HUDDERSFIELD Heat’s player-coach Eduardo Perez was still upbeat after witnessing his side edged out 77-72 by Hull Wasps in the Yorkshire Shield Invitational Cup.
Half of the Heat’s 16-man squad travelled to the Bonus Arena on Humberside to gain some valuable match minutes ahead of the coming league season, although they were without several of last season’s regulars.
“Although we are disappointed with the result, it was a great opportunity to get in some match practice and there were a lot of positives to take out of the game,” said Perez.
Defences were on top in the opening stages with only Chris Bigley able to score consistently with six points in the first quarter, but the Wasps managed to pull away with three three-pointers to take a 20-13 lead at the end of the period.
Heat’s defence closed Hull down in the second period, bringing it back to a two-point game at the interval 31-29.
Huddersfield then changed their line-up and went with four guards on the floor and their offence began to gain some momentum with guard Kristo Kraus scoring nine points during the quarter and their 37-year-old player-coach charging in to put Heat 50-48.
Unfortunately, in the last period Bigley got involved in a heated discussion with one of the officials, which, as a consequence, led to a couple of technical fouls in a two-minute period as part of eight consecutive free throws for the hosts which decided the encounter.
“With only half our squad and many of last year’s players not available it was encouraging to see others step and play well,” added Perez.
“The only disappointment was the second half incident with Chris, but he’ll learn, and when he doesn’t get involved he has the ability to be a very good player. But we made too many errors which led to our defeat.”
The Heat have another pre-season clash on Saturday, when they are away to Rossendale Raptors (6pm).
Hull Wasps 77: Cummings 0, Marr 14, Lacey 6, Fawcett 13, Brutnell 14. Starting five: Birchmore 4, Blatherwick 9, Brough 0, Johnson 2, Monroe 8, Likupe 0, Mills 7.
Huddersfield Heat: 72 Bigley 22, Gray 12, Kraus 11, Perez 17, Stanger 2. Starting five: Pennaste 4, Quinn 0, Walker 4.
