NBL1 North Recap | Saturday Round 10

Emma Gandini drained seven three-pointers for the North Gold Coast Seahawks while Erin Riley dominated in Saturday night’s NBL1 North with Mikaela Ruef huge again for Logan Thunder, and it was a remarkable spectacle between Gold Coast and USC Rip City.

Saturday’s women’s action in the NBL1 North saw the North Gold Coast Seahawks beat the Red City Roar 93-74, Southern Districts Spartans down the Ipswich Force 83-79, the Gold Coast Rollers beat USC Rip City 72-60, and the Logan Thunder defeat the Mackay Meteorettes 69-61.

The Brisbane Capitals also defeated the Sunshine Coast Phoenix 72-61 and the Townsville Flames downed the Darwin Salties 86-59.

The men’s match ups saw the Seahawks beat the Roar 99-97 while the Force defeated the Spartans 99-83, the Rollers beat Rip City 120-97, the Thunder downed the Meteors 96-83, the Capitals prevailed 100-92 against the Phoenix, and the Salties beat the Townsville Heat 102-84.

NBL1 NORTH RECAP | FRIDAY ROUND 10

WOMEN

Gandini’s seven threes, Riley’s 36 points lifts Seahawks

Seven three-pointers from Emma Gandini and a monster performance from Erin Riley has helped the North Gold Coast Seahawks to a third straight win beating the Red City Roar 93-74.

The Roar arrived at Runaway Bay Stadium on Saturday night still hunting their first win of the NBL1 North season, and they did fight hard, but the Seahawks just had too much quality, too many weapons and had their confidence growing.

North Gold Coast started well with 23 points to 13 in the first quarter before going into half-time leading 50-39.

The Seahawks then outscored Red City 43 points to 35 in the second half to end up winning by 19 to improve to 6-5 on the season with the three wins in-a-row. The Roar now remain winless after 11 matches this season.

Erin Riley was dominant for North Gold Coast with 36 points, nine rebounds and four assists on the back of shooting 11/16 from the floor, 4/7 from three-point range and 10/13 from the foul line.

Emma Gandini also knocked down 7/10 from three-point land for the Seahawks on the way to 26 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals, and Alexa Held 13 points, 11 boards, nine assists and three steals.

Donica Cosby delivered 26 points and eight rebounds for Red City with Jaylen Cooper contributing 18 points and seven boards, Lilly Rotunno 12 points, 10 rebounds and six assists, and Angela Beadle 10 points and nine rebounds.

Spartans overcome Force in tight tussle

The Southern Districts Spartans produced a huge fourth quarter to overcome the Ipswich Force and score the 83-79 win at home on Saturday night.

Ipswich arrived at Rowland Cowan Stadium attempting to snap a two-game losing run while Southern Districts played host to them attempting to bounce back from last week’s one-point loss to the South West Metro Pirates.

Ipswich made a flying start away from home with a 13-point lead during the first quarter but Southern Districts whittled that back to a point by quarter-time.

However, the Force again opened up an eight-point lead in the second quarter before the Spartans hit back with eight straight points to go into half-time with the 44-38 advantage.

The momentum swings continued with the Force putting up 20 points to 11 in the third term to regain the lead, and then Ipswich led by as much as seven points in the final stanza.

However, Southern Districts caught fire to go on a 9-0 scoring run to end up winning by four to improve to an 8-5 record on the season. Ipswich has now lost three straight at 3-8.

Alice Dart produced 26 points on 10/15 shooting from the field in the win for the Spartans with Jess McDowell-White contributing 25 points and seven assists, and Elin Gustavsson 16 points, 12 boards, four assists and two blocks.

Alison Gorrell delivered 25 points, 10 rebounds and six assists with Maria Blazejewski adding 20 points and seven boards, Meg Essex 18 points and seven rebounds, Jasmin Howe 11 points, and Grace George five points, 11 boards, seven assists and three steals.

Moorer, Reese star in Gold Coast win over Rip City

The Gold Coast Rollers bounced back from a Friday night loss to knock off USC Rip City 72-60 on the road on Saturday night.

Gold Coast opened Round 10 in the NBL1 North on Friday with the loss to the undefeated Northside Wizards while Rip City came into the clash on their home floor trying to snap a six-match losing slide.

Gold Coast worked on top by three points at quarter-time before pulling away with 20 points to nine in the second term to go into the half-time break leading 37-23.

Gold Coast pushed that advantage to 19 points in the third period and ended up winning by 12 to improve to 7-6 having split their double-header weekend.

Rip City has now lost seven in-a-row to sit with a 2-8 record.

Ariana Moorer produced 24 points, nine rebounds, six assists and three steals on 8/11 shooting from the field and 7/8 from the foul line.

