The Pumas Senior Men opened their season tonight with a well fought game against division 1 new boys, the Aberdeen Titans, in the local Grampian Cup.
Pumas started with Michael and Steven Cattanach, Callum Duncan, Scott Murray, and club coach Jamie Leese in his debut for Pumas. The first quarter saw Pumas play slow paced offensive basketball. Steven’s post play inside saw Pumas get great looks at the basket, but the shots were not falling. Pumas defence was organised in most areas but defensive lapses cost them. The introduction of Calvin Dunbar gave the Pumas some high energy and fast pace. The first quarter finished 16-6 to Titans.
The second quarter was a lot closer as both teams played very good defence which was led by Scott Murray. Both teams got some important steals although neither team could convert the steals into baskets. Pumas went into half time down 11-25.
After half time, the Pumas came out blazing on both ends. The Pumas switched to a zone on defence which worked perfectly to frustrate the opposition as Pumas limited chances and got steal after steal. On offence, Jamie’s ball movement and control of the game opened up the Titans defence. The Titans stretched their lead as Pumas gave away too many fouls which the Titans converted into points from the free throw line. Pumas finished the quarter strong with some excellent individual moves from Michael.
The fourth quarter was much the same as the third. Again the reintroduction of Calvin gave Pumas a really high threat on the fast break as his energy was hard for Titans to deal with. Titans once again stretched their lead with some important threes and work in the post. Some good post moves inside from Steve saw Pumas finish the game strong and showed that, with perhaps a better start, this could’ve been a closer game. Regardless the Pumas put up a good fight and there are many positives to be took from tonight.
FINAL SCORE: PUMAS 43-67 TITANS
Pumas Top Scorers:
Calvin Dunbar – 11
Michael Cattanach – 10
Steven Cattanach – 10
