Northern Territory boys’ clutch and memorable win over Tasmania makes history, likely NT’s best result at Under-18 basketball titles
THE Northern Territory boys’ team has overcome an “absolutely ridiculous” schedule to secure its best result – at least in the past decade – at the 2021 Australian Under-18 Basketball Championships in Werribee.
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THE Northern Territory boys’ team has overcome an “absolutely ridiculous” schedule to secure its best result – at least in the past decade – at the 2021 Australian Under-18 Basketball Championships in Werribee.
Tasmania was the latest casualty of a red-hot Territory outfit, the boys doing their region proud with a thrilling and memorable 76-74 overtime victory on Thursday.
Ansett’s Anthony Rowse tied the game with a clutch three-pointer and 30 seconds left on the clock.
His former Ansett teammate and team captain Joel Barros then won the game with just six seconds remaining.
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Make no mistake – this was an amazing result for the perennial underdogs at this tournament. And it came after NT beat Western Australia Country 86-78 on Wednesday in what was also a brilliant performance, De Barros finishing that game with a stunning 36 points.
The young men then lost no admirers, putting up a commendable effort against NSW Metro later that evening, losing 102-61.
De Barros collected 23 points against the young men in sky blue.
The Territory youngsters then backed up to beat Tassie, that game at 9.30am (AEST) on Thursday.
“I couldn't be more proud of these boys,” Territory coach Brett Maksimovic told the NT News.
“They played at 7pm (on Wednesday night) then backed up at 9.30am. That’s absolutely ridiculous. But they gave it their every effort and commitment.
“The resilience these boys have shown is unbelievable, and I couldn’t be more honoured to coach them.”
Basketball NT high performance manager Rod Tremlett said the Territory’s defeat over Tasmania – where De Barros scored 23 points (four from eight three-pointers) and Clayton Jewell added 20 – was a historic result.
“You’d have to check back through the records, but this would be the boys’ best result at these championships in the past 10 years,” Tremlett said.
“Clayton was phenomenal for us.”
Maksimovic was full of praise for De Barros and Rowse.
“Anthony’s shot had been a bit and down, but he stepped up for us when we needed him,” the mentor said.
“He always believed in himself and took the open (match-tying) shot, which was huge for him.
“Joel has been unbelievable for us.”
NT will take on Victoria Country in the battle for ninth place on Friday.
And Tremlett was delighted with the fight the NT girls showed in their 69-52 loss to Tasmania on Wednesday night.
“It’s been a tough week for them – only 11 girls trialled for our 10-girl squad. But they haven’t stopped trying,” he said.
“Laleeta Das’ run (12 points, three from three from long range) at both ends was outstanding.”
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