Recap of latest State Leagues games

Here is the last round review presented by ESL.

The most surprising game was a loss of top-ranked Thunder (9-3) in Melbourne on Saturday night. Hosts were edged by sixth ranked Cavaliers (7-5) 68-67. Forward Calvin Enge (193-91) had a double-double by scoring 17 points and 12 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and guard Michael McInnes (191-90) chipped in 12 points during the contest. Cavaliers' coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. The best for the losing side was American forward Charleston Long (198, college: USC Upstate) with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 13 rebounds. Cavaliers moved-up to fifth place in League. Thunder at the other side still keeps top position with three games lost. Cavaliers are looking forward to face higher ranked Hume City Broncos (#3) in Tullamarine in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Thunder will play at home against the league's second-placed Devils and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Very significant was Brisbane Spartans' (#7) 17-point road victory against 8th ranked Phoenix in League 100-83. American swingman Lamar Patterson (196-91, college: Pittsburgh, agency: Wasserman) notched a double-double by scoring 15 points, 6 rebounds and 10 assists to lead the effort and CJ Massingale supported him with 20 points (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Even a double-double of 21 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists and 6 steals by guard Darnell Robateau (185, college: PLNU) did not help to save the game for Phoenix. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Brisbane Spartans (5-4) moved-up to sixth place in League. Phoenix at the other side dropped to the tenth position with five games lost. Brisbane Spartans will play against league's second-placed Mackay Meteors at home in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Phoenix will play against the league's leader Thunder (#1) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Very important is a home loss of second ranked Devils (8-4) against fourth ranked Cougars (7-4) on Saturday night. Host Devils were defeated by Cougars in a tough game in Werribee 89-94. The best player for the winners was Jordan Geer who scored 32 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists (went 13 for 13 at the free throw line !!!). At the other side the best for losing team was Stefan Pomasan who recorded a double-double by scoring 20 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists. Devils' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Cougars maintains fourth position in League with 7-4 record. Loser Devils keep the second place with four games lost. Cougars will meet at home Jets (#6) in the next round. Devils will play against the league's leader Thunder (#1) in Melbourne and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

There were no shocking results in the other games in round 18:
In League Chelsea G. destroyed Blackburn V. on the opponent's court 103-79. Sunbury J. was outscored by Hawthorn M. in a home game 69-93. Hume City B. recorded a loss to Western Port on the road 104-96. C.District L. defeated Woodville W. on its own court 87-70. Sturt S. smashed Eastern M. in Pasadena 123-83. N.Adelaide R. destroyed Forestville E. at home 104-80. S.Adelaide P. managed to outperform Southern T. on the opponent's court 92-86. Brisbane C. recorded a loss to Ipswich F. in a home game 87-90. Melbourne T. was defeated by Ringwood H. on the road 76-60. Bendigo B. beat Albury W.B. on its own court 87-83. Geelong S. lost to Hobart C. in a road game 96-109. Ringwood H. unfortunately lost to Kilsyth C. at home 74-78. Ringwood H. was rolled over Frankston B. on the opponent's court 102-137. Knox R. defeated Waverley F. in a home game 101-100. Geelong S. smashed NW Tasmania on the road 98-70. Ballarat M. destroyed Nunawading S. on its own court 94-67. Mt Gambier managed to outperform Kilsyth C. in a road game 87-77. Diamond V.E. was rolled over Ballarat M. at home 69-88. Frankston B. was defeated by Waverley F. on the opponent's court 89-71. Dandenong R. was beaten by Albury W.B. in a home game 84-99. Knox R. won against Eltham W. on the road 94-80. Nunawading S. managed to outperform Mt Gambier on its own court 106-97. Melbourne T. managed to beat Sandringham S. in a road game 97-83.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 37 points (!!!) and 14 rebounds by Felix Von Hofe of Melbourne T..

Group Big V

Wyndham D. - McKinnon C. 89-94

Very important is a home loss of second ranked Devils (8-4) against fourth ranked Cougars (7-4) on Saturday night. Host Devils were defeated by Cougars in a tough game in Werribee 89-94. Cougars made 21-of-22 free shots (95.5 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was Jordan Geer who scored 32 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists (went 13 for 13 at the free throw line !!!). Guard Luke Shelley (188-91, college: KWC) chipped in 21 points. At the other side the best for losing team was Stefan Pomasan who recorded a double-double by scoring 20 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists and guard Makur Jongkuch (183) added 19 points and 6 rebounds respectively. Devils' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Cougars maintains fourth position in League with 7-4 record. Loser Devils keep the second place with four games lost. Cougars will meet at home Jets (#6) in the next round. Devils will play against the league's leader Thunder (#1) in Melbourne and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Wyndham D.: S.Pomasan 20+10reb+7ast, D.Aaron 19+3reb, J.Makur 19+6reb+1ast, C.Hutton 9+9reb+1ast, B.Watkins 9+6reb+1ast, A.Tomi 6+3reb+1ast
McKinnon C.: J.Geer 32+7reb+4ast, L.Shelley 21+4reb+2ast, L.Peynenborg 10+3reb, J.Wilson 9+7reb+1ast, T.Matthew 8+9reb, N.Laycock 6+3reb+4ast

