THE Hamilton Hurricanes battled out a second consecutive Country Basketball League double header at the weekend, going down in both contests.
The weekend opened up with a road trip to Portland to take on the Coasters, with the visitors blown away in the first quarter.
Hamilton could only manage eight points, while conceding 31 at the other end to be on the back foot and playing catch-up basketball for the remainder of the game.
A 25-13 second term for Portland ensured the second half would be smooth sailing for the home side.
With a half time scoreboard showing a 21-56 deficit, the Hurricanes had plenty of work to do in the second half.
The visitors only lost the third term by eight points, and won the final quarter by a point, eventually going down, 54-96.
Nathan Hardingham put up 24 points for the Coasters, while Jakob Greaves’ return to the side was a positive outing, finishing the round 13 clash with 14 points.
Josh Miller added 10 points of his own in support, as the only other player to hit double figures.
The Hurricanes didn’t have much time to lick their wounds though, backing up on Sunday with a clash against the Tornadoes at the Terang and District Indoor Sport and Recreation Centre.
Once again, the first quarter proved to be a key period, as the home side burst out of the blocks and put up 22 points to 12 to take the early advantage.
The Hurricanes looked like a different team in the second quarter, finding their groove and getting back in the game with a 25-point quarter, closing the margin to three points by half time.
Hamilton would have been confident it could match the home side and compete for victory, but the Tornadoes put paid to those thoughts, winning the third period by nine points and the final quarter by 11 to win, 98-75.
James Cleaver shot a team-high 16 points for the Hurricanes, while Miller finished the game with 14 points, Greaves put up 12 points and Bailey Cooper added 11 points.
Scott Judd and Ryley Hutchins both put up 21 points for the home side.
The Hurricanes will now have a breather with a bye this weekend ahead of the final round of the season later this month.
