Wagga Heat bounced back from a big loss to Sutherland with a 12-point win against Dubbo on Saturday.
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Told to adjust their attitude following a 31-point loss to the ladders leaders, the Heat scored a 76-64 win over the Rams at Bolton Park Stadium.
Captain Zac Maloney was pleased with how his team responded to the challenge.
“We were happy to come away with the win,” Maloney said.
“We come out and were prepared to have a bit more of a physical game.
“Dubbo come out and their main focus on defence was to shut me down.
“They were very physical doing that, but our boys responded well.”
US import Connell Crossland led the way.
He finished with a game high 25 points.
Maloney scored 18 himself and was the only other Heat player to reach double figures.
However he was pleased with the influence Shannon Klein on the team’s attack while Shaun Carter made a good impact off the bench helping to free up Crossland and Maloney to score.
“Shannon Klein did a really good job,” Maloney said.
“He was does a great job for us defensively, but offensively he doesn’t really score too many points but is always in there getting assists.”
Maloney hopes the win can help rebuild some confidence heading into the clash with Queanbeyan Yowies on Saturday.
The Yowies are below the Heat on the ladder, but are coming off a win against Springwood Scorchers but fell to Shoalhaven Tigers in a double header on the weekend.
Maloney expects another tough clash.
“From what I have heard Queanbeyan are a very experienced team this year with some SEABL players who have dropped down from Canberra,” he said.
“They are in the same sort of boat as us and got off to shaky start but are a very talented and skilled team.
Meanwhile Wagga Blaze fell to their second loss in as many games.
Despite having a month between games, the Blaze fired early against Coffs Harbour.
The clash ebbed and flowed with neither team able to really kick clear.
However the Suns were finally able to edge ahead late in the fourth quarter and held on for a 58-50 win on Saturday.
The Blaze got within two points with minutes remaining but couldn’t continue their charge.
US imports Khiani Clark (15) and Shakera Barnes (14) were their top scorers while Steph Male contributed 13 points to the total.
They now host Maitland Mustangs on Saturday.