Blackburn V. - Chelsea G. 79-103

Rather expected game in Melbourne where 9th ranked Vikings (1-9) were crushed by seventh ranked Gulls (4-6) 103-79 on Saturday. The best player for the winners was American Corey Standerfer (201-88, college: York, NE) who scored 33 points (!!!), 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Center Nathan Frost (203, college: Central CC) chipped in a double-double by scoring 23 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. Four Gulls players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was Jah Soloai who recorded a double-double by scoring 12 points and 10 rebounds and guard Bul Niop (196, college: Dyersburg St.) added 10 points and 8 rebounds respectively. Vikings' coach gave up on the game allowing to play twelve players seeing no chance for a win. Gulls maintains seventh position in League with 4-6 record. Loser Vikings dropped to the tenth place with nine games lost. Gulls will meet Magic (#8) in the next round. Vikings will play against Steelers in Western Port and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Blackburn V.: B.Cormac 13+4reb+2ast, S.Jah 12+10reb+2ast, B.Niop 10+8reb+1ast, Z.Michael 8+4reb+3ast, M.Crees 8+1reb+3ast, T.Swayne 8+4reb
Chelsea G.: C.Standerfer 33+9reb+4ast, N.Frost 23+10reb+5ast, J.Watt 22+2reb, C.Pratt 16+7reb, S.Emmanuel 5+2reb+1ast, A.Frost 4+13reb+4ast

Sunbury J. - Hawthorn M. 69-93

There was a small surprise in Sunbury where eighth ranked Magic (4-6) smashed 5th ranked Jets (6-5) 93-69 on Saturday. Magic had a 34-22 advantage in offensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists comparing to just 12 passes made by Jets' players. The best player for the winners was Joe Furphy who scored 23 points and 5 rebounds (on 10-of-11 shooting from the field). Forward Xavier Evans (193, college: Pfeiffer) chipped in 16 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). Four Magic players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was Gene Vocale who recorded 18 points and Nathan Marshall added 10 points and 4 assists (went 10 for 10 at the free throw line !!!) respectively. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Magic maintains eighth position in League with 4-6 record. Loser Jets dropped to the sixth place with five games lost. Magic will meet at home higher ranked Gulls (#7) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Jets will play against Cougars in McKinnon and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Sunbury J.: V.Gene 18+2reb, J.Beasley 10+3reb, M.Nathan 10+4reb+4ast, T.Clayton 8+6reb+2ast, B.Cruz 7+2reb, W.Jeremy 6+8reb+1ast
Hawthorn M.: F.Joe 23+5reb+2ast, J.Molnar 22+2reb+3ast, X.Evans 16+6reb+6ast, K.Smith 14+4reb+4ast, R.O'Sullivan 4+3reb, F.Johnny 4+3reb+1ast

Keilor T. - Casey C. 67-68

The most surprising game was a loss of top-ranked Thunder (9-3) in Melbourne on Saturday night. Hosts were edged by sixth ranked Cavaliers (7-5) 68-67. Forward Calvin Enge (193-91) had a double-double by scoring 17 points and 12 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and guard Michael McInnes (191-90) chipped in 12 points during the contest. Cavaliers' coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. The best for the losing side was American forward Charleston Long (198, college: USC Upstate) with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 13 rebounds and Luke Sist produced a double-double by scoring 10 points and 15 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Cavaliers moved-up to fifth place in League. Thunder at the other side still keeps top position with three games lost. Cavaliers are looking forward to face higher ranked Hume City Broncos (#3) in Tullamarine in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Thunder will play at home against the league's second-placed Devils and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Keilor T.: C.Long 13+13reb, N.Kirksey 11+5reb, L.Mitchell 10+6reb+2ast, L.Sist 10+15reb+1ast, N.Masunda 9, B.Bak 8+2reb
Casey C.: C.Enge 17+12reb, A.Williams 14+1ast, M.McInnes 12+4reb, M.Donlan 12+1reb+2ast, H.Brendon 6+9reb+1ast, R.Keith 3+5reb+2ast

Western Port - Hume City B. 104-96

There was an upset in Western Port where higher ranked Hume City Broncos (7-4) were defeated by tenth ranked Steelers (2-9) 104-96 on Sunday. Steelers looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists comparing to just 13 passes made by Hume City Broncos' players. The best player for the winners was naturalized British guard Daryl Corletto (193-81) who scored 39 points (!!!), 9 rebounds and 5 assists (went 9 for 9 at the free throw line !!!). Center Matthew Turner (210-87) chipped in a double-double by scoring 16 points and 16 rebounds. Steelers' coach allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. At the other side the best for losing team was forward Joel Rimes (196) who recorded 35 points (!!!) (went 12 for 12 at the free throw line !!!) and Anthony Dell Orso added 16 points and 9 rebounds respectively. Five Steelers and four Hume City Broncos players scored in double figures. Steelers moved-up to ninth place in League. Loser Hume City Broncos keep the third position with four games lost. Steelers will meet at home Vikings (#10) in the next round. Hume City Broncos will play against Cavaliers (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Hume City B.: R.Joel 35+4reb+1ast, D.Orso Anthony 16+9reb+2ast, P.Mackuei 15+6reb+4ast, K.Dominic 14+7reb+2ast, L.Kafritsas 8+2reb+1ast, M.Jake 5+7reb+3ast
Western Port: D.Corletto 39+9reb+5ast, B.Camilleri 17+3reb, M.Turner 16+16reb+3ast, C.Taylor 13+2reb+7ast, J.Gaze 11+2reb+5ast, T.Matthew 4+6reb+6ast

