Clayton Ritter did his best in the loss but got very little support from team superstar C.J Bruton.

Kings Upset Hawks

Posted: Fri Dec 11, 1998 at 9:39 AM ET

The Sydney Kings made it 2 in a row against the Hawks tonight with a 108-97 win in Wollongong. The Kings had beaten the Hawks by 21 just last week and going in they had to like their chances. And early they looked the goods, Acie Earl tough inside. But Clayton Ritter also got off in the first with neither team able to pull away. The Hawks did recieve a boost when guard Matt Campbell picked off a bad pass and dunked all over Kings centre Acie earl, but Campbell paid for his high flying exploits, hitting the floor hard. The first quarter was very tight and it wasn't until midway through the second that the Kings took control. Aaron Trahair hit 4 long bombs in the half and that couple with Acie Earl's big inside effort gave the Kings a 52-40 half time lead.

The Hawks have come back from big defecits all year and 12 points didn't seem like such a daunting task. They did make several mini runs at the Kings in the third but were unable to make any significant dent in the Kings lead. And 10 points from Acie Earl in the third quarter kept the Kings out by 10 at the final change, 76-66. The fourth quarter was all set up for a Hawks charge, but Clayton Ritter, who had been the Hawks go to man the whole game, started to falter. The Hawks also missed from the free throw line and allowed the Kings too many easy shots. C.J bruton had been held scoreless throught he first three quarters but he started to heat up after hitting a long three in the face of Kelsey Weems early in the quarter. But the Kings managed to hold at least an 8 point adavantage, until with under 3 minutes to play the Hawks gave themselves a chance with a Glen Saville three followed by a steal. But they couldn't convert and the Kings managed to do what they hadn't been able to all season, hit their free throws. That saw them over the line for a 108-97 victory. Acie Earl top scored with 26 points, Aaron Trahair had 25 while for the Hawks Clayton Ritter had 15.

Video:  Matt Campbell makes the steal and rises up over Acie Earl and gives him a violent facial.
1.31MB avi |