NBL One Round 28 (Regular Season): Undefeated Mackay lose their first game against Salties

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of Mackay Meteors (7-1) at the home court on Friday night. Hosts were defeated by fourth ranked Salties (6-2) 113-95. It ended at the same time the seven-game winning streak of Mackay Meteors. Darwin S. made 20-of-24 free shots (83.3 percent) during the game. Worth to mention a great performance of naturalized South Sudanese forward Chier Maker (203-1995, college: Idaho St.) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 26 points and 13 rebounds and the former international swingman Makuach Maluach (200-1998, college: N.Mexico) who added 14 points and 9 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side American guard Jerron Jamerson (194-1992, college: Goshen) responded with 29 points and 5 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Darwin S. moved-up to third place. Mackay at the other side still keeps top position with one game lost. Darwin S. are looking forward to face Rockhampton (#5) on the road in the next round. Mackay will have a break next round.
Very important is a home loss of second ranked Mount Gambier Pioneers (9-4) against sixteenth ranked United (5-8) on Friday night. Host Mount Gambier Pioneers were defeated by United in a tough game in Mt Gambier 77-84. The winners were led by forward George Blagojevic (203-1997, college: Hartford) who scored that evening 24 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists and Demarcus Gatlin supported him with 17 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Even 30 points and 8 rebounds by international swingman Nick Marshall (196-1999, college: Clarke) did not help to save the game for Mt.Gambier. Geelong U. maintains sixteenth position with 5-8 record. Mt.Gambier at the other side keeps the second place with four games lost. They share the position with Albury W.B.. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
A very close game took place in North Lake between Hawks and Lightning. Eighth ranked Hawks (7-6) got a very close victory on the road over 11th ranked Lightning (3-8). Hawks managed to escape with a 3-point win 84-81 on Friday evening. Abrom DeQuan fired 28 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists for the winners. Marshawn Blackmon produced a double-double by scoring 36 points (!!!) and 11 rebounds for lost side. Perry Lakes H. moved-up to seventh place. Loser Lightning dropped to the twelfth position with eight games lost. They share it with Northside W.. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.

There were no shocking results in the other games in round 28: Cairns M. lost to Brisbane C. on the opponent's court 97-110. Logan T. outscored Ipswich F. in a home game 96-73. Townsville H. recorded a loss to Northside W. on the road 93-86. Hobart C. defeated NW Tasmania on its own court 88-73. Willetton T. beat Cockburn C. in a road game 124-109. East Perth E. won against Perth R. at home 90-78. Kalamunda ES managed to outperform Warwick S. on the opponent's court 97-92.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 37 points (!!!), 10 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals by Marek Nelson of Kalamunda ES.

Group North

Brisbane C. - Cairns M. 110-97

Rather expected game when 6th ranked Cairns Marlins (4-5) were defeated on the road by fourth ranked Brisbane Capitals (6-4) 110-97 on Friday. Brisbane C. dominated down low during the game scoring 78 of its points in the paint compared to Cairns Marlins's 54 and made 23-of-27 free shots (85.2 percent) during the game. Brisbane C. forced 21 Cairns M. turnovers. The former international swingman Sam McDaniel (198-1995, college: ULM) fired 34 points (!!!), 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals for the winners. Guard Gabriel Hadley (193-1998, college: UCSD) chipped in 27 points, 5 assists and 4 steals. Guard Kody Stattmann (202-2000, college: Virginia) produced 23 points and 9 rebounds and forward Kian Dennis (197-2001) added 22 points and 9 rebounds respectively for lost side. Four Brisbane C. and five Cairns M. players scored in double figures. Cairns Marlins' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Brisbane Capitals have an impressive five-game winning streak. Brisbane C. maintains fourth position with 6-4 record, which they share with Hills H. Loser Cairns Marlins dropped to the seventh place with five games lost. They share the position with NGC Seahawks. Brisbane C. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Cairns M. will play against SD Spartans (#6) in Brisbane and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Cairns M.: K.Stattmann 23+9reb+3ast, K.Dennis 22+9reb+3ast, K.Stattmann 22+4reb+3ast, A.Mudronja 17+3reb+3ast, J.Kunen 11+4reb+2ast, A.Farmer 2+2reb+3ast
Brisbane C.: S.McDaniel 34+5reb+5ast, G.Hadley 27+3reb+5ast, G.Papacostas 18+8reb, M.Johns 13+11reb+1ast, I.Tueta 10+2ast, C.Thew 8+12reb+2ast