Group NBL1 Central

C.District L. - Woodville W. 87-70

There was a small surprise in Gawler where eighth ranked Central District Lions (5-7) beat 5th ranked Woodville Warriors (5-7) 87-70 on Saturday. The best player for the winners was naturalized South Sudanese guard Lual Diing (203-94, college: TxWes) who scored 32 points and 9 rebounds. Forward Shaquille Maharaj (196, college: Camosun) chipped in 19 points and 5 rebounds. Four Central District Lions players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was American forward Joe Jackson (201, college: IU Southeast) who recorded a double-double by scoring 19 points and 13 rebounds and forward Luke Stanbridge (192-90) added 16 points and 8 rebounds respectively. Central District Lions maintains eighth position in League with 5-7 record. Central District Lions will meet higher ranked Mount Gambier Pioneers (#6) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Woodville Warriors will play against the league's second-placed Forestville Eagles where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
Top scorers:
Woodville W.: J.Jackson 19+13reb+1ast, L.Stanbridge 16+8reb+1ast, J.Boonstoppel 11+6reb+1ast, D.McGee 8+7reb, D.Witt Zach 6, D.McKee 6+2reb
C.District L.: L.Diing 32+9reb+1ast, S.Maharaj 19+5reb+1ast, J.Centenera 12+9reb, D.Humphries 10+10reb+3ast, M.Magok 9+8reb, S.Kalani 3+2reb

Eastern M. - Sturt S. 83-123

There was no surprise in Mt. Barker where bottom-ranked Eastern Mavericks (0-12) were outplayed by first ranked Sturt Sabres (11-1) 123-83 on Saturday. Sturt Sabres made 21-of-27 free shots (77.8 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists. The best player for the winners was guard Sam Daly (193-95, college: Chaminade) who scored 19 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists. Guard Keanu Rasmussen (185-3) chipped in 30 points. Five Sturt Sabres players scored in double figures. Sturt Sabres' coach felt very confident that he used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. At the other side the best for losing team was American forward William Wise (206-92, college: Dominican, NY) who recorded a double-double by scoring 17 points and 15 rebounds and Tom Cromarty added 23 points and 6 rebounds respectively. Sturt Sabres maintains first position in League with 11-1 record. Loser Eastern Mavericks still closes the standings with 12 games lost. Sturt Sabres will meet North Adelaide Rockets (#5) in the next round. Eastern Mavericks will play against Norwood Flames (#6) and hope to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Eastern M.: C.Tom 23+6reb+3ast, W.Wise 17+15reb+3ast, C.Prider 14+4reb+4ast, R.Owen 10+1reb, C.Creeper 8+4reb, L.Diing 6+6reb+1ast
Sturt S.: R.Keanu 30+1reb+3ast, S.Daly 19+7reb+8ast, J.Spear 15+9reb+8ast, J.Turnbull 14+1ast, T.Goodall 12+3reb, M.Calligeros 12+4reb+3ast

N.Adelaide R. - Forestville E. 104-80

There was a surprise result in Greenacres where sixth ranked North Adelaide Rockets (6-6) outleveled second-best Forestville Eagles (8-4) 104-80 on Saturday. North Adelaide Rockets made 17-of-20 free shots (85.0 percent) during the game. North Adelaide Rockets outrebounded Forestville Eagles 48-37 including 35 on the defensive glass. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The best player for the winners was the former international forward Jack McVeigh (203-96, college: Nebraska) who had a double-double by scoring 42 points (!!!) and 10 rebounds. Guard Verle Williams Jr (180-97) chipped in a double-double by scoring 22 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was Michael Harris who recorded 23 points, 8 rebounds and 9 assists and forward Brandon Brine (198-91, college: Lethbridge) added 17 points and 8 rebounds respectively. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. North Adelaide Rockets moved-up to fifth place in League. Loser Forestville Eagles keep the second position with four games lost. North Adelaide Rockets will meet at home league's leader Sturt Sabres in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Forestville Eagles will play against Woodville Warriors and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Forestville E.: M.Harris 23+8reb+9ast, B.Brine 17+8reb+2ast, G.Mays 11+6reb, M.Machar 8+4reb+1ast, T.Winter 7+2reb+1ast, A.Isaac 6+4reb+4ast
N.Adelaide R.: J.McVeigh 42+10reb+3ast, V.Williams Jr. 22+10reb+5ast, T.Dowdell 11+7reb, D.Jimma 9+11reb, S.Dech 8+4reb+6ast, H.Staude 5+3reb+8ast

