NBL One Round 24 (Regular Season): Brisbane C. hands first loss to USC Rip

NBL One is at the halfway of the Regular Season and there are still another 24 rounds left. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of Rip City (1-1) in Sippy Downs on Sunday night. Hosts were defeated by tenth ranked Brisbane Capitals (4-4) 94-76. Brisbane C. dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to Rip City's 30. Brisbane C. looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. It was a good game for the former international swingman Sam McDaniel (198-1995, college: ULM) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 21 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals. Guard Gabriel Hadley (193-1998, college: UCSD) contributed with 21 points for the winners. Naturalized Maltese power forward Nelson Kahler (206-1994, college: CSU-Pueblo, agency: BIG) replied with a double-double by scoring 16 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists for USC Rip. Rip City's coach rotated ten players seeing no chance for a win. Brisbane Capitals have a solid three-game winning streak. Brisbane C. moved-up to fifth place, which they share with NGC Seahawks. USC Rip at the other side keeps the fifteenth position with one game lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
An interesting game for Mustangs (9-1) which played road game in Inner West against 3rd ranked Bulls (8-4). Second ranked Mustangs had an easy win 103-81. Worth to mention a great performance of swingman Will Cranston-Lown (185-2000, college: Regis Univ.) who helped to win the game recording 25 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists and James Hunter who added 24 points and 10 rebounds during the contest. Mustangs' coach felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The best for the losing side was Jacob Ohmer with 33 points (!!!). Maitland keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Canberra G. Inner WB at the other side keeps the third place with four games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
NBL One top team - Mount Gambier Pioneers (9-2) managed to deliver another win on Sunday. This time they beat nineteenth ranked Cavaliers (2-9) in Cranbourne 82-70. The winners were led by Akech Aliir who had that evening a double-double by scoring 20 points and 11 rebounds. Even 22 points and 8 rebounds by Dillon Stith did not help to save the game for Casey. Cavaliers' coach tested ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Mount Gambier Pioneers have an impressive five-game winning streak. Mt.Gambier maintains first position with 9-2 record, which they share with Willetton T. Casey lost sixth consecutive game. They dropped to the fourteenth place with nine games lost. They share the position with SW Slammers. Mt.Gambier will meet at home Eltham W. (#12) in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Casey will have a break next round.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 24: winless Hornsby S. was beaten by Bankstown B. on the road 88-72. BA CoE won against Albury W.B. on its own court 96-83. SW Metro P. unfortunately lost to NGC Seahawks in Runaway Bay 81-89. Rockhampton managed to beat Northside W. at home 110-94. Bendigo was defeated by Dandenong R. on the opponent's court 79-72. Kilsyth C. was beaten by NW Tasmania in a home game 80-81. Hobart C. lost to Knox R. on the road 80-91. Frankston B. outscored Geelong S. on its own court 115-83. Keilor T. was rolled over Nunawading S. in East Burwood 98-77. Mandurah defeated Goldfields G. at home 87-78.

Group East

Inner WB - Maitland M. 81-103

An interesting game for Mustangs (9-1) which played road game in Inner West against 3rd ranked Bulls (8-4). Second ranked Mustangs had an easy win 103-81. Maitland outrebounded Inner WB 52-32 including a 33-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. Maitland players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. Inner WB was plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. Worth to mention a great performance of swingman Will Cranston-Lown (185-2000, college: Regis Univ.) who helped to win the game recording 25 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists and New Zealand center James Hunter (208-1991, college: S.Dakota) who added 24 points and 10 rebounds during the contest. Five Mustangs players scored in double figures. Mustangs' coach felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The best for the losing side was Jacob Ohmer with 33 points (!!!) and Central African forward Alex Higgins-Titsha (197-2000) produced a double-double by scoring 19 points and 12 rebounds. Maitland keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Canberra G. Inner WB at the other side keeps the third place with four games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Maitland M.: W.Cranston-Lown 25+7reb+5ast, J.Hunter 24+10reb, B.Parsons 19+11reb+1ast, M.Gray 12+13reb+1ast, D.Millburn 10+4reb+5ast, J.Cole 10+3reb+1ast
Inner WB: J.Ohmer 33+3reb+3ast, A.Higgins-Titsha 19+12reb+2ast, Z.Hudson 16+6reb+3ast, N.Timonera 9+1reb+4ast, V.Foketi 3+6reb+1ast, T.Tolovae 1+2reb+1ast

