NBL1 National Finals - NBL1 South Day Two Preview

After a dramatic opening day in Canberra, the focus now shifts to Saturday where NBL1 South’s three representatives again take centre stage. The action begins with a rare all-South clash between the Knox Raiders and Waverley Falcons, before the Sandringham Sabres face the firepower of the Geraldton Buccaneers in what promises to be one of the most intriguing matchups of the tournament so far.

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Knox Raiders vs Waverley Falcons

Saturday, August 30 – 12:00pm, Court 2

Day Two begins with a showdown between South’s two representatives in the women’s draw, as Knox and Waverley go head-to-head.

The Raiders were ruthless in their Nationals debut, overwhelming East champions Manly Warringah with a mix of physicality and balance across all five positions. Alicia Froling anchored the interior, Paige Burrows and Rachel Bell provided scoring punch, and Kristy Wallace controlled the tempo. It was a performance that underlined why they not only claimed the South title, but also why they now look capable of challenging for the national crown.

For the Falcons, Friday’s overtime defeat to Logan was a brutal reminder of the challenge they face without Bec Cole and Carley Ernst. They looked in control for long stretches, leading by as much as 17, but could not withstand Logan’s late surge. Katelyn Shumate and Renae Mokrzycki stepped up impressively, yet the depth that carried Waverley to the 2024 championship is no longer there. Against a fully loaded Knox unit, the task is even tougher. Can the Falcons summon one more upset on heart and experience, or will the Raiders’ momentum prove too much?

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Sandringham Sabres vs Geraldton Buccaneers

Saturday, August 30 – 1:30pm, Court 1

Sandringham’s Nationals debut ended in heartbreak, falling to Canberra on a Derek Emelifeonwu jumper in the dying seconds. But the Sabres once again showed the fight that has defined their season, with Elliott Brown pouring in 28 points and Tom Koppens and Malith Machar producing big moments down the stretch. Their ability to absorb setbacks and keep swinging makes them dangerous no matter the opponent.

The opponent on Saturday, though, could hardly be tougher. Geraldton arrived in Canberra boasting the most dominant statistical profile of any champion in the field, averaging 106 points per game while conceding just 85 across their West campaign. Johny Narkle is the headline act, his 29-point opener another reminder of why he has earned a Development Player contract with Illawarra. Alongside him, Joshua Keyes and Akeem Springs provide muscle and consistency, making the Buccaneers both explosive and reliable.

For Sandringham, it is the ultimate test of resilience. They have already scaled improbable heights this season, but to keep their title hopes alive they will need to be at their absolute best against a Buccaneers outfit built to overwhelm. Can South’s comeback kings find one more answer, or will Geraldton’s relentless firepower prove decisive?

Saturday promises to be a pivotal day for NBL1 South. Knox have the chance to stamp themselves as genuine national contenders, Waverley fight to keep their championship defence alive, and Sandringham take their fairytale run into a clash with the tournament’s most imposing side.

You can watch both games Live & Free on Kayo Freebies.