NBL One Round 35 (Regular Season): USC Rip lose their first game against Rockets

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 Rockhampton on Sunday night. Visitors were defeated by sixth ranked Rockets (6-5) 99-95. Rockhampton dominated down low during the game scoring 76 of its points in the paint compared to Rip City's 54. It was a great evening for American Xavier Ford (203-1993, college: Buffalo) who led his team to a victory scoring 28 points and 7 rebounds. His fellow American import forward Nighael Ceaser (203-2000, college: Texas St.) helped adding 22 points and 13 rebounds (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field). Guard Jamaal Robateau (196-1994, college: Gardner-Webb) responded with 26 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Rockhampton moved-up to fifth place. 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.
Very important is a road loss of second ranked Salties (10-3) against fourth ranked Brisbane Capitals (8-4) on Sunday night. Visiting Salties were defeated by Brisbane Capitals in a tough game in Brisbane 81-86. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Salties. It was an exceptional evening for guard Gabriel Hadley (193-1998, college: UCSD) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 30 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. Sam McDaniel accounted for 20 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. The former international guard Sean Macdonald (185-2000) came up with a double-double by scoring 19 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists for Darwin S. in the defeat. Salties' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Brisbane Capitals have an impressive series of seven victories in a row. Brisbane C. maintains fourth place with 8-4 record, which they share with Hills H. Darwin S. at the other side keeps the second position with three games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
The game between Top Four teams took place in Park Holme. Third ranked host South Adelaide Panthers (10-3) smashed second-ranked Sturt Sabres (10-3) 87-68. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Sturt Sabres. The best player for the winners was Alexander Starling who scored 29 points and 8 rebounds. Patrick DArcy produced 21 points and 5 rebounds for the guests. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The victory was the fourth consecutive win for South Adelaide Panthers. S.Adelaide P. moved-up to second place, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated Sturt S.. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.

There were no shocking results in the rest of the games of round 35: Forestville E. destroyed Norwood F. on the opponent's court 116-64. N.Adelaide R. unfortunately lost to Woodville W. in a home game 66-70. Eastern M. was rolled over W.Adelaide B. on the road 85-126. Southern T. was defeated by C.District L. on its own court 96-102. Bankstown B. was smashed by Manly Warr. in Narrabeen 87-65. Penrith lost to Maitland at home 86-103. Sydney C. outscored Cent.Coast C. on the opponent's court 121-90. BA CoE rolled over Newcastle F. in a home game 104-84. Frankston B. defeated Melbourne T. on the road 86-77. Waverley F. was beaten by Ballarat M. on its own court 91-98. Mt.Gambier won against Diamond V.E. in Mt Gambier 96-81. Casey was outscored by Knox R. at home 68-110. Geraldton B. managed to beat Perry Lakes H. on the opponent's court 116-99.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 41 points (!!!) and 6 rebounds by Riley Miller of Southern T..

Group Central

Norwood F. - Forestville E. 64-116

Very expected game in Marden where 7th ranked Norwood Flames (5-8) were crushed by second ranked Forestville Eagles (11-2) 116-64 on Sunday. Forestville E. dominated down low during the game scoring 94 of its points in the paint compared to Norwood Flames's 38. Forestville E. forced 19 Norwood F. turnovers and outrebounded them 52-25 including a 20-7 advantage in offensive rebounds. Forestville E. looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists comparing to just 13 passes made by Norwood F.'s players. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Forestville E. made 7 blocks. The best player for the winners was the former international center Daniel Johnson (212-1988, college: Pepperdine) who scored 24 points and 6 rebounds (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field). Guard Uche Dibiamaka (193-1999, college: St.Edward's) chipped in 20 points and 5 rebounds. Five Forestville Eagles players scored in double figures. New Zealand forward Isaac Miller-Jose (203-1998, college: Manitoba) produced 9 points and 5 rebounds and New Zealand point guard Jack Stanwix (183-2000) added 7 points respectively for the hosts. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Forestville E. keeps a position of league leader. Loser Norwood Flames keeps the seventh place with eight games lost. They share the position with NGC Seahawks. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Norwood F.: I.Miller-Jose 9+5reb, J.Stanwix 7+4reb+1ast, R.Harrap 7+1reb+2ast, D.Webber 7+1reb+1ast, A.Dodson 7+2reb+1ast, J.Hemphill 7+3reb
Forestville E.: D.Johnson 24+6reb+3ast, U.Dibiamaka 20+5reb+3ast, G.Mays 20+8reb, S.Gould 15+8reb, F.Ipassou 10+5reb+1ast, A.Doyle 9+3reb+3ast