Logan T. - Ipswich F. 96-73

Very predictable result in Loganholme where second ranked Thunder (7-2) smashed 12th ranked Force (3-6) 96-73 on Friday. Logan T. looked well-organized offensively handing out 30 assists comparing to just 16 passes made by Ipswich F.'s players. Guard Shaun Bruce (190-1991) fired a double-double by scoring 13 points and 17 assists for the winners. Guard Zac Triplett (196-2001, college: Portland) chipped in 18 points and 9 rebounds. Four Thunder players scored in double figures. American-DR Congolese forward Henry Pwono (198-1991, college: ECU) produced 13 points and 5 rebounds and the former international guard Nathan Sobey (190-1990, college: Wyoming) added 10 points and 5 assists respectively for lost side. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Thunder have a solid four-game winning streak. Logan T. maintains second position with 7-2 record having seven points less than leader Forestville E., which they share with Manly Warr. Ipswich F. lost third consecutive game. They keep the twelfth place with six games lost. Logan T. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Ipswich F. will play against Gold Coast R. (#10) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Ipswich F.: H.Pwono 13+5reb+2ast, N.Sobey 10+4reb+5ast, J.Ralph 9+3reb+3ast, M.Fleming 8+2reb, D.Mitchell 8+3reb+1ast, E.Robinson 7+3reb
Logan T.: Z.Triplett 18+9reb+2ast, C.Cedar 17+3reb+2ast, C.Dalton 16+9reb+1ast, S.Bruce 13+3reb+17ast, J.Morel 10+5reb, T.Howard 9+9reb+2ast

Northside W. - Townsville H. 93-86

We cannot really consider it an upset in the game between close teams in Taigum where 13th ranked Townsville Heat (2-7) was defeated by fourteenth ranked Northside Wizards (3-8) 93-86 on Friday. Northside W. forced 21 Townsville H. turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Lual Diing (205-1998) fired a double-double by scoring 22 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Naturalized South Sudanese guard Jackson Makoi (196-2000, college: Daytona St.) chipped in 15 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists. Northside Wizards' coach used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. Guard Ethan Betts (188-1998, college: Umpqua CC) produced 24 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists and center Matthew Rees (205-1987) added 15 points and 10 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Northside W. moved-up to twelfth place, which they share with Lakeside L. Townsville H. lost fifth consecutive game. They dropped to the fourteenth position with seven games lost. Northside W. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Townsville H. will play against SC Phoenix (#9) in Cotton Tree and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Townsville H.: E.Betts 24+6reb+6ast, K.Leslie 19+6reb+1ast, M.Rees 15+10reb+3ast, R.Peachey 13+11reb+2ast, M.Cedar 5+11reb+1ast, M.Norton 5+1reb
Northside W.: L.Diing 22+11reb+3ast, J.Ahale 21+5reb+1ast, J.Makoi 15+7reb+7ast, N.McCullough 13+2reb+3ast, D.Ross-Paiwan 8+3reb+4ast, M.Poulain 8+9reb

Mackay M. - Darwin S. 95-113

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of undefeated Mackay Meteors (7-1) at the home court on Friday night. Hosts were defeated by fourth ranked Salties (6-2) 113-95. It ended at the same time the seven-game winning streak of Mackay Meteors. Darwin S. made 20-of-24 free shots (83.3 percent) during the game. Worth to mention a great performance of naturalized South Sudanese forward Chier Maker (203-1995, college: Idaho St.) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 26 points and 13 rebounds and the former international swingman Makuach Maluach (200-1998, college: N.Mexico) who added 14 points and 9 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side American guard Jerron Jamerson (194-1992, college: Goshen) responded with 29 points and 5 rebounds and guard Isaac White (188-1998, college: CBU) scored 25 points. Five Darwin S. and four Mackay players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Darwin S. moved-up to third place. Mackay at the other side still keeps top position with one game lost. Darwin S. are looking forward to face Rockhampton (#5) on the road in the next round. Mackay will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Mackay M.: J.Jamerson 29+5reb, I.White 25+4reb+2ast, A.Krause 13+2reb+2ast, T.Blanchfield 13+9reb+3ast, L.Yates 9+7reb, C.Maran 4+2reb
Darwin S.: C.Maker 26+13reb+3ast, W.Swaka 23+1reb+1ast, S.Macdonald 16+3reb+5ast, K.Noi 15+4reb+2ast, M.Maluach 14+9reb+3ast, V.Williams Jr. 11+3reb

