Matthew Dellavedova.
MARYBOROUGH’S Matthew Dellavedova showed his class to lead the St Mary’s Gaels to an impressive win in the NCAA basketball tournament in the United States yesterday.
Dellavedova scored 22 points, including five three-pointers, as the Gaels dismantled Middle Tennessee State 67-54.
Dellavedova added six rebounds and four assists in a performance that would have reminded NBA scouts just how classy he is.
Dellavedova had hit just one of his previous 18 three-point shots, but he didn’t let his shooting slump affect his game.
He nailed his first two three-pointers of the game and then proceeded to haunt the MT State defence for the rest of the game.
“We’re not going to win games like this if Matt doesn’t shoot it well – or shoot it decent,’’ Gaels coach Randy Bennett said.
“The thing I never question on Matt is how ... his desire to win or whether he’s going to do the right things leadership‑wise and all that.
“He’s going to play whether he makes shots or not, but if he makes shots, it gives us a chance to separate.”
The victory for the Gaels earns them the 11th seeding for the midwest region in the prestigious final 64 of the NCAA knockout tournament.
The Gaels now play sixth seeded Memphis tomorrow (AEST).