Catherine Reese put up another 20 points and 10 rebounds while Jasmine Hooper contributed eight points and three steals, and Carla Drennan six points, five rebounds and two assists.

N’dea Flye top-scored for Rip City with 16 points, seven rebounds and five assists with Carlie Smith adding 16 points and nine boards, and Steph Bairstow 14 points and five rebounds.

Loyd ensures Caps have double win weekend

The Brisbane Capitals completed a double win weekend with the Saturday night 72-61 road victory against the Sunshine Coast Phoenix.

The Caps opened their weekend with a home victory against the South West Metro Pirates before taking on the Phoenix on Saturday at Maroochydore Stadium.

Sunshine Coast was attempting to snap a six-game losing streak too but it was the Capitals who kept their momentum going with 24 points to 11 in the opening quarter.

Brisbane maintained control of the contest from there to end up winning by 11 points to not only make it a double win weekend, but after a four-game losing streak it propels them back into the top eight.

The loss is a seventh in-a-row for the Phoenix who sit with a 1-9 record on the season.

Mia Loyd produced another standout performance for Brisbane with 23 points, 12 rebounds and three steals while Tyla Stolberg contributed 11 points, and Anna Cameron five points, 13 rebounds, three assists and three steals.

Alex Wittinger did what she could to try and lift Sunshine Coast to that elusive second victory with 24 points, 12 rebounds and five steals with Kathleen MacLeod adding 14 points, nine assists and seven rebounds.

Ruef again dominant as Logan keep on winning

Another night and another monster performance for the Logan Thunder from Mikaela Ruef as they scored a fifth straight victory defeating the Mackay Meteorettes 69-61.

Logan opened the round beating the Rockhampton Cyclones on Friday night ahead of taking on the Meteorettes at Mackay Basketball Stadium on Saturday.

The Thunder came in with plenty of momentum and kept it rolling with 20 points to nine against Mackay in the opening quarter.

Logan would go on to lead by as much as 17 points and then despite the fighting effort from Mackay, the Thunder were able to hold them out for the eventual eight-point win.

The result improves Logan to a 9-4 record on the season with five consecutive wins with Mackay now 2-10 having lost its last six.

Mikaela Ruef was the dominant force on the floor once again and she delivered 24 points, 24 rebounds, five steals, three assists and three blocked shots in the win for Logan.

Mikhaela Cann also had 15 points and seven assists, Chevannah Paalvast 11 points, four rebounds and three assists, and Ula Motuga 11 points and four boards.

Davida Dale top-scored for the Meteorettes with 19 points, 10 assists, six rebounds and five steals while Brittany Reeves contributed 16 points, nine boards and three blocked shots.

Flames give boost to title defence with win in Darwin

With Steph Reid leading the way and receiving plenty of support, the Townsville Flames showed what they are still capable of this season beating the Darwin Salties 86-59.

The Salties were back home looking to consolidate their top two position in the NBL1 North, but the Flames had other ideas with Alex Fowler making an immediate impact now joining Kate Gaze, Steph Reid and Indiah Bowyer in a star-studded line-up.

Despite being in hostile territory, Townsville was able to lead Darwin by two points before stretching that advantage to five at half-time, nine at three quarter-time and the Flames then blew the Salties away with 33 points to 15 in the final period.

The victory improves the Flames to a 6-7 record on the season as they now look to boost their championship defence with the Salties suffering just their second loss of 2023, and first at home.

Steph Reid was superb once more for Townsville finishing with 26 points, 10 assists and six rebounds with Kate Gaze contributing 19 points, five boards and three assists.

Alex Fowler was terrific as well showing what a strong addition she’ll be with 14 points and 18 rebounds while Indiah Bowyer contributing 15 points, six boards, three assists and two steals, and Majella Carey seven points, six rebounds and two assists.

Erin Bollmann was still impressive despite the loss for Darwin with 24 points, nine rebounds, six assists, three steals and two blocks with Skye Rees adding 11 points and seven boards, and Chelsea Brook 10 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals.

MEN

Maluach leads Salties to big win over Heat

The Darwin Salties put on a scintillating first quarter with Makuach Maluach on fire to set up an impressive 102-84 victory at home to the Townsville Heat.

Darwin had got back on the winner’s list last week against USC Rip City also at Darwin Basketball Stadium ahead of hosting a Townsville not having a played in two weeks but arriving in the Top End on an eight-game losing run.

The Salties then turned on a stunning first quarter on their home floor with 36 points and that set the tone for the rest of the evening.

Darwin would go on to lead by as much as 21 points in the third quarter before settling with the 18-point victory that improves them to a 7-4 record on the season. Townsville is now 3-10 having lost nine straight.

