Panthers Senior Men were in league action yesterday afternoon as they took on Aberdeen Titans at Portlethen Academy. Panthers started the game very slowly ; lazy defence, and sloppy offence saw Panthers go 8-0 down in the first few minutes. Panthers took another blow as they lost Teejay through injury in the first quarter. In the first 6 minutes Panthers only scored 2 points. The 5 on court became increasingly frustrated but managed to pull together to play good team defence. Towards the end of the quarter, Mateusz was a one man machine as he dominated inside the paint and got Panthers straight back in the game. Despite what seemed a disastrous start, the first quarter ended only 12-10 to the Titans.
The second quarter seemed as though Panthers were a completely different team. Appearances from the subs including debutant Jack Ricci, and Michael Cattanach were key as their defensive hustle and ball movement on offence, saw Panthers begin to take control of the game. Panthers struggled with rebounds at both ends of the court and gave away far too many fouls which saw the quarter stay tight, but an excellent appearance from Calvin Dunbar, and Jonny McKechnie helped Panthers take control of both ends finishing the half strong. Panthers went in to half time up by 4.
After the break, Panthers were back to playing poor at both ends. Defensively, Panthers struggled with rebounding as Titans dominated completely inside, and Panthers were slow on closing out shots which saw the Titans hit some three’s. Titans took control of the game and took a 10 point lead. As he has done so many times before, Glen Honeyman kept Panthers in the game as he sunk two three’s, and scored his 2 free throws. Panthers were down 3 points going into the final quarter.
The fourth saw Panthers very frustrated on offence. The only way they scored at the start of the quarter was from the foul line. Panthers attempted to set up and run their plays but Titans were always one step ahead as they outsmarted Panthers. Titans two key players came up clutch big time as they hit 16 points between them in the fourth quarter. Down by 10 with 2 minutes left, Panthers were given some hope when Jonny scored a simply outstanding post move. With now only a minute left, the ball fell to Glen on the three point line, an ideal situation for Panthers. Titans closed out on him well and the shot didn’t go in.
On behalf of the club we wish Teejay a speedy recovery from a leg injury, and to Titans number 1 who sustained a nasty eye injury during the game.
FINAL SCORE: PANTHERS 57-63 TITANS
Panthers Top Scorers:
Glen Honeyman – 19
Mateusz Palczynski – 15