Group South

Mt.Gambier - Geelong U. 77-84

Very important is a home loss of second ranked Mount Gambier Pioneers (9-4) against sixteenth ranked United (5-8) on Friday night. Host Mount Gambier Pioneers were defeated by United in a tough game in Mt Gambier 77-84. The winners were led by forward George Blagojevic (203-1997, college: Hartford) who scored that evening 24 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists and American guard Demarcus Gatlin (193-1992, college: SHSU, agency: IceBasket) supported him with 17 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Four United players scored in double figures. Even 30 points and 8 rebounds by international swingman Nick Marshall (196-1999, college: Clarke) did not help to save the game for Mt.Gambier. Forward Akech Aliir (200-2000) added 12 points and 8 rebounds for lost side. Geelong U. maintains sixteenth position with 5-8 record. Mt.Gambier at the other side keeps the second place with four games lost. They share the position with Albury W.B.. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Mt.Gambier: N.Marshall 30+8reb+1ast, A.Aliir 12+8reb+2ast, D.Marshall 11+3reb, K.De Wit 7+2reb+6ast, V.Monaghan 6+2reb+1ast, C.Peevy 4+4reb+1ast
Geelong U.: G.Blagojevic 24+9reb+7ast, L.Jones 18+7reb+1ast, D.Gatlin 17+8reb+4ast, D.O'Will 10+10reb+1ast, L.Herbert 6+4reb+2ast, M.Marach 6+3reb

Hobart C. - NW Tasmania 88-73

Everything went according to plan in Hobart where seventh ranked Chargers (9-5) beat 13th ranked NW Tasmania Thunder (6-8) 88-73 on Friday. Hobart C. made 23-of-27 free shots (85.2 percent) during the game. Vionte Daniels fired 31 points (made all of his eight free throws) for the winners. American guard Terrell Brown (185-1998, college: NM State, agency: Worldwide SM) chipped in 21 points and 4 assists. American guard Seth Swalve (180-1997, college: UAH) produced 32 points and 5 rebounds and his fellow American import forward Sekou Sylla (195-2000, college: Towson) added 12 points and 10 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Chargers have a solid three-game winning streak. Hobart C. moved-up to third place, which they share with Dandenong R. Loser NW Tasmania Thunder keeps the thirteenth position with eight games lost. They share it with Bendigo and Ringwood. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
NW Tasmania: S.Swalve 32+5reb+3ast, S.Sylla 12+10reb+3ast, I.Atuer 10, S.Deans 6+2ast, A.Woodhill 6+5reb, B.Woolley 5+1ast
Hobart C.: V.Daniels 31+2reb+2ast, T.Brown 21+3reb+4ast, O.Angerstein 15+9reb+2ast, J.Straatsma 6+3reb+1ast, J.Chilcott 6+6reb+2ast, J.Richards 5+3reb+6ast

Group West

Cockburn C. - Willetton T. 109-124

There was no surprise in Hamilton Hill where 13th ranked Cougars (3-11) were defeated by second ranked Tigers (11-2) 124-109 on Friday. Willetton T. shot 61.5 percent from the field. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. Guard Marshall Nelson (184-1994, college: Wayland Baptist, agency: BIG) fired 32 points and 5 assists for the winners. American guard Michael Dupree (185, college: Northwest) chipped in 23 points and 5 assists. The former international forward Rhys Vague (206-1996) produced a double-double by scoring 21 points, 15 rebounds and 9 assists and center Nathan Pond (208) added 22 points and 7 rebounds respectively for lost side. Five Willetton T. and four Cockburn C. players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Tigers have a solid three-game winning streak. Willetton T. keeps a position of league leader. Cockburn C. lost eighth consecutive game. They dropped to the fourteenth place with 11 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Cockburn C.: S.Chan 23+2reb+3ast, N.Pond 22+7reb, R.Vague 21+15reb+9ast, G.Field 16+4reb+2ast, C.Dimmock 8+2reb+1ast, K.Armour 7+1reb+3ast
Willetton T.: M.Nelson 32+3reb+5ast, M.Dupree 23+3reb+5ast, D.Gak 22+7reb+2ast, M.Vigor 14+4reb+2ast, D.Scott 12+4reb+5ast, R.Williams 11+5reb+2ast