Southern T. - S.Adelaide P. 86-92

There was a minor upset in Morphett Vale where second-best Noarlunga City Southern Tigers (8-4) were defeated by fifth ranked South Adelaide Panthers (7-6) 92-86 on Saturday. South Adelaide Panthers made 21-of-27 free shots (77.8 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was swingman Samuel Johns (193-95) who scored 20 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists. Forward Owen Hulland (213-99, college: Hawaii) chipped in 20 points and 9 rebounds. Five South Adelaide Panthers players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was American Cameron Coleman (198-92, college: York, NE) who recorded 30 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists and Christian Artacho added 15 points and 6 rebounds respectively. South Adelaide Panthers moved-up to fourth place in League. Loser Noarlunga City Southern Tigers dropped to the third position with four games lost. South Adelaide Panthers will meet at home West Adelaide Bearcats (#9) in the next round where they are favorite. Noarlunga City Southern Tigers will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Southern T.: C.Coleman 30+5reb+5ast, A.Christian 15+6reb+1ast, O.Lachlan 13+1reb+1ast, M.Machar 12+2reb+1ast, N.Wurm 9+3reb+7ast, K.McCalop 7+12reb+1ast
S.Adelaide P.: S.Johns 20+7reb+7ast, O.Hulland 20+9reb+3ast, A.Mudronja 18+10reb+3ast, T.Davies 15+5reb+3ast, A.Brown 13+3reb+1ast, J.Hoppo 5+2reb+2ast

Group NBL1 North

Brisbane C. - Ipswich F. 87-90

There was a surprise result when eleventh ranked Ipswich Force (4-4) edged on the road higher ranked Brisbane Capitals (6-4) 90-87 on Sunday. Ipswich Force made 20-of-25 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Ipswich Force made 7 blocks. The best player for the winners was guard Isaac White (188-98, college: CBU) who scored 35 points (!!!), 8 rebounds and 4 assists (went 8 for 8 at the free throw line). Point guard Jason Ralph (178-95, college: VCSU) chipped in 15 points and 7 assists. Ipswich Force's coach allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. At the other side the best for losing team was Nicholas Stoddart (-0) who recorded 19 points and 6 assists and center Ben Volkman (206, college: Maryville, MO) added 16 points and 8 rebounds respectively. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Ipswich Force moved-up to eighth place in League. Loser Brisbane Capitals keep the third position with four games lost. Ipswich Force will meet at home South West Metro Pirates (#12) in the next round. Brisbane Capitals will play against the league's second-placed Mackay Meteors (#2) where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
Top scorers:
Brisbane C.: N.Stoddart 19+4reb+6ast, B.Volkman 16+8reb+3ast, J.Wilson 13+7reb+2ast, B.Wilson 12+4reb+3ast, T.Soong 10+5reb+1ast, Z.Carter 7+3reb+3ast
Ipswich F.: I.White 35+8reb+4ast, J.Ringholt 15+3reb, J.Ralph 15+3reb+7ast, M.Hodgson 10+10reb+3ast, R.Jeffries 10+3reb+1ast, K.Bishop 3+4reb+1ast

SC Phoenix - SD Spartans 83-100

Very significant was Brisbane Spartans' (#7) 17-point road victory against 8th ranked Phoenix in League 100-83. Brisbane Spartans players were unselfish on offense dishing 24 assists. Phoenix was plagued by 29 personal fouls down the stretch. American swingman Lamar Patterson (196-91, college: Pittsburgh, agency: Wasserman) notched a double-double by scoring 15 points, 6 rebounds and 10 assists to lead the effort and the other American import guard CJ Massingale (191-82, college: MSU Denver) supported him with 20 points (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Four Brisbane Spartans players scored in double figures. Even a double-double of 21 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists and 6 steals by guard Darnell Robateau (185, college: PLNU) did not help to save the game for Phoenix. Guard Jamaal Robateau (196, college: Gardner-Webb) added 24 points and 5 assists. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Brisbane Spartans (5-4) moved-up to sixth place in League. Phoenix at the other side dropped to the tenth position with five games lost. Brisbane Spartans will play against league's second-placed Mackay Meteors at home in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Phoenix will play against the league's leader Thunder (#1) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
SC Phoenix: J.Robateau 24+3reb+5ast, J.Bairstow 22+8reb+2ast, D.Robateau 21+11reb+7ast, C.Oscar 6+1reb, N.Kahler 4+6reb+2ast, Z.Meehl 3+1reb+1ast
SD Spartans: C.Massingale 20+2reb+3ast, N.Thomas 15+4reb+3ast, L.Patterson 15+6reb+10ast, J.Derksen 10+3reb+1ast, K.Samuel 10+5reb+2ast, R.Harrison 8+6reb+1ast

Group NBL1 South

Ringwood H. - Melbourne T. 76-60

Not a big story in a game in Heathmont where 18th ranked Tigers (2-10) were defeated by ninth ranked Ringwood Hawks (5-5) 76-60 on Wednesday. Ringwood Hawks dominated down low during the game scoring 48 of its points in the paint compared to Tigers' 22. They outrebounded Tigers 60-33 including a 44-23 advantage in defensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was center Adrien Sturt (209-86, college: Snow CC) who had a double-double by scoring 19 points and 12 rebounds. Forward Matthew Fennell (196) chipped in a double-double by scoring 15 points and 13 rebounds. Four Ringwood Hawks players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was guard Anthony Karabatsos (188, college: Seton Hill) who recorded 17 points and 6 rebounds and forward Felix Von Hofe (196-93, college: EWU) added 15 points respectively. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Despite that victory Ringwood Hawks went down to twelfth position (League) due to points difference. Loser Tigers dropped to the seventeenth place with ten games lost. Ringwood Hawks will meet at home Dandenong Rangers (#15) in the next round. Tigers will play against Ballarat Miners and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Melbourne T.: A.Karabatsos 17+6reb+1ast, F.Von Hofe 15+2reb+1ast, V.Merbin 9+5reb+3ast, C.Taj 6+1reb, W.Alhaddad 5+3reb, E.Walleldin 3+2reb
Ringwood H.: C.Asuncion-Byrd 20+5reb+2ast, A.Sturt 19+12reb, M.Fennell 15+13reb+2ast, J.Barry 10+5reb+5ast, T.Latham 6+9reb, R.Martin 4+7reb+1ast

