As the Townsville McDonald’s Crocodiles’ prepare for Friday’s all-important ‘Reptile Rumble’ in Cairns, we take a look at some of the key match-ups that will help decide the North Queensland showdown.
Eddie Gill vs. Jamar Wilson
The duel between these two dynamic import point guards is sure to be one of the highlights of the always tightly-contested ‘Reptile Rumble’. Both playmakers are having wonderful debut years in the NBL and are seen as the ‘go-to-guys’ for their respective teams. Wilson has proved to be the better scorer of the two, averaging 16.4 points per game compared to Gill’s 12.9. This being said, Eddie has shown he is the superior passer with his 4.5 assists per game the third best average in the NBL. Showing just how little there is between these two outstanding floor generals, both men have won two NBL Player of the Week awards so far this season and their individual performances will be paramount come Friday night.
Peter Crawford vs. Andrew Warren
This battle between two of the league’s sharpest shooters is sure to play a huge role in the result tomorrow night. PC leads the league in three point attempts made, having knocked down 53 triples in just 17 games so far this season. Warren is second on the list after connecting on 48 threes over his first 19 games in the NBL. Crawford and Warren play similar games and both have the ability to hurt you from the perimeter or slash to the basket for an easy two. Crawford is the Crocs leading scorer this season with 15.4 points per game and will be looking to bounce back after an off shooting night against Perth last week.
Elvin Mims vs. Alex Loughton
Elvin Mims is a key member of the Crocs starting unit and his reach and athleticism on defence is sure to trouble the versatile Loughton this Friday. Loughton is one of the premier bigs in the league and his ability to shoot from beyond the arc keeps defenders very honest. While Mims isn’t as talented from the perimeter, his sheer athleticism down both ends of the floor makes him a very difficult player to match up against. Loughton was the best of a beaten bunch last weekend against the Gold Coast and was the only Taipans to reach double figures, scoring 12 points in their 76-49 loss. Elvin also notched up double figures with 10 points and 6 rebounds in the Crocs last start loss to Perth.
The Crocs next game is against the Cairns Taipans this Friday 3 February at ‘The Snakepit’ with tip off at 7:30pm.
For live stats of the game visit www.nbl.com.au or follow the Crocs on Facebook at www.facebook/GoCrocNation
The Crocs next home game is against the Adelaide 36ers, tipping off at 6:30pm this Sunday 5 February at ‘The Swamp’. Tickets are now on sale for the clash at the Entertainment Centre, call 4771 4000 weekdays 9am - 4:30pm or anytime online at
