FURY JUNIOR MEN ARE DOUBLE CHAMPIONS!

SONY CENTRE FURY 68 ST.MIRREN 63

Scottish Junior Men U18yrs Play-Off Final

Fury produced a stunning 17-0 run in the 4th quarter to turn around what seemed a certain Play-Off Final loss to long time rivals St.Mirren, to win by 5pts and end the 18-19 season as not only Division 1 Champions but Play-Off Winners. The game's MVP was Fury Captain Sam Owens, who was key in that dramatic 4th quarter turnaround – hitting 22pts personal (5 threes), 6 rebounds and 5 assists. The Falkirk side edged ahead in the first with a 21-18 scoreline. Both teams showing why they were seeded 1 and 2 for the Final, with great play at both ends off the court. Saints however got the better of Fury in a low scoring second stanza 16-11, to give them a 2pt half-time lead. A 20-14 third for the Paisley side, gave them an 8pt lead going into the final quarter and when that stretched out to double digits, it looked as though the Final was slipping out of Fury’s reach. Down 58-49, the Sony Centre Falkirk sponsored side, then went on an incredible 17-0 run, to lead 66-58, going into the final minutes of the game. Fury held their nerve and took the Play-Off title in what was another solid team performance from Keith Bunyan’s side. Scott Lothian racked up a double–double with 12pts and 11 rebounds, with Jack Davidson on 11pts and 9 rebounds. Nathan Cuthbert was also key on the offensive end with 11 and Cornelius Olubalade has to be singled out for his defensive work on Saints key offensive threat Robbie Stevenson. Fury can reflect on key stats such as forcing Saints to 26 turnovers in the game and getting 27pts from these turnovers – a big stat. Fury shot 70% from the charity stripe, with Saints struggling on 40%. Fury Headcoach Keith Bunyan commented to Heraldsport after the game – ‘ We showed a new side to our character today and that was the ability to dig deep and play against adversity. All season, we have had substantial leads and literally never been behind in a game. The run of 17-0, just kept going, we got stops, forced turnovers, rebounded well and found our scoring touch. There was excellent team and individual defence and that sparked our run and eventual win. To achieve League and Play-Off success, matches our double of last season and to take 4 of the 6 major trophies available in the two seasons, shows the quality of the players and the amount of work we put in at this age group.