Bendigo B. - Albury W.B. 87-83

Everything went according to plan when tenth ranked Bendigo Braves (6-6) beat at home 14th ranked Bandits (4-8) 87-83 on Friday. However just four-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. The best player for the winners was American forward Ray Turner (206-90, college: Texas A&M) who scored 17 points and 9 rebounds. New Zealand guard Javaan Mumtaz (193, college: ENMU) chipped in 22 points. Four Bendigo Braves players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was American forward Sharif Watson (198-93, college: ACU) who recorded a double-double by scoring 20 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists and New Zealand swingman Mitchell Dance (192-1) added 23 points and 5 rebounds respectively. Bendigo Braves moved-up to eighth place in League. Loser Bandits keep the fourteenth position with eight games lost. Bendigo Braves will meet at home South West Metro Pirates (#12) in the next round. Bandits will play against Huskies and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Albury W.B.: D.Mitchell 23+5reb, S.Watson 20+11reb+5ast, H.Lochlan 13+4reb+3ast, J.Saunders 11+1ast, J.McKay 9+3reb+2ast, W.Swaka 5+8reb+1ast
Bendigo B.: J.Mumtaz 22+4reb, M.Andronicos 18+3reb, R.Turner 17+9reb+1ast, B.Rymer 14+7reb+1ast, J.Foy 5+1reb+4ast, J.Lloyd 5+2reb+1ast

Hobart C. - Geelong S. 109-96

Everything could happen in Hobart at the game between two tied teams. Both third ranked Huskies and 6th ranked Geelong Supercats had identical 8-3 record. This time Huskies used a home court advantage and defeated the opponent from Geelong 109-96 on Friday night. Huskies dominated down low during the game scoring 64 of its points in the paint compared to Geelong Supercats' 42. The best player for the winners was the former international point guard Tad Dufelmeier (183-96, college: CUI) who scored 30 points and 9 rebounds (on 11-of-14 shooting from the field). Forward Jack Purchase (206-95, college: Hawaii) chipped in a double-double by scoring 12 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was forward George Blagojevic (203-97, college: Hartford) who recorded 17 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists and center Mawut Machar Deng (201-93) added 18 points respectively. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Huskies maintains third position in League with 9-3 record behind leader Perry Lakes H. Loser Geelong Supercats dropped to the fifth place with four games lost. Huskies will meet Bandits (#14) in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Geelong Supercats will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Geelong S.: D.Mawut Machar 18+4reb, G.Blagojevic 17+8reb+7ast, I.Turner 16+1reb+1ast, O.Odigie 15+3reb+3ast, J.MacDonald 12+1reb+1ast, G.Hadley 7+1reb+2ast
Hobart C.: T.Dufelmeier 30+9reb+2ast, K.Sapwell 17+2reb+2ast, J.Purchase 12+12reb+4ast, J.Stanwix 12+2reb+4ast, J.Mines 11+6reb+4ast, Z.White 7+4reb

Ringwood H. - Kilsyth C. 74-78

The game between closely ranked teams ended with eighth ranked Kilsyth Cobras' (5-5) road victory over 9th ranked Ringwood Hawks (5-5) 78-74 on Friday. The best player for the winners was Adrian Tomada who scored 26 points. Center Timothy Lang (206-85, college: Stetson) chipped in 18 points and 8 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was forward Matthew Fennell (196) who recorded a double-double by scoring 19 points and 14 rebounds and center Adrien Sturt (209-86, college: Snow CC) added 15 points respectively. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Despite that victory Kilsyth Cobras went down to eleventh position (League) due to points difference. Kilsyth Cobras will meet higher ranked Spectres (#7) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Ringwood Hawks will play against Dandenong Rangers (#15) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Ringwood H.: M.Fennell 19+14reb+3ast, A.Sturt 15+4reb, R.Martin 12+3reb, C.Asuncion-Byrd 9+7reb+1ast, M.Snowball 6+3reb+8ast, S.Clarke 5+6reb+2ast
Kilsyth C.: A.Tomada 26+4reb+1ast, T.Lang 18+8reb+1ast, M.Dielemans 10+4reb+7ast, J.Naburgs 9, D.Riak 7+4reb, C.Jeffs 4+6reb+3ast

