Vlahov Hustle Poses Puzzle

Illawarra Mercury

Friday January 25, 2002

By TIM KEEBLE

Matching the unbreakable will to win of Perth enforcer Andrew Vlahov is one of the more important goals for the Hawks in tonight's home game.

Rarely a dominant scorer during his 11-year career, Vlahov has won games for the Wildcats on sheer hustle.

As well as being an intimidating defensive force, the four-time Olympian is a terror under the boards.

In the Wildcats' 93-87 defeat of the Hawks, Vlahov ripped down 21 rebounds compared to 20 for the whole Wollongong front line.

``He's relentless," Wollongong's Damon Lowery said.

``He just keeps chasing balls down. When a shot goes up, we're going to have to put a body on him.

``He's desperate in the paint, and if you want to be successful you have to be just as desperate.

``Rebounding will be one of the keys to the match. If we don't get the rebounds, it not only takes away our running game, it keeps the Wildcats in the game."

Hawks co-captain Mat Campbell said rebounding was crucial at both ends of the court.

``The last time we played them we won every stat but the rebound count, but we lost that 68-34 and that cost us the game," Camp-bell said.

``We just have to block out. Everyone must be prepared to hit the boards and put the pressure back on them.

``A win on the defensive boards is imperative, and if our big guys can grab a few offensive boards and get some put-backs, we'll have the foundation for a win."