Sydney Kings NBL24 signing Makuach Maluach was terrific on the night for the Salties with 27 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two steals.

Viliami Foketi added 14 points and six boards, Jerron Jamerson 13 points, six rebounds and five assists, Deng Riak 12 points, three boards and two steals, and Sean Macdonald 11 points, nine assists, six rebounds and two steals.

Ethan Betts ended up top-scoring for Townsville with 23 points and three rebounds with Luca Yates contributing 20 points, 10 boards and two steals, Matthew Rees 10 points, four assists and three rebounds, and Michael Cedar 10 points, seven assists and five rebounds.

Caps keep best run of form for season going

The Brisbane Capitals delivered a strong second half to continue their improved run of form this NBL1 North season to beat the Sunshine Coast Phoenix 100-92.

The Caps arrived at Maroochydore Stadium on Saturday night having won their past two matches including blowing away the South West Metro Pirates by 48 points on Friday to open Round 9.

Sunshine Coast were playing their only game of the weekend but it was a hot opening from both teams as they combined for 63 points with the Caps leading 34-29 by quarter-time.

However, the Phoenix took over in the second quarter and at one point scored 14 consecutive points to open up a seven-point lead, and to still be on top 52-48 at the major break.

Brisbane took back over in the third quarter with 29 points to 20 and then the lead for the Caps grew to as much as 11 in the fourth term to see them end up winning by eight.

The victory means the Capitals have now won three straight to improve to a 4-8 record on the season while Sunshine Coast are now 5-5 with the defeat.

Malok Majak ended the night for Brisbane with 24 points, five rebounds and two assists with Lachie Dent contributing 18 points, five assists, four rebounds and three steals on 4/6 three-point shooting.

Trevor Lakes continues to fit in nicely and is making a significant impact with another 20 points and five rebounds with shooting 4/7 from downtown. James Moors also had 12 points, 12 rebounds and two assists.

The big three of Sunshine Coast all had a significant impact with Jamaal Robateau putting up 28 points, three rebounds and two steals with Jonathan Janssen contributing 25 points, 15 boards and three assists, and Mason Bragg 21 points and four assists.

Bruce, Deng star again as Logan continue winning

Another night, another standout Logan Thunder performance with Shaun Bruce dishing out 13 assists and Majok Deng top-scoring as they defeated the Mackay Meteors 96-83.

Logan arrived at Mackay Basketball Stadium on a 10-game winning streak including an 11-point win on Friday against the Rockhampton Rockets while Mackay had won two straight with this their only match up of the weekend.

Logan has been in some unstoppable form and again flexed its muscles on Saturday opening up an eight-point lead by quarter-time and then pushing that advantage out to 23 points during the second period.

The Thunder still led 57-36 by half-time and then that lead grew to as much as 27 points in the third quarter. Mackay did fire back in the fourth quarter with 25 points to 12 but Logan still held on to win by 13.

The Thunder improved to 12-1 on the season as a result of having won 11 in-a-row while Mackay’s winning run ended with the Meteors 7-5 as a result.

Two-time Sydney Kings championship winning point guard Shaun Bruce dished out another 13 assists for Logan in the win to go with 14 points, four rebounds and two steals on 5/9 shooting.

Majok Deng continues to bang down the door for the chance to continue his 201-game NBL career with another 23 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and two blocks for the Thunder.

Boston Mazlin added 21 points, four rebounds and four assists, Jean-Luc Morel 12 points and four boards, Elijah Puna 11 points with 3/5 three-point shooting, and Tom Howard 10 points and 11 rebounds.

Isaac White ended the night with 22 points, four rebounds and three assists for Mackay with Brad Rasmussen putting up 15 points and five boards, Shane Temara 14 points, three rebounds and two steals, and Tyler Williams 14 points, five rebounds and four assists.

Blanchfield, Noi come up huge, Kenyon a triple-double

It was a grand final rematch in the NBL1 North to savour on Saturday night with Todd Blanchfield putting up 41 points as the Gold Coast Rollers overcame Kouat Noi delivering 45 points and 13 rebounds for USC Rip City.

It was a spectacular evening at USC Sports Stadium on Saturday night with Gold Coast looking to make it 10 straight wins and Rip City just needing a win to stay in top eight contention.

Gold Coast started well with 34 points to 28 in the first quarter having led by as much as 11 points at one stage before the Rollers continued to take charge opening up a 14-point lead in the second term.

Gold Coast was still leading 64-54 by half-time with the Rollers going on with the job from there to lead by as much as 23 by the final buzzer.

The victory is a 10th in-a-row for Gold Coast and the second for this weekend on the back of beating the Northside Wizards on Friday to be 11-2. Rip City is now 4-6 having lost their last couple.