Bankstown B. - Hornsby S. 88-72

No shocking result in a game when eighth ranked Bankstown Bruins (6-4) beat bottom-ranked Spiders (0-12) in Condell Park 88-72 on Sunday. Bankstown B. dominated down low during the game scoring 64 of its points in the paint compared to Spiders's 40. Bankstown B. forced 20 Hornsby S. turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The winners were led by guard Hayden Blankley (198-2000, college: WTA&M) who scored that evening 17 points and 7 rebounds and American guard Andre Wolford (188-1996, college: SFU, agency: One Motive Sports) supported him with 22 points. Even 13 points and 8 rebounds by Raymond Takchi (, college: W.Valley JC) did not help to save the game for Hornsby S.. Nate Chappell added 12 points, 7 rebounds and 4 blocks. Five Hornsby S. players scored in double figures. Spiders' coach tested eleven players seeing no chance for a win. Bankstown B. moved-up to sixth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Spiders still closes the standings with 12 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Bankstown B.: A.Wolford 22+1reb, H.Blankley 17+7reb+3ast, C.Mcbeath 15+5reb+3ast, W.Gwada 9+1reb, J.Pares 8+4reb+6ast, N.Hightower 8+4reb+4ast
Hornsby S.: B.Ansuh-Yeboah 15+5reb+1ast, R.Takchi 13+8reb+3ast, N.Chappell 12+7reb+3ast, A.Sidhu 11+6reb+1ast, A.Redhead 10+3reb+3ast, S.Hall 6+5reb+2ast

BA CoE - Albury W.B. 96-83

There was a minor upset when one of their biggest challengers Bandits (7-4) lost to sixth ranked Excellence (7-3) in Canberra 83-96 on Sunday. The winners were led by point guard James ODonnell (180-2005) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 14 points and 12 rebounds and swingman Luke Fennell (198-2006) supported him with 21 points (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field). Excellence's coach used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. Even a double-double of 16 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists by guard William Hickey (194-1999) did not help to save the game for Albury W.B.. Guard Lochlan Cummings (189-1995, college: HIU) added 15 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists. Four BA CoE and five Albury W.B. players scored in double figures. Excellence have an impressive six-game winning streak. BA CoE moved-up to third place, which they share with Ballarat M. Loser Bandits keeps the fourth position with four games lost. They share it with Waverley F. and Rockingham F.. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
BA CoE: L.Fennell 21+3reb+2ast, K.Savage 16+7reb+2ast, J.Furphy 14+3reb+2ast, J.O'Donnell 14+12reb+2ast, J.Halaifonua 7+7reb+6ast, C.Brogan 6+2reb
Albury W.B.: M.Dance 18+5reb, W.Hickey 16+10reb+6ast, L.Cummings 15+5reb+8ast, K.Blaylock 13+5reb, S.Montague 12+5reb+2ast, J.Saunders 6

Group North

USC Rip - Brisbane C. 76-94

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of undefeated Rip City (1-1) in Sippy Downs on Sunday night. Hosts were defeated by tenth ranked Brisbane Capitals (4-4) 94-76. Brisbane C. dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to Rip City's 30. Brisbane C. looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. It was a good game for the former international swingman Sam McDaniel (198-1995, college: ULM) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 21 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals. Guard Gabriel Hadley (193-1998, college: UCSD) contributed with 21 points for the winners. Naturalized Maltese power forward Nelson Kahler (206-1994, college: CSU-Pueblo, agency: BIG) replied with a double-double by scoring 16 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists and guard Jamaal Robateau (196-1994, college: Gardner-Webb) added 19 points and 8 rebounds (went 8 for 8 at the free throw line) in the effort for USC Rip. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Rip City's coach rotated ten players seeing no chance for a win. Brisbane Capitals have a solid three-game winning streak. Brisbane C. moved-up to fifth place, which they share with NGC Seahawks. USC Rip at the other side keeps the fifteenth position with one game lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Brisbane C.: S.McDaniel 21+12reb+5ast, G.Hadley 21+3reb+3ast, I.Tueta 19+1reb+4ast, M.Johns 12+7reb+5ast, C.Thew 7+2reb+1ast, G.Papacostas 7+10reb
USC Rip: J.Robateau 19+8reb+2ast, N.Kahler 16+12reb+5ast, K.McDowell-White 16+5reb+3ast, D.Dawam 15+7reb+2ast, J.Lucas 7+3reb+1ast, L.Switzer 3+3ast

