By LeVaughn Flynn, Staff ReporterIT WAS shaping up to be the greatest comeback of the season when Runnin' Rebels shaved a 26-point deficit to four against Blazing Panthers on Tuesday night in National Basketball League (NBL) action at the Stadium courts.
At half-time, Panthers, one of the favourites to win the title this year, led 51-25 and were on their way to pocketing their second consecutive $15,000 incentive money for scoring 100 or more points. Their lead slipped to 19 (68-49) at the start of the fourth quarter but they still had Rebels in a choke-hold as the latter was an incoherent bunch on offence.
However, something triggered Rebels' sixth sense and they went on a 21-6 run in the first seven minutes of the fourth period to trail by four (74-70).
Panthers held on to win the game 80-71 but their fourth-quarter dry spell had some damaging effects as it exposed their vulnerability of maintaining a lead and their poise.
LACK MENTAL ABILITY
"These players lack the mental ability to maintain their composure," uttered Panthers' coach, Jason James, who sat quietly on the bench during Rebels' run.
"I decided not to interfere with them because they need to learn. I needed someone to step up and show leadership. I refused to interact with them because I wanted to see them come together but instead they fell apart."
Panthers were without leading scorer Dwayne Harris and Dushane Whyte and Keron Reid shared team-high scoring honours with 14 each.
Courtney Hinds, who was a major part of Rebels run by powering his way in the post, had a game-high 20 points and grabbed seven rebounds and Rodney Wiggan had a double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds.
Panthers still top the standings with 36 points from a 17-2 record and Rebels are seventh and 8-10.
Following the Panthers and Rebels match, West Cumberland Flames (5-10) stopped Buckfield United (5-13) 79-59 for their second consecutive win. Paul Jeffrey scored 19 points and grabbed 13 boards as Flames are trying to slowly climb from the bottom of the standings.
They have three outstanding games and if they win those games they could jump to sixth or seventh position. Dane Francis led Buckfield with 19 points.
In a game earlier this week, Rae Town Raptors ended a 15-game losing streak to notch only their second win of the season against Urban Knights. Raptors edged Urban Knights 57-55 and have won both their games against them this season .
Anthony Burton led the winners with 13 points and Rodrick Ingram collected 16 points and 14 rebounds for the losers.