Frankston B. - Ringwood H. 137-102

Very expected game in Seaford where 9th ranked Ringwood Hawks (5-5) were crushed by first ranked Frankston Blues (10-3) 137-102 on Saturday. Frankston Blues shot 65.8 percent from the field and made 17-of-20 free shots (85.0 percent) during the game. They shot the lights out from three sinking 24 long-distance shots on high 57.1 percentage. Frankston Blues looked well-organized offensively handing out 30 assists. The best player for the winners was point guard Lachlan Barker (179-96) who scored 32 points and 5 assists (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field). American forward Dillon Stith (201-92, college: St.Vincent) chipped in 28 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists (on 12-of-15 shooting from the field). Frankston Blues' coach felt very confident that he used 11 players and allowed the starting five to rest. At the other side the best for losing team was center Adrien Sturt (209-86, college: Snow CC) who recorded 28 points and 8 rebounds and naturalized American guard CJ Asuncion-Byrd (194-96, college: LeMoyne) added 26 points respectively. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Frankston Blues maintains first position in League with 10-3 record. Loser Ringwood Hawks dropped to the twelfth place with five games lost. Frankston Blues will meet Diamond Valley Eagles (#13) in the next round which should be another easy win for them. Ringwood Hawks will play against Dandenong Rangers and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Ringwood H.: A.Sturt 28+8reb+1ast, C.Asuncion-Byrd 26+2reb+2ast, M.Snowball 14+4reb+11ast, J.Barry 13+4reb+1ast, R.Martin 12+5reb+2ast, S.Clarke 7+2reb
Frankston B.: L.Barker 32+4reb+5ast, D.Stith 28+6reb+4ast, A.MacDonald 27+2reb+3ast, D.Trist 16+7reb+2ast, L.Barker 13+2reb+12ast, T.Garrett 8+1reb+1ast

Knox R. - Waverley F. 101-100

There was a surprise result in Wantirna South where thirteenth ranked Knox Raiders (5-4) edged higher ranked Waverley Falcons (8-3) 101-100 on Saturday. The best player for the winners was naturalized South Sudanese swingman Bul Kuol (201-96, college: Detroit) who scored 24 points and 7 rebounds. Guard Ben Ayre (188-95, college: Newman) chipped in 22 points and 5 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was guard Dexter Kernich-Drew (199-91, college: WSU) who recorded 28 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists and the former international point guard Daniel Dillon (193-86, college: Arizona) added 22 points respectively. Five Knox Raiders and four Waverley Falcons players scored in double figures. Knox Raiders moved-up to tenth place in League. Loser Waverley Falcons dropped to the fourth position with three games lost. Knox Raiders will meet at home league's second-placed NW Tasmania Thunder in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Waverley Falcons will play against Spectres and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Waverley F.: D.Kernich-Drew 28+7reb+5ast, D.Dillon 22+4reb+2ast, B.Lewis 16+7reb+2ast, T.De Zwart 16+6reb+2ast, J.Heath 6+5reb+2ast, D.Larkin 5+1reb
Knox R.: B.Kuol 24+7reb+1ast, B.Ayre 22+5reb+3ast, R.Te Rangi 14+4reb+3ast, D.Hare 14+5reb+7ast, S.Grant 11+7reb+2ast, M.Meunier 7+3reb

NW Tasmania - Geelong S. 70-98

There was an upset in Ulverstone where second-best NW Tasmania Thunder (9-3) was rolled over by sixth ranked Geelong Supercats (8-4) 98-70 on Saturday. Geelong Supercats had a 29-18 advantage in offensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was forward George Blagojevic (203-97, college: Hartford) who had a double-double by scoring 20 points and 10 rebounds. Guard Gabriel Hadley (190-98) chipped in 18 points and 6 rebounds. Five Geelong Supercats players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was New Zealand guard Mason Bragg (182-93) who recorded 14 points and 5 rebounds and swingman Joe Chilcott (193-96) added 14 points respectively. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Geelong Supercats moved-up to fifth place in League. Loser NW Tasmania Thunder keeps the second position with three games lost. Geelong Supercats will meet at home higher ranked Huskies (#3) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. NW Tasmania Thunder will play against Knox Raiders in Wantirna South and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
NW Tasmania: J.Chilcott 14+1reb+2ast, M.Bragg 14+5reb+3ast, M.Karena 11+4reb+1ast, P.Campbell 9+6reb+1ast, C.Brown 8+4reb, D.Sejr 7+4reb+2ast
Geelong S.: G.Blagojevic 20+10reb+3ast, G.Hadley 18+6reb, J.MacDonald 17+3reb+3ast, I.Turner 16+4reb+3ast, D.Mawut Machar 11+4reb, O.Odigie 10+3reb+3ast

Ballarat M. - Nunawading S. 94-67

We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams in Wendouree where twelfth ranked Ballarat Miners (6-6) outscored 11th ranked Spectres (6-5) 94-67 on Saturday. Ballarat Miners made 23-of-28 free shots (82.1 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was guard William Hickey (194-99) who had a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds. Naturalized South Sudanese center Deng Acuoth (213-96) chipped in 19 points and 8 rebounds. Five Ballarat Miners players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was Thomas Wright who recorded 14 points and 5 rebounds and Jack Gandolfo added 17 points respectively. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Ballarat Miners moved-up to ninth place in League. Loser Spectres dropped to the seventh position with five games lost. Ballarat Miners will meet Tigers (#17) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Spectres will play against Waverley Falcons (#4) in Mount Waverley and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Nunawading S.: J.Gandolfo 17+1reb+2ast, T.Wright 14+5reb+3ast, S.Conn 10+6reb, C.Hronopoulos 8+3reb, D.Swetalla 6+2reb, D.Tristan 3+1reb
Ballarat M.: A.Deng 19+8reb+2ast, H.William 18+10reb+3ast, J.Perry 18+5reb, S.Short 12+2reb+3ast, M.Kenyon 10+5reb+8ast, H.William 5+1reb