East Perth E. - Perth R. 90-78

No shocking result in a game in Morley where seventh ranked Eagles (7-5) won against 10th ranked Redbacks (4-10) 90-78 on Friday. East Perth E. made 21-of-27 free shots (77.8 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The former international guard Sunday Dech (195-1994, college: Barry) fired a triple-double by scoring 20 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists for the winners. Power forward Sebit Reath (208-1998, college: Lee JC) chipped in a double-double by scoring 16 points and 11 rebounds. New Zealand guard Joe Cook-Green (185-1997, college: TxWes) produced 26 points and 6 rebounds and naturalized Greek center Ioannis Dimakopoulos (218-1994, college: UC Irvine) added 14 points and 9 rebounds respectively for lost side. Five East Perth E. and four Perth R. players scored in double figures. East Perth E. moved-up to fifth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Perth R. lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the tenth position with ten 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:
Perth R.: J.Cook-Green 26+6reb+2ast, I.Dimakopoulos 14+9reb, M.Gibson 10+5reb+2ast, J.Formosa 10+1reb+2ast, T.Jackson 9+1reb+2ast, C.Bird 5+5reb+1ast
East Perth E.: S.Dech 20+11reb+10ast, T.Young 18+4reb+4ast, S.Reath 16+11reb+1ast, J.Grace 10+1reb+2ast, D.Okwera 10+9reb+4ast, L.Roberts 10+9reb+1ast

Lakeside L. - Perry Lakes H. 81-84

A very close game took place in North Lake between Hawks and Lightning. Eighth ranked Hawks (7-6) got a very close victory on the road over 11th ranked Lightning (3-8). Hawks managed to escape with a 3-point win 84-81 on Friday evening. American Abrom DeQuan (188-1996, college: Belm.Abbey) fired 28 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists for the winners. The other American import forward Jaylen Key (203-1997, college: New Orleans) chipped in 21 points and 9 rebounds. Four Hawks players scored in double figures. American forward Marshawn Blackmon (196-1997, college: Newman) produced a double-double by scoring 36 points (!!!) and 11 rebounds and forward Max Richards (201-2000, college: USU Eastern) added 11 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists respectively for lost side. Perry Lakes H. moved-up to seventh place. Loser Lightning dropped to the twelfth position with eight games lost. They share it with Northside W.. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Lakeside L.: M.Blackmon 36+11reb+1ast, M.Adewunmi 16+4reb+3ast, M.Richards 11+8reb+6ast, T.Hollick 6+2ast, J.Davey 5+6reb+1ast, M.Garbellini 3
Perry Lakes H.: A.De'Quan 28+9reb+7ast, J.Key 21+9reb+3ast, L.Phillips 14+5reb+2ast, M.Leary 12+1reb+1ast, S.Vaiangina 4+6reb+2ast, C.Hamilton 3+2reb+1ast

Warwick S. - Kalamunda ES 92-97

There was an upset in Perth where higher ranked Senators (7-7) were defeated by thirteenth ranked Suns (4-10) 97-92 on Friday. Kalamunda ES made 20-of-24 free shots (83.3 percent) during the game. They shot the lights out from three sinking 13 long-distance shots on high 54.2 percentage. American forward Marek Nelson (201-1999, college: Nicholls, agency: Elevate Sports Alliance) fired a double-double by scoring 37 points (!!!), 10 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals for the winners. British forward Raphell Thomas-Edwards (198-1993, college: Gannon) chipped in 19 points. Nelson is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Suns' coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Guard Michael Harris (193-1999) produced 35 points (!!!) and American forward Todd Withers (202-1996, college: Queens, NC) added 22 points and 10 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Kalamunda ES moved-up to tenth place, which they share with Perth R. Loser Senators dropped to the eighth position with seven games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Warwick S.: M.Harris 35+3reb+2ast, T.Withers 22+10reb+3ast, C.Ellis 16+4reb+3ast, G.Pearl 12+6reb+3ast, K.Berry 4+2reb+2ast, J.Thwaites 3+3reb+1ast
Kalamunda ES: M.Nelson 37+10reb+5ast, R.Thomas-Edwards 19+4reb+2ast, R.Maxwell 13+5reb+1ast, S.Salinas 10+4reb+1ast, R.Huntington 10+1reb+2ast, D.Ante Mearis 3+4reb