ABA 2023-24: Denmark lament poor shooting and foul trouble as Sonics extend winning streak to seven games

Sonics overcame a sluggish start and held their nerve on the free throw line to extend their winning streak to seven games by defeating Denmark in a physical affair on Tuesday night. Denmark led 8-2 early in proceedings but foul trouble and poor shooting let their side down as Sonics claimed the round seven Albany Basketball Association men’s A-grade fixture. Guards Mark Elentorio and David Arthur were prominent throughout, but the pair were sent to the free throw line regularly in the second half, helping Sonics to a six-point win. Arthur had 10 points in the opening half, including one triple, as he helped drag his side into the lead after their slow start. Denmark centre Luke Wilson picked up three fouls in the first period and his side trailed by two at half-time. Despite Wilson picking up his fourth inside five minutes of the second half, Denmark has wrested back control with Kye Griffiths finding easy avenues to the basket. Denmark led by four after a Jackson Shaw lay-up and free throw before Liam Murdock got a much-needed triple for Sonics. With six minutes to play Sonics had snatched back the lead and, despite a tense final few minutes, recorded a 42-36 win. A pivotal point in the game was Wilson fouling out with his fifth under the basket trying to prevent a Sonics fast break. Kayden Collins hit both at the line but Stanley Carter kept Denmark in the hunt with a basket after each team called a time out. Elentorio and then Collins were sent to the line, both not missing as Sonics extended the margin to five points. Griffiths, who was outstanding in a losing affair with 16 points, got it back to three but the calm Arthur nailed two free throws and then a late technical foul on Denmark ensured Sonics would make it seven straight wins for 2023-24. Arthur hit eight of his 15 points from the free throw line and Elentorio had eight of his 12 from the same spot. Sonics missed just two free throws in the second half and five all up in 23 attempts, which made up for their sloppy outside shooting as they scored three of 17 long-range baskets. Griffiths, Wilson and Shaw controlled the rebounding with their pure size but Denmark shot three of nine from the free throw line in the first half and went at 48 per cent for the game. Shaw could manage only eight points and Wilson (six points) missed the crucial final few minutes. In the other round seven games, North Albany Kangaroos withstood a strong second half from the Raiders under-18 development squad to win by nine points. The Kangaroos led by 15 at half-time but Raiders challenged them in the second with Even Delbene leading the way. Despite Delbene’s 20 points, Raiders went down 39-48 in the end to remain without a win this season. Beauden East (14) and Ben De Klerk (11) were the standouts for the Kangaroos. Young pair Delbene and James Watters lifted Barking Owls to their sixth win of the season, combining for 39 points against Railways Tigers. Delbene finished with 20 points, including three from long range and James Watters added 19 in the 16-point triumph. The Tigers had Lachlan Cale (10), Aiden Clothier (15) and Kobi Doust-Pamplin (10) in double figures and they got within two baskets, but a hot hand from outside shooter Harry Watters that netted four triples ensured Owls got home 59-43. Griffins Crusaders made it back-to-back wins as they beat Ambassadors by eight points, Luke Harvey leading the way with 22 points.