Kilsyth C. - Mt Gambier 77-87

There was no surprise when 8th ranked Kilsyth Cobras (5-5) were defeated at home by fourth ranked Mount Gambier Pioneers (8-4) 87-77 on Saturday. The best player for the winners was American Titus Robinson (201-90, college: Buffalo) who scored 27 points and 7 rebounds (went 8 for 8 at the free throw line). Center Duom Dawam (208) chipped in 16 points and 6 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was swingman Benjamin Ursich (196-96, college: Augusta) who recorded 19 points and center Timothy Lang (206-85, college: Stetson) added 13 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists respectively. Four Kilsyth Cobras players scored in double figures. Kilsyth Cobras' coach tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Despite that victory Mount Gambier Pioneers went down to sixth position (League) due to points difference. Loser Kilsyth Cobras dropped to the eleventh place with five games lost. Mount Gambier Pioneers will meet at home Central District Lions (#8) in the next round. Kilsyth Cobras will play against Spectres in East Burwood and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Kilsyth C.: B.Ursich 19+4reb+3ast, T.Lang 13+5reb+4ast, M.Dielemans 12+5reb+2ast, D.Riak 12+5reb+2ast, A.Tomada 8+7reb+3ast, C.Jeffs 7+2reb+2ast
Mt Gambier: T.Robinson 27+7reb, D.Dawam 16+6reb, N.Marshall 13+6reb+1ast, E.Burdon 13+1reb+2ast, T.Daly 8+6reb+5ast, T.Kubank 8+7reb+5ast

Diamond V.E. - Ballarat M. 69-88

There was a surprise result in Greensborough where twelfth ranked Ballarat Miners (6-6) outleveled higher ranked Diamond Valley Eagles (5-6) 88-69 on Sunday. The best player for the winners was guard Sam Short (195-98) who scored 24 points and 4 assists. Center Jock Perry (216-97, college: UC Riverside) chipped in 23 points and 5 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was Ryan Bowkett who recorded 10 points and 5 rebounds and Robert Heath added 11 points and 6 rebounds respectively. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Diamond Valley Eagles' coach tested twelve players seeing no chance for a win. Ballarat Miners moved-up to ninth place in League. Loser Diamond Valley Eagles dropped to the thirteenth position with six games lost. Ballarat Miners will meet Tigers (#17) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Diamond Valley Eagles will play against the league's leader Frankston Blues (#1) where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
Top scorers:
Diamond V.E.: S.BJ 12+3reb+2ast, H.Robert 11+6reb+1ast, D.O'Wili 11+1reb, B.Ryan 10+5reb+3ast, N.Manyang 9+4reb+2ast, C.Joel 6+3reb+2ast
Ballarat M.: S.Short 24+3reb+4ast, J.Perry 23+5reb+2ast, D.Zachery 16+5ast, M.Kenyon 10+6reb+3ast, A.Deng 9+7reb+1ast, H.William 6+4reb+2ast

Waverley F. - Frankston B. 89-71

There was an upset in Mount Waverley where top-ranked Frankston Blues (10-3) were defeated by sixth ranked Waverley Falcons (8-3) 89-71 on Sunday. Waverley Falcons dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to Frankston Blues' 30. They outrebounded Frankston Blues 50-34 including 17 on the offensive glass. The best player for the winners was the former international point guard Daniel Dillon (193-86, college: Arizona) who scored 19 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Swingman Michael Harper (193, college: Simon Fraser) chipped in a double-double by scoring 17 points and 10 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was forward Dan Trist (206-92, college: Lafayette) who recorded a double-double by scoring 24 points and 13 rebounds and guard Alister MacDonald (186-92) added 16 points respectively. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Waverley Falcons moved-up to fourth place in League. Loser Frankston Blues still keep top position with three games lost. Waverley Falcons will meet at home Spectres (#7) in the next round. Frankston Blues will play against Diamond Valley Eagles (#13) in Greensborough and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Frankston B.: D.Trist 24+13reb+1ast, A.MacDonald 16+1ast, L.Barker 11+2reb+3ast, D.Stith 11+5reb, P.Will 7+2reb, T.Garrett 2+3reb
Waverley F.: J.Heath 20+3reb+4ast, D.Dillon 19+7reb+4ast, M.Harper 17+10reb+3ast, T.De Zwart 15+11reb+2ast, E.Tillman 8+9reb+1ast, D.Neville 5+5reb+1ast

Dandenong R. - Albury W.B. 84-99

The game between closely ranked teams ended with fourteenth ranked Bandits' (4-8) road victory over 15th ranked Dandenong Rangers (2-7) 99-84 on Saturday. Bandits outrebounded Dandenong Rangers 44-23 including a 31-16 advantage in defensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was center Johnny Crnogorac (216-95, college: UTRGV, agency: Haylett Sports) who had a double-double by scoring 19 points and 16 rebounds. New Zealand swingman Mitchell Dance (192-1) chipped in 26 points. At the other side the best for losing team was guard Sean Macdonald (185-0) who recorded 20 points and forward Venkatesha Jois (203-93, college: EWU) added 14 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists respectively. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Bandits maintains fourteenth position in League with 4-8 record. Loser Dandenong Rangers keep the fifteenth place with seven games lost. Bandits will meet at home higher ranked Huskies (#3) in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Dandenong Rangers will play against Ringwood Hawks (#12) in Heathmont and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Dandenong R.: S.Macdonald 20+3reb+3ast, O.Hayes-Brown 19+5reb, V.Jois 14+8reb+4ast, P.Mason 11+1reb, E.Lawson 8+2reb+1ast, M.Wearne 7+2reb+2ast
Albury W.B.: D.Mitchell 26+3reb, J.Crnogorac 19+16reb+2ast, W.Swaka 19+9reb, H.Lochlan 15+5reb+7ast, J.Saunders 12+3reb, S.Watson 8+7reb+3ast

