DESPITE an offensive masterclass from Jordan Heading, the West Adelaide Bearcats could not get over the line in their National Basketball League (NBL)1 Men’s clash against the South Adelaide Panthers on the weekend.

The Bearcats came into the match looking to bounce back after a tough loss at the hands of the Woodville Warriors in a high-scoring clash in Round 1, while South Adelaide was looking to make it two on the trot after besting the Tigers in the opening week.

The Panthers looked in control for much of the match, jumping out to a considerable lead on the eve of half time and putting the home side on the back foot at Port Adelaide Recreation Centre. Although the home side fought back bravely in the fourth quarter, the effort fell six points short.

Regardless of the result, the performance of Heading was by far one of the most impressive factors of the match.

West Adelaide Bearcats (92) def. by South Adelaide Panthers (98)

Jordan Heading – 45 points, nine rebounds, three assists

It was a seriously eye-catching outing from Heading in the tough loss, absolutely exploding on the scoring front to give his side a fighting chance in the loss to the Panthers.

45 points was a season-high figure for any player over the first two weeks of the season, accounting for nearly half of his team’s score in a one-man effort.

Heading had most of his success scoring the ball when driving to the lane, slicing through the defence with pace and handles. Of his 15 made baskets from the match, 12 came from two-point range, missing just three shots from inside the arc.

He tried his hand at three-point shooting but was less successful, making three triples on 10 attempts, before retreating back to scoring at the rim, which was a successful tactic.

Due to the fact that Heading was putting so much pressure on the basket with his constant driving, he forced the defence into some sloppy defending and undisciplined acts.

Heading went to the free throw 13 times, making 12 shots from the charity stripe, including two clutch makes late in the game to bring the deficit back to just four points, showing calmness in a tight situation.

Although it was not the desired result from a team perspective, the Bearcats would not have even been in the contest if not for Heading’s performance.