Ansett star Freddy Webb backs his side’s strength in depth ahead of matchup against Ellas Titans

ANSETT’s Freddy Webb feels his talent-deep side can bounce back from a rare defeat last week to beat a potent Ellas Titans side in Round 17 of the Darwin Basketball Championship.

Ansett’s Freddy Webb feels his talent-deep side can take the challenge to any side in the DBA competition. Picture GLENN CAMPBELL

ANSETT star Freddy Webb feels his talent-deep side can bounce back from a rare defeat last week to beat a potent Ellas Titans side in Round 17 of the Darwin Basketball Championship.

Webb’s outfit suffered a rare 99-82 loss against a rampaging Eagles outfit last week, so it will be looking to bounce back in its encounter against the Titans.

Henry Bui had a particularly strong game against Eagles, with a showing that could prove pivotal for Ansett heading into the finals.

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“There was a bit of frustration in that loss but it was good for us as it showed us where we can be better which is what we need at this stage,” Webb told the NT News.

“It was a good game for us and we played a great first half but fell into a rut later on.

“So what we identified is that we need to be more resilient when other sides get on a run and fight back.”

Ellas kept its finals hopes alive last week when it beat their arch rivals Essington 103-73, which put the two sides on equal footing heading into the final couple of weeks.

Deba George (26 points) and Willie Shackleford (21 points) stood out in that encounter against the Cannons who were leading in the second quarter.

However, Ansett poses an even greater challenge as the third-placed side with plenty of firepower at its disposal including Fred Williams, Webb, James Toohey and Joel De Barros.

“Titans are a good side with Shack in the centre and then Deba who is a great player,” Webb said.

“But we played them before and we got up both times so while they have these tough players we have the depth and it’s hard to play our depth.

“We have guys on our bench who could start on other sides and so that’s without a doubt our greatest asset as our juniors are amazing, and it allows us to have high intensity trainings.

“Joel is our young gun and in a couple of years he could be one of the best ever from Darwin.

“Last time we played Ellas he defended Deba all game and in my opinion won that battle.”

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Meanwhile in other Men’s league action on Thursday night, Tracy Village Jets will look to ensure their place in the top two as they face off against Uni Rebels.

On the women’s side of the draw, Cannons take on second placed Lightning with the hopes of keeping their spot in the top four.