Eltham W. - Knox R. 80-94

Not a big story in a game when 16th ranked Eltham Wildcats (2-9) were defeated at home by thirteenth ranked Knox Raiders (5-4) 94-80 on Sunday. The best player for the winners was naturalized South Sudanese swingman Bul Kuol (201-96, college: Detroit) who scored 18 points and 7 rebounds. Jack Roberts-Field chipped in 15 points and 7 rebounds. Five Knox Raiders players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was point guard Adam Doyle (176-91) who recorded 26 points and 4 steals and guard Justin Aver (190-89) added 18 points and 4 assists respectively. Knox Raiders moved-up to tenth place in League. Loser Eltham Wildcats keep the sixteenth position with nine games lost. Knox Raiders will meet at home league's second-placed NW Tasmania Thunder in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Eltham Wildcats will play against Tigers (#17) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Eltham W.: A.Doyle 26+4reb+1ast, J.Aver 18+2reb+4ast, S.Bradbury 13+4reb+3ast, B.Waldren 9+7reb+2ast, S.Whelan 7+1ast, M.Lee 3+1reb+1ast
Knox R.: B.Kuol 18+7reb+1ast, R.Te Rangi 15+4reb, R.Jack 15+7reb+2ast, S.Austin 13+2reb+1ast, M.Meunier 12+3reb+3ast, B.Ayre 10+4reb+5ast

Nunawading S. - Mt Gambier 106-97

There was a surprise result in East Burwood where eleventh ranked Spectres (6-5) beat one of their biggest challengers Mount Gambier Pioneers (8-4) 106-97 on Sunday. Spectres made 23-of-26 free shots (88.5 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. The best player for the winners was American center Dain Swetalla (206-86, college: Augustana, IL) who had a double-double by scoring 26 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists (perfect from the field making all nine shots !!!). Thomas Wright chipped in 18 points and 6 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was the former international guard Tom Daly (182-91) who recorded 27 points and 7 assists (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line) and American center Nick Marshall (213, college: Union, KY) added 19 points and 8 rebounds respectively. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Mount Gambier Pioneers' coach tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Spectres moved-up to seventh place in League. Loser Mount Gambier Pioneers dropped to the sixth position with four games lost. Spectres will meet higher ranked Waverley Falcons (#4) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Mount Gambier Pioneers will play against Central District Lions and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Mt Gambier: T.Daly 27+2reb+7ast, D.Dawam 19+6reb+1ast, N.Marshall 19+8reb+2ast, T.Kubank 17+10reb, T.Robinson 6+6reb, M.Monydeng 4
Nunawading S.: D.Swetalla 26+10reb+4ast, T.Wright 18+1reb+6ast, S.Conn 18+4reb+2ast, A.Steel 14+7reb+3ast, J.Gandolfo 11+1reb+2ast, P.Hooley 8+3reb+7ast

Sandringham S. - Melbourne T. 83-97

We cannot really consider it an upset in the game between close teams in Cheltenham where 17th ranked Sabres (1-9) were defeated by eighteenth ranked Tigers (2-10) 97-83 on Sunday. Tigers made 24-of-30 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was forward Felix Von Hofe (196-93, college: EWU) who had a double-double by scoring 37 points (!!!) and 14 rebounds. Guard Anthony Karabatsos (188, college: Seton Hill) chipped in 15 points and 4 assists. Five Tigers players scored in double figures. Tigers' coach allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. At the other side the best for losing team was American-Kenyan forward Preston Bungei (198-95, college: Norfolk St.) who recorded 33 points (!!!) and 8 rebounds and guard Kuany Kuany (201-94, college: Chaminade) added 21 points and 15 rebounds respectively. Tigers moved-up to seventeenth place in League. Loser Sabres dropped to the eighteenth position with nine games lost. Tigers will meet at home higher ranked Ballarat Miners (#9) in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Sabres will play against Mount Gambier Pioneers (#6) in Mt Gambier and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Sandringham S.: P.Bungei 33+8reb+1ast, K.Kuany 21+15reb+2ast, N.Gabsch 12+5reb+1ast, N.Nai 9+1reb, O.Tomo 2+3reb+1ast, D.Kian 2+2reb+2ast
Melbourne T.: F.Von Hofe 37+14reb, A.Karabatsos 15+4reb+4ast, W.Keenan 14+4reb+1ast, Z.Triplett 11+6reb+3ast, C.Taj 11+3reb, M.Gaze 6+4reb+1ast



Tags : MICHAEL MCINNES, CASEY CAVALIERS CRANBOURNE, AUSTRALIAN BASKETBALL