NGC Seahawks - SW Metro P. 89-81

Rather predictable result when ninth ranked Seahawks (4-4) won against 12th ranked South West Metro Pirates (2-5) in Runaway Bay 89-81 on Sunday. NGC Seahawks had a 37-26 advantage in offensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The winners were led by forward Kane Bishop (192-1997) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 23 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists and guard Cameron Healy (190-1998, college: SUU) supported him with 20 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line). Four Seahawks players scored in double figures. Even a double-double of 26 points and 13 rebounds by center Ben Volkman (206-1997, college: Maryville, MO) did not help to save the game for SW Metro P.. Swingman Roman Siulepa (201-2006) added 15 points, 14 rebounds and 6 assists. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. NGC Seahawks moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Brisbane C. SW Metro P. lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the twelfth position with five games lost. They share it with Townsville H.. NGC Seahawks will meet at home league's leader Mackay in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. SW Metro P. will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
NGC Seahawks: K.Bishop 23+12reb+5ast, C.Healy 20+6reb+4ast, N.Salmon 17+7reb+1ast, M.Kenyon 11+7reb+4ast, J.Morris 7+7reb+4ast, K.De Haan 7+1reb
SW Metro P.: B.Volkman 26+13reb+1ast, K.Woodfall 22+2reb+2ast, R.Siulepa 15+14reb+6ast, N.Peters 9+3reb+3ast, B.Teys 7+2reb+4ast, C.Pang 2

Rockhampton R. - Northside W. 110-94

Not a big story in a game when 14th ranked Northside Wizards (2-7) lost to eleventh ranked Rockets (3-3) in Rockhampton 94-110 on Sunday. Rockhampton dominated down low during the game scoring 76 of its points in the paint compared to Northside Wizards's 38. Rockhampton forced 22 Northside W. turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The winners were led by American Xavier Ford (203-1993, college: Buffalo) who scored that evening 37 points (!!!) and 6 rebounds and naturalized South Sudanese center Matur Maker (208-1998) supported him with 25 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists. Even 32 points and 6 rebounds by guard Jamie Ahale (196-1999, college: UIC) did not help to save the game for Northside W.. Lual Diing (205-1998) added 20 points and 11 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Rockets have a solid three-game winning streak. Rockhampton moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Gold Coast R. Northside W. lost seventh consecutive game. They dropped to the tenth position with seven games lost. They share it with N.Adelaide R. and Diamond V.E.. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Rockhampton R.: X.Ford 37+6reb+1ast, N.Ceaser 25+9reb+3ast, M.Maker 25+13reb+4ast, B.Tweedy 14+4reb+6ast, S.Biernacki 7+4reb+4ast, J.Blanchard 2+4reb
Northside W.: J.Ahale 32+6reb+3ast, L.Diing 20+11reb+2ast, D.Ross-Paiwan 17+5reb+6ast, M.Stanton 14+5reb+3ast, B.Adamson 7+3reb+1ast, B.Crown 4+6reb

Group South

Casey C. - Mt.Gambier 70-82

NBL One top team - Mount Gambier Pioneers (9-2) managed to deliver another win on Sunday. This time they beat nineteenth ranked Cavaliers (2-9) in Cranbourne 82-70. The winners were led by forward Akech Aliir (200-2000) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 20 points and 11 rebounds and international swingman Nick Marshall (196-1999, college: Clarke) supported him with 18 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Even 22 points and 8 rebounds by American forward Dillon Stith (201-1992, college: St.Vincent) did not help to save the game for Casey. American-Kenyan forward Preston Bungei (198-1995, college: Norfolk St.) added 15 points and 8 rebounds. Cavaliers' coach tested ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Mount Gambier Pioneers have an impressive five-game winning streak. Mt.Gambier maintains first position with 9-2 record, which they share with Willetton T. Casey lost sixth consecutive game. They dropped to the fourteenth place with nine games lost. They share the position with SW Slammers. Mt.Gambier will meet at home Eltham W. (#12) in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Casey will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Mt.Gambier: A.Aliir 20+11reb+1ast, N.Marshall 18+7reb+5ast, C.Peevy 17+6reb+2ast, D.Marshall 9+2reb, A.Shelley 8+1reb+1ast, K.De Wit 8+2reb+1ast
Casey C.: D.Stith 22+8reb, A.Thoseby 17+2reb+3ast, P.Bungei 15+8reb+1ast, A.Karabatsos 8+3reb+3ast, J.Tomasi 6+5reb+1ast, D.Watson 2+1reb+3ast

