Cobras snatch a thriller

THE Kilsyth Cobras are back in the hunt in the 2011 season after a thrilling five-point win, 73-68, against the Dandenong Rangers on the weekend.
The Cobras knew if they wanted to be taken seriously, they would need to beat one of the top teams in the competition and they showed their intent in the first quarter, shooting 85 per cent from the field to take a four-point lead into quarter time.
The Cobras pulled out to an 11-point lead in the second term, but the Rangers reined it in to just three points at half time.
Dandenong came out after the long break and made its baskets count, but Kilsyth kept its nose in front with some great hustle and team defence. Dandenong again won the quarter but Kilsyth went into the last still one point up.
With under a minute remaining in the game, Kilsyth turned the ball over and allowed Dandenong to score. The Cobras were clinging to a two-point lead when Auryn MacMillan scored with 27 seconds left to finally wrap up the game.
Kilsyth’s win was its third in a row and it now sits at 4-5 in the standings.
Auryn MacMillan was the Cobras’ player of the match, shooting 90 per cent from the field for his 18 points and three assists. Tim Lang also continued his good form, chipping in with a double-double (18 points and 11 rebounds). Quincy Henderson, Matt O’Hea and Zach Malvik rounded out an even team performance.
The Cobras now travel to Tasmania for round nine. They will play Hobart on Friday night and back it up on Saturday against North West Tasmania.