Defensive focus for Senators

Feature image via: Madeleine Clark

Warwick Senators star Todd Withers has turned the attention squarely on the club’s defence as they look to solidify a spot in the top eight.

The fifth on the ladder side had a mixed weekend, bouncing back from a 15-point Friday night defeat to the undefeated Joondalup Wolves with an important 113-93 victory over the Cockburn Cougars on Saturday night.

The Senators were missing former captain Cody Ellis through illness while dual championship winner Zac Gattorna is still yet to make an appearance this season due to a back complaint to join his third NBL1 club.

Withers led from the front against Cockburn, amassing 26 points and 10 rebounds. The former Adelaide 36er import says the group is building a strong connection but need to lock down on the defensive end to compete with the best.  

“It’s going well. We definitely got some stuff we got to clean up defensively,” Withers told Eric McFarland.

“Offensively we can score with the best of them. Our chemistry is there, we are getting a hang of it, everyone is coming together…we’ll be fine.”

Warwick has conceded 90 or more points in six of the past eight matches and will face the Cougars again on Saturday night.

Withers also praised the performance of youngster Tyler Shand, who he has encouraged to be confident during the campaign.

Shand fell just short of a triple-double against Cockburn, recording nine points, 17 rebounds and 11 assists.

“He has been playing exceptional…it’s good to see him go out there and do his thing,” Withers said.

The Senators will take on the Cockburn Cougars on Saturday night streaming live from 7:30pm AWST live via NBL1.com.au or the NBL1 App.