Dandenong R. - Bendigo B. 79-72

Everything went according to plan when fifth ranked Dandenong Rangers (8-5) defeated at home 13th ranked Bendigo Braves (5-7) 79-72 on Sunday. The winners were led by the former international forward Mason Peatling (203-1997, college: EWU) who scored that evening 9 points, 16 rebounds and 4 assists and guard Jack Roberts (196-1999, college: SVSU) supported him with 24 points. Four Dandenong Rangers players scored in double figures. Dandenong Rangers' coach used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. Even 17 points by guard Mitchell Clarke (186-1999) did not help to save the game for Bendigo. Guard Rowan Mackenzie (190-1999, college: LCU) added 14 points. Dandenong R. moved-up to second place. Loser Bendigo Braves dropped to the fifteenth position with seven games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Dandenong R.: J.Roberts 24+3reb, J.Tryon 15+7reb+1ast, B.Betson 14+2reb+6ast, T.Dufelmeier 10+5reb+4ast, M.Peatling 9+16reb+4ast, J.Heath 7+2reb+3ast
Bendigo B.: M.Clarke 17+4reb+2ast, R.Mackenzie 14+3reb+1ast, B.Smythe 10+6reb+1ast, L.O'Brien 8+1reb+1ast, I.Murphy 6+5reb, A.Robinson 6+3reb+1ast

Kilsyth C. - NW Tasmania 80-81

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 17th ranked Kilsyth Cobras' (3-9) home loss to sixteenth ranked NW Tasmania Thunder (5-6) 80-81 on Sunday. The winners were led by American forward Sekou Sylla (195-2000, college: Towson) who scored that evening 30 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists and Archer Woodhill supported him with 21 points and 7 rebounds. Even 15 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists by guard Adrian Tomada (-1995) did not help to save the game for Kilsyth C.. Naturalized South Sudanese power forward Deng Riak (208-1995, college: Akron) added 12 points and 9 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. NW Tasmania moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Melbourne T. and Perry Lakes H. Kilsyth C. lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the thirteenth position with nine games lost. They share it with Kalamunda ES. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
NW Tasmania: S.Sylla 30+9reb+5ast, A.Woodhill 21+7reb+1ast, S.Swalve 12+2reb+2ast, T.Armstrong 10+6reb+1ast, I.Atuer 7+2reb, J.Afoa 1+1reb
Kilsyth C.: A.Tomada 15+6reb+4ast, K.Adnam 15+6ast, M.Dielemans 13+1reb+2ast, D.Riak 12+9reb+1ast, B.Ursich 8+2reb+2ast, A.Nyok 6+2reb

Knox R. - Hobart C. 91-80

There was a surprise result when eleventh ranked Knox Raiders (6-5) beat higher ranked Chargers (6-5) in Wantirna South 91-80 on Sunday. Knox R. outrebounded Hobart C. 38-27 including 26 on the defensive glass. Knox R. looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The winners were led by forward Kyle Bowen (203-2000, college: SMC) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 15 points, 12 rebounds and 9 assists and guard Brody Nunn (185-2002, college: Seattle) supported him with 22 points and 6 rebounds. Five Knox Raiders players scored in double figures. Even 24 points and 4 assists by American guard Terrell Brown (185-1998, college: NM State, agency: Worldwide SM) did not help to save the game for Hobart C.. Forward Jacob Richards (200-2001) added 16 points and 6 rebounds. Knox R. moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Nunawading S. and Hobart C. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Knox R.: B.Nunn 22+6reb+2ast, A.Rapp 19+4reb+1ast, K.Bowen 15+12reb+9ast, K.Feagin 13+2reb+7ast, A.Rissetto 12+6reb+1ast, J.Foy 6+5reb+2ast
Hobart C.: T.Brown 24+4reb+4ast, J.Richards 16+6reb+1ast, C.Steindl 11+4reb+1ast, V.Daniels 8+6reb+4ast, J.Chilcott 7+1reb+1ast, O.Angerstein 7+4reb

