Cavs up and down

By Justin Robertson
THOSE who witnessed the Cranbourne Cavaliers performance on the weekend would have seen a frustrating Jekyll and Hyde act.
They scored 18 points in an error-riddled first half that lacked self belief, and then plundered an inspiring 54 points in the latter half, but lost the match 72-98, their third loss in a row.
With his team a potential top four side, coach Cory Smith said the Cavs were still adjusting to the high standards of the men’s division three league but was pleased with how the team responded in the second half.
“It was the second quarter that killed us. We produced way too many turnovers and we missed a few shots, which probably didn’t help, but that was pretty much it,” Smith said. “The other three quarters I thought we played very well.”
In the first half the Cavs faltered under intense pressure, missed their usual scoring shots and coughed up too many turnovers.
But credit where credit is due, Melton was stingy during the second quarter and kept the Cavs to a paltry eight points, while scoring 27 points itself. By half-time, the seventh-placed Cavs had the improbable task of raking in a 25-point deficit.
Smith said he vented his grievances to his charges during his half-time address and demanded a stronger team performance.
“I gave them a talking to at half-time and they came out a completely different team in the second half,” he said.
“We weren’t working as team and I told them to keep their head up and that they are a much better team than what they showed. That was pretty much the message – there were a few expletives in there as well.”
With far more intensity and self belief, the Cavs matched Melton in a high-scoring and spirited third term (30-30) and fell one point short in the final quarter (24-25), which was described by Smith as a much better second-half display.
But it was all too late as the second term proved to be the game breaker.
The consistent Mcmillin brothers –Jayden (31, 18) and Justin (21 points, 1 rebound) – stepped up this week and are proving to be the backbone of the team, combining for 52 out of 72 points. Smith said, Jayden’s game-high of 31 and 18 was definitely the best game one of his players has had this season.
“They both had really good games. Jayden got a bit frustrated and at half-time I had a chat to him and he came out and played a better game,” Smith said. “He’s a really young player and he put his head down and had a fair crack at it.”
With finals basketball well and truly not a possibility this season, Smith said his team would look to win its remaining games against Darebin, Pakenham and Maccabi and push top four teams Camberwell and Warrandyte.
“We’ll be looking at things we can do to improve on for next year,” he said. “A few more wins will help build some momentum going into preseason.”