Saints hit the Rocks

Mar 12 2010 by Andy Newport, Paisley Daily Express

ST MIRREN REID KERR COLLEGE...62

GLASGOW ROCKS........................... 97

AN inexperienced St Mirren Senior Women side were given a lesson in closing out a win as they stumbled in the closing stages of their defeat to Glasgow Rocks.

The young Saints held Glasgow to just a three-point lead at the half but were unable to match their undefeated opponents in the third and fourth quarters.

In the first period Susanne Fleming kept the Paisley girls in contention, hitting the first 11 points, including a trio of three-pointers.

“Susanne has improved greatly throughout the season and tonight she stepped up and played at both ends of the floor,” said head coach Barry Lang.

At the end of the first period, St Mirren were down seven points, 18-25.

In the second quarter, the Buddies raised their game and competed with the champions elect.

Lang continued: “Captain Becca Cumming and Gemma Black pressed up on Glasgow and we forced turnovers and began to control the tempo of the game.

“Our shooting was excellent in the first half and this kept us in the game. We hit seven three-pointers in the first two quarters and this put pressure on our opponents.”

Saints pressure defence also caused Glasgow problems as their main players struggled to find their rhythm.

St Mirren won the period 22-18 and were just three points down at the half, 40-43.

The Buddies started the third period well and got back on level terms at 45-all.

“We were competing with the team at the top of the league and the points were level with only 15 minutes to go in the game – but then we began to panic.

“We turned the ball over six times in a row and the Rocks converted, giving them a 12-point advantage.

“The game changed completely from that point on and we couldn’t regain control.”

St Mirren were down 11 points at the end of the third period, 56-67.

In the final quarter, The Buddies could only watch as Rocks stars Natalie Chaloner and Erin McGarraghan put on a master class.

Lang added: “We were awesome in the first half and I was really proud of how the girls played and competed against the best team in the nation.

“We had seven Cadettes and juniors in the team and only four seniors – how can I be disappointed?

“I thought we were amazing. We are a few senior players short of being able to challenge for the title, but we’ve made a big impact on the league and I’m looking forward to the future.”

Top scorers were: Rebecca Cumming – 23, Susanne Fleming – 13, Gemma Black – 9.