The U19 Boys D took on a Celtic Tigers side that they were expected to be able to handle with ease. The match proved far more of a struggle than the Brumbies had anticipated, however.<\/p>\n
Neither team started out in prime form, Celtic looking scratchy on offense, Ballan looking tentative and unsure of themselves.<\/p>\n
Celtic opened the scoring before Ballan finally got on the board through a strong Oscar McLucas drive and Billy Gillett layup.<\/p>\n
The Brumbies, despite superior talent, were struggling to put the ball in the basket. They were able to get to the basket though couldn’t finish over Celtic’s interior size.<\/p>\n
A Dallas McKay three pointer stretched Celtic’s lead out to 10 double digits before a late flurry saw Ballan score through Fergus McCausland and Jim Gorman. A basket to McLucas right on half time cutting the lead down to four, 12-16.<\/p>\n
The Ballan boys were implored to lift their intensity, which they did, though unfortunately with little tangible impact. The Brumbies continued to struggle to score, missing a series of easy opportunities, however McLucas and McCausland were able to do just enough to keep the scoreboard ticking over for Ballan.<\/p>\n
Conversely, Celtic were making almost every shot they put up, no matter the pressure they were under.<\/p>\n
Trailing by 16 points with six minutes left, Ballan at long last started to kick into gear. Cooper fed Gillett for a three pointer before Burton swiped steals on consecutive possessions that led to baskets.<\/p>\n
With Ballan’s speed and pressure ramped up, Celtic were unable to advance the ball past half court as the Brumbies created turnover after turnover.<\/p>\n
With the margin suddenly down to just a point and 11-seconds remaining, Celtic called a steadying timeout. From the resulting inbounds play, they were able to draw a shooting foul and unable to make either free throw. Gorman secured the rebound, finding Leunig with the outlet pass. His hit-ahead pass found McLucas who calmly dropped the game winning basket with just three seconds remaining on the game clock.<\/p>\n
To be fair, Celtic controlled the game for long periods and scarcely deserved to lose, but don’t let that take away from what was an inspired comeback from Ballan, who snatched a 40-39 victory from the jaws of defeat.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n