Strategically the Wagga Heat know exactly what they need to do to continue a four-game winning streak.
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Knowing their forte lies in their tempo and fitness, coach Allan Mullins has given them the directive to use that to their advantage.
We’re trying to increase the pace of the game. Because we have 11 really fit players we can run most teams out
- Wagga Heat coach Allan Mullins
“We’re trying to increase the pace of the game,” Mullins said.
“Because we have 11 really fit players we can run most teams out.”
And that they did.
On Saturday night, Wagga established an early lead and dominated Dubbo in the fourth quarter.
They won the fourth quarter 28 points to 12.
The Heat won 88 to 49 in a game packed with highs and lows.
“We missed a lot of shots; we weren’t in tune,” Mullins said.
“Our third quarter was terrible; we lost the third quarter.”
Dubbo scored 20 of their 49 points in the third quarter inciting frustration on the sidelines.
“Let’s just say I called a time-out and gave them a motivational realignment,” Mullins said.
“That sparked them back into action.”
Gage Daye top-scored with 37 points, Zac Maloney practiced his inside-shooting and scored 20 points and Scott Hare helped out with 14.
Mullins’ son Ben Wilkin played for Dubbo, assigned to guard Daye.
“He was exhausted at the end of the game,” Mullins said.
Development player Jacob Edwards made his Wagga Heat debut, and Chaz Bishop played his third game for the Heat.
Heat player Aidan Adams showed his commitment to the squad, playing despite tough family circumstances.
“Aidan’s grandma died an hour before we played and he still played,” Mullins said.
“He played very, very well.
“We all wore a black armband in honour of her.”
Mullins described the squad as a “family” who are there to support each other through life’s battles.
Bobby Tye was unavailable and Paul Prowse sat out due to injury.
The squad has two weeks off before they play the only team yet to suffer a defeat in their pool.
Mullins has noticed improvements in defence and structure over recent weeks, but expects further development before the game.
“We seem to be playing to the opposition’s tempo,” Mullins said.
“That’s something we need to work on the next two weeks before we get to Canberra.”