Essington Cannons frustrated after close win over Lightning in the Darwin Basketball Association

A WIN is a win, but Essington co-captain Steven Sing admits his teammates were frustrated after their scrappy 71-67 win over Lightning in Round 12 Darwin Basketball Challenge action on Thursday night.

Essington co-captain Steven Sing has been frustrated at the foul calls he’s been hit with in recent weeks. Picture: GLENN CAMPBELL

A WIN is a win, but Essington co-captain Steven Sing admits his teammates were frustrated after their scrappy 71-67 win over Lightning in Round 12 Darwin Basketball Challenge action on Thursday night.

“It was a sub-par performance. We can play better,” said Sing, who scored 14 points in the Cannons’ victory.

“We’re still figuring some stuff out this season, but a win is a win.”

Sing’s brother Jordan (17 points) and American import playmaker Elijah Barbour (19 points with two three-pointers) also starred.

But just as frustrating as the below-par performance for Sing was the way the game was interpreted by the young officials on duty.

Sing got himself in four trouble in the win over Lightning, after being fouled out in consecutive defeats against Ellas Titans and Razzle.

“It’s definitely frustrating but you just have to deal with it the best way you can,” he said.

“It was frustrating against Razzle when you can’t see where the fouls are and you just want to be out there helping the boys.

“Sometimes we just want an explanation and we’re not getting one. (On Thursday night) my brother told me to just hold off.

“I’m not very argumentative, so it’s frustrating.”

Brodie Hertel (24 points) and Luca Tutty (12 points) stood out for Lightning.

“For them, Luca is definitely one to look out for,” Sing said.

“For us, Lefika (Kgosiemang) and Matteo (Materazzo) are showing a lot of promise.

“Dirk (Lawrie, who recently left Essington for James Cook University in Townsville) was a big loss for us – he showed a lot of improvement.”

Palmerston (Tom Goodwin 31 points with eight three-pointers) defeated Razzle 106-73 last night, and tonight’s games include Eagles v Tracy Village and Ansett v Uni Rebels.

Ellas Titans also recorded a 98-84 win over the Jets in a Round 18 game on Thursday night.

Willie Shackleford (31 points) stood out for the victors.

In women’s Round 12 action, Lightning beat Rebels 77-45 on Thursday night, and Frances Fatnowna (12 points) led Ansett to an upset 65-61 win over her former team the Jets last night.

Razzle faces the Cannons tonight.