Frankston B. - Geelong S. 115-83

Very expected game when 16th ranked Geelong Supercats (4-7) were smashed by tenth ranked Frankston Blues (6-4) in Seaford 115-83 on Sunday. Frankston B. shot the lights out from three sinking 18 long-distance shots on high 52.9 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Frankston B. made 7 blocks. The winners were led by forward Daniel Trist (206-1992, college: Lafayette) who scored that evening 21 points and 9 rebounds and point guard Lucas Barker (183-1993, college: Indianapolis) supported him with 17 points and 8 assists. Even a double-double of 24 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists by forward George Blagojevic (203-1997, college: Hartford) did not help to save the game for Geelong S.. American guard Demarcus Gatlin (193-1992, college: SHSU, agency: IceBasket) added 12 points and 6 assists. Five Frankston B. and four Geelong S. players scored in double figures. Geelong Supercats' coach gave up on the game allowing to play eleven players seeing no chance for a win. Frankston B. moved-up to sixth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Geelong Supercats keeps the sixteenth position with seven games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Frankston B.: L.Barker 23+2reb+3ast, D.Trist 21+9reb, L.Barker 17+4reb+8ast, K.Brown 16+5reb+7ast, S.Chaffee 13+7reb+2ast, I.Hadziomerovic 13+3reb+2ast
Geelong S.: G.Blagojevic 24+13reb+4ast, M.Hicks 12+5reb+1ast, D.Gatlin 12+4reb+6ast, L.Jones 10+3reb+1ast, M.Marach 8+1ast, J.Posterino 6

Nunawading S. - Keilor T. 98-77

There was a surprise result when twelfth ranked Spectres (6-5) rolled over higher ranked Thunder (7-5) in East Burwood 98-77 on Sunday. Nunawading S. made 19-of-23 free shots (82.6 percent) during the game. The winners were led by American guard Jalen Johnson (198-1997, college: Mercer) who scored that evening 27 points and 9 rebounds and the other American import guard Trendon Hankerson (188-2000, college: Akron) supported him with 15 points and 7 assists. Even a double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds by naturalized South Sudanese center Deng Acuoth (208-1996) did not help to save the game for Keilor T.. Naturalized South Sudanese guard Kuany Kuany (201-1994, college: Chaminade) added 18 points and 5 rebounds. Four Keilor T. players scored in double figures. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Nunawading S. moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Knox R. and Hobart C. Loser Thunder dropped to the fifth position with five games lost. They share it with Warwick S. and Mandurah. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Nunawading S.: J.Johnson 27+9reb+1ast, T.Hankerson 15+3reb+7ast, K.Box 15+5reb, J.Gandolfo 12+1reb+1ast, J.Geer 9+2reb+4ast, E.Biggar 7+10reb
Keilor T.: K.Kuany 18+5reb+1ast, D.Acuoth 16+11reb, K.Zunic 14+4reb+3ast, J.Gibbs 10+3reb, J.Madut 8+6reb+5ast, T.Lakes 7+1ast

Group West

Mandurah M. - Goldfields G. 87-78

Not a big story in a game when 9th ranked Giants (4-6) lost to sixth ranked Magic (7-5) in Mandurah 78-87 on Sunday. The winners were led by American point guard Joel Murray (183-1999, college: LBSU, agency: Slash Sports) who scored that evening 25 points and 7 assists and naturalized French swingman Julian Pesava (193-1995, college: Wayland Baptist) supported him with 24 points and 6 rebounds. Even a double-double of 19 points and 18 rebounds by American forward DeSean Parsons (201-1995, college: Portland St.) did not help to save the game for Goldfields G.. His fellow American import point guard Randy Bell (193-1998, college: Dalton St.) added 24 points and 7 assists. Four Mandurah and five Goldfields G. players scored in double figures. Magic have a solid three-game winning streak. Mandurah moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Warwick S. and Keilor T. Loser Giants keeps the ninth position with six games lost. They share it with Newcastle F.. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Mandurah M.: J.Murray 25+3reb+7ast, J.Pesava 24+6reb, L.Bertram 14+4reb+2ast, J.Molnar 11+6reb+1ast, M.Durr 8+17reb+3ast, D.Collins 3+2reb+1ast
Goldfields G.: R.Bell 24+3reb+7ast, D.Parsons 19+18reb+3ast, K.Anguik 13+7reb+2ast, H.Cummings 12+3reb+1ast, M.Malek 10+5reb, D.Sumsion 0