We have already seen two weekends of action-packed NBL1 Finals action, but week 3 is here! The regular season top 4 seeded teams have taken the final four spots in the Preliminary Finals

Week 3 of the finals will showcase two preliminary finals to decide the last match ups in the NBL1 South 2023 Grand Final, next Saturday night (12/08/2023)

Let's take a closer look at each game and the key storylines heading into the playoffs.

Preliminary Final 1: Mount Gambier Pioneers vs. Knox Raiders

Day and Time: Friday, 8:00pm AEST

Venue: Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre

In week 1 of the Finals, the Mount Gambier Pioneer defeated the Frankston Blues in an overtime thriller. Nick Marshall was critical for the Pioneers with 34 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Import Titus Robinson was also instamental with 16 points ad 10 rebounds supported by Austin Shelley (19 points) and Dylan Marshall (11 points)

The number 1 seeded Knox Raiders went down by 7 to the Sandringham Sabres in week 1 of the finals. In week 2 they narrowly defeated the Eltham Wildcats to earn their spot. Wayne Stewart was in form with 26 points and 9 rebounds plus 4 from 8 three-point attempts, Bailey Nunn also provided a spark off the bench playing almost 32 minutes, and contributing 14 points and 3 assists. 

Can Mount Gambier Pioneers knock off the number 1 seed, or will the Knox Raiders claim a victory and grab a Grand Final berth?

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Preliminary Final 2: Sandringham Sabres vs. Diamond Valley Eagles

Day and Time: Friday, 7:00pm AEST

Venue: Southern Basketball Stadium

In week one of the Finals, the Sandringham Sabres knocked off the top seeeded Knox Raiders. Ben Ayre played a big role in the victory scoring 23 points and dishing out 12 assists. Dane Pineau’s contribution was big with 14 points (7/10 attempts) and 9 rebounds.

The Diamond Valley Eagles last week defeated the number two seeded Frankston Blues.  Ngor Manyang led from the front with 30 points and 8 rebounds. BJ Symons also played an important role with 20 points and 5 rebounds.

The Diamond Valley Eagles were seeded number seven going into the Finals. Can they continue the underdog mentality and defeat the Sandringham Sabres, or will Ben Ayre's interview comments this week ring true?

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