Basketball: Lowe on a high as Pirates pummell Panthers

In their second home game of the season, and with Pirates head coach Kev Robbins at the helm, Pirates were determined to come out strong.

Rich Lowe went on a mission scoring 12 out of the home side’s 17 points in the first period of play, while Panthers could manage only ten.

In the second quarter Panthers maintained their scoring rate, adding nine points, but Bognor totted up 14 to lead 31-19 at halfway.

Period three saw the return of Pirates big man Matt Wakeling, working the ball inside with Lowe, scoring a further nine points between them, although both missed some free throws.

Panthers were consistent with their ten points per period. At the end of the third, it was 42-29.

It looked as though Pirates could just cruise to another win but Andy Pleskys had other ideas and having opened the last period with a three-pointer he decided to score four more consecutive baskets including a further three-pointer with some great fast breaks.

Rob Stapely was also fired up, putting a lot of pressure on Panthers guards and chasing every loose ball while adding a further three points to his game total of seven.

Rotating the bench saw new young signings Alex DeHann and Dillon Smith, who last season were under-18 club players, scoring two valuable points each, helping Pirates to close the game out.

MVP was awarded by Panthers coach to No9 Rich Lowe.

PIRATES: R Lowe 22, A Pleskys 14, Max Smith 7, Rob Stapely 7, Matt Wakeling 6, A Robbins 3, A DeHann 2, D Smith 2, M Sharpe 2.