every player has to commit and being patient in offensive structure, if this occurs Lazers can get another win,” he said. 

Top scorers: Matur Malauch 33, Jai Goodwin 19, Terrence Durham 17, Adam Marjoram 10 and Kobe Hunter and Todd Brownlow 6 each.

For Wagga: Zac Maloney 24 and Hare 18.