19.10.2018: St Mirren West College Scotland - Sony Center Fury Venue 80:96
FURY DEFEAT CHAMPS SAINTS BY 16 IN BANTU DEBUT
SONY CENTRE FURY 96 ST.MIRREN 80
Scottish Senior Men’s Division 1 Championship
Fury Men got their title challenge back on course with an impressive 16 point win at the Lagoon SC and their former Rocks trio of Adam Hammerschmidt (30), Boris Matrakov (18) and Bantu Burroughs (15) combining for a stunning 63 pts . For most of the game the Falkirk side played great basketball, pushing the ball up the floor and playing tough defence that saw them lead 55 -37 at the half.
The game had several key storylines for the former Champions who really put the current title holders under pressure right from the tip.
One of these keys was the form of centre Ross Gibson, out for nearly all of last season through injury, Gibson hit Fury’s first 6 points, going on for an impressive 16 game total with the big man delivering the assist of the night to Bantu Burroughs on a spectacular Fury play.
Austrian Adam Hammerschmidt returned to the form Fury fans have come to expect and with 4 threes in his 30pt tally, this was the ‘Hammer’ who helped take Fury to a treble winning season in 16-17.
Fury led 22-19 at the end of the first but really went on fire in the second period with 33pts total with Bryan Munnoch hitting 2 of his 3 threes at the start of what was the teams best basketball of the season. The third should have seen Fury take control of the game as they played a fast paced game but failed to capitalise fully on scoring opportunities they created. Despite Saints looking as though they could make a comeback in the final period, Fury stayed in control for a win that keeps them at the top of Championship table and a road win that sends out a message that they are by no means out of the title race.
Fury Headcoach commented to Heraldsport after the game-
‘This was a big win and what a debt from Bantu, who came into the side with no practice with the team. He worked tirelessly and showed why he made the Scotland Commonwealth Games team. He was solid at both ends of the floor and is clearly a key acquisition for us in the guard spot. I liked the energy the team had and we continue to work hard on our defensive system, that despite being really good at times, did not find an answer to Nick Collins who also showed what a great player he is. That said I cannot fault our players in coming into the Lagoon and getting what is a great road win for us, the club and the fans.’