Despite the comfortable looking scoreline, there were spectacular performances on both sides with Todd Blanchfield delivering 41 points, 15 rebounds, five assists and two steals for Gold Coast.

The 373-game NBL veteran who is returning to the Illawarra Hawks shot 14/30 from the field, 6/18 from three-point range and 7/7 at the foul line.

Preston Le Gassick added 26 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals for the Rollers, Jason Cadee 24 points, 14 assists, five rebounds and three steals, and Cameron Thew eight points and seven boards.

Reigning NBL1 North MVP and Sydney Kings NBL championship winner Kouat Noi had a monster performance for Rip City made up of 45 points, 13 rebounds, four assists and two steals while shooting 15/21 from the floor, 4/5 from downtown and 11/15 at the foul line.

Matt Kenyon had a strong showing for USC too with a triple-double consisting of 22 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists and four steals while draining 4/11 from beyond the arc.

Sobey, Hodgson lead Ipswich to win over Spartans

Former Brisbane Bullets and Adelaide 36ers teammates Nathan Sobey and Matt Hodgson combined to deliver the Ipswich Force the 99-83 road win against the Southern Districts Spartans.

The Spartans played host to the Force at Rowland Cowan Stadium trying to get back on the winner’s list but Ipswich weren’t in a giving mood after losing the last two matches as well.

Ipswich turned it on in spectacular fashion in the opening quarter by putting up 36 points to already lead by 14 at quarter-time.

Even though the Force led by 15 points in the second quarter, the Spartans fired themselves back into the contest to cut the deficit to just two by half-time.

Southern Districts kept the momentum going into the second half to lead by five points too, but Ipswich worked back on top and then dominated the fourth period with 29 points to 11 to end up winning by 16.

The victory improves the Force to an 8-3 record on the season with Southern Districts now 5-8 with the three straight defeats.

Nathan Sobey ended up with 27 points, seven assists, four rebounds and two steals for Ipswich while shooting 10/19 from the floor and 5/12 three-point territory.

Matt Hodgson had his best game of the season as well for the Force with 22 points, seven rebounds and three blocks on 10/13 shooting from the field.

Kyrin Galloway also added 16 points and 13 rebounds, and Jaylin Galloway 17 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals.

Koen Sapwell did what we could to keep the Spartans in the contest with 33 points and four assists while shooting 12/22 from the field and 8/10 at the free-throw line.

Andrew Ugrinic produced 15 points, eight rebounds and two steals, Kian Dennis 11 points, nine boards, two assists and two steals, Akoldah Gak 10 points and six rebounds, and Fabijan Krslovic nine points, 10 boards, three assists and two blocks.

Majok the hero as Seahawks win thriller over Roar

He is no stranger to game winning buckets and Majok Majok proved the hero for the North Gold Coast Seahawks with the game winning hook shot against the Red City Roar.

The Seahawks played host to the Roar at Runaway Bay Stadium on Saturday night and the visitors threw everything at what would have been a drought breaking victory.

Even though the Seahawks opened up a six-point lead during the second quarter, Red City stayed in touch to trail by just two points at half-time and then work their way on top in the third term.

The Roar would lead by as much as 11 points in the third quarter and were still on top by seven during the fourth, but ultimately the scores were tied and it was Seahawks with possession and the chance to win it.

North Gold Coast went inside to Majok Majok and he delivered the game winning bucket with a pretty hook shot as time expired.

Majok was also the hero in the NBL1 West semi-final last year with the game winning dunk for the Warwick Senators against the Cockburn Cougars, and he showed his clutch abilities again for the Seahawks.

The 99-97 victory improves the Seahawks to a 6-5 record on the season with Red City now 2-9 with seven consecutive losses with the heartbreaking defeat.

Aiden Krause finished the night with 21 points, eight rebounds, six assists and three steals for North Gold Coast on 7/10 shooting from the floor.

Wesley Harris added 21 points, eight rebounds, three steals and two assists with Josh Duach delivering 20 points, Biwali Bayles 18 points and seven assists, and Majok 12 points, seven rebounds and two blocks.

Nelson Larkins top-scored for Red City with 24 points, seven assists and six rebounds while Jaylen Key contributed 17 points, six rebounds and two assists, Kane Bishop 13 points, six boards and two assists, and Jarrod Molnar 12 points and three rebounds

MAJOK FOR THE WIN ?

Majok with the buzzer-beating hook shot ??

Watch #NBL1North via https://t.co/NEk1I7kIKG or the NBL1 App ? & ? pic.twitter.com/KQ7G98exVJ

— NBL1 (@NBL1) June 3, 2023