N.Adelaide R. - Woodville W. 66-70

Rather predictable result in Greenacres where sixth ranked Woodville Warriors (7-6) defeated 10th ranked North Adelaide Rockets (2-11) 70-66 on Sunday. Strangely N.Adelaide R. outrebounded Woodville W. 49-34 including a 19-6 advantage in offensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was American power forward Joe Jackson (201-1996, college: IU Southeast) who scored 9 points and 12 rebounds. His fellow American import guard Sharif Black (185-1996, college: Bemidji St.) chipped in 19 points. Forward Koop McCalop (-1994) produced a double-double by scoring 21 points and 18 rebounds and center Steven Parfitt (-2002) added 9 points and 15 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Woodville W. moved-up to fourth place, which they share with C.District L. and W.Adelaide B. N.Adelaide R. lost their fourth game in a row. They dropped to the ninth position with 11 games lost. They share it with Southern T.. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
N.Adelaide R.: K.McCalop 21+18reb, Y.Clay 14+6reb+3ast, D.McDonald 13+1reb+5ast, S.Parfitt 9+15reb+1ast, R.Crawford 7+3reb+2ast, M.Al Ani 2+1reb
Woodville W.: S.Black 19+2reb+2ast, N.Wurm 15+3reb, R.Meldrum 14+3reb+2ast, B.Janssan 9+2reb, J.Jackson 9+12reb+2ast, D.McGee 2+8reb

S.Adelaide P. - Sturt S. 87-68

The game between Top Four teams took place in Park Holme. Third ranked host South Adelaide Panthers (10-3) smashed second-ranked Sturt Sabres (10-3) 87-68. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Sturt Sabres. S.Adelaide P. dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to Sturt Sabres's 24. S.Adelaide P. forced 22 Sturt S. turnovers. The best player for the winners was American forward Alexander Starling (198-1989, college: BCU) who scored 29 points and 8 rebounds. His fellow American import guard Jeremy Smith (190-1991, college: Nicholls) chipped in 27 points and 6 assists. Forward Patrick DArcy (197-2006) produced 21 points and 5 rebounds and naturalized Italian forward Jacob Rigoni (198-1998, college: Quinnipiac) added 16 points and 6 rebounds respectively for the guests. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The victory was the fourth consecutive win for South Adelaide Panthers. S.Adelaide P. moved-up to second place, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated Sturt S.. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Sturt S.: P.D'Arcy 21+5reb+1ast, B.Griscti 16+8reb, J.Rigoni 16+6reb+3ast, J.Dyer 6+2reb+1ast, J.Forbes 4+3reb+4ast, D.Nash 2
S.Adelaide P.: A.Starling 29+8reb+2ast, J.Smith 27+6ast, T.Kubank 12+2reb+3ast, J.Hoppo 7+4reb+1ast, A.Barton 5+1reb, R.Martin 4+2reb

W.Adelaide B. - Eastern M. 126-85

Not a big story in a game in Woodville where 8th ranked Eastern Mavericks (4-9) were rolled over by fifth ranked Bearcats (7-6) 126-85 on Sunday. W.Adelaide B. outrebounded Eastern M. 52-35 including a 45-31 advantage in defensive rebounds. W.Adelaide B. looked well-organized offensively handing out 36 assists comparing to just 17 passes made by Eastern M.'s players. The best player for the winners was the former international swingman Anthony Drmic (198-1992, college: Boise St.) who scored 31 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists. Forward Fabijan Krslovic (203-1995, college: Montana) chipped in a double-double by scoring 21 points, 18 rebounds and 4 assists. Guard Owen Raneberg (-2003) produced 17 points and 5 rebounds and guard Fred Webb (-1999) added 13 points and 5 assists respectively for the guests. Both teams had four players each who 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. W.Adelaide B. moved-up to fourth place, which they share with C.District L. and Woodville W. Eastern M. lost their eighth game in a row. They keep the eighth position with nine 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:
Eastern M.: O.Raneberg 17+5reb+2ast, M.Mee 16+3reb+1ast, F.Webb 13+4reb+5ast, M.Nuangki 10+4reb+4ast, J.Rawls 9+3reb+2ast, B.Gilbert 9+5reb
W.Adelaide B.: A.Drmic 31+6reb+7ast, A.Gak 23+13reb+1ast, F.Krslovic 21+18reb+4ast, J.Spear 19+1reb, S.Stock 13+3reb+2ast, J.Heading 5+1reb

Southern T. - C.District L. 96-102

Everything went according to plan in Morphett Vale where fifth ranked Central District Lions (7-6) beat 9th ranked Noarlunga City Southern Tigers (2-11) 102-96 on Sunday. The best player for the winners was Magok Manyng who had a double-double by scoring 25 points and 11 rebounds. Guard Koen Sapwell (193-1999, college: CS Monterey) chipped in 27 points and 5 assists. Four Central District Lions players scored in double figures. Central District Lions' coach used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. American guard Riley Miller (190-2000, college: St.Thomas) produced 41 points (!!!) and 6 rebounds and forward Issac Abergut (201-1998, college: Shawnee St.) added 18 points and 6 rebounds respectively for the hosts. The victory was the fifth consecutive win for Central District Lions. C.District L. moved-up to fourth place, which they share with W.Adelaide B. and Woodville W. Southern T. lost their sixth game in a row. They keep the ninth position with 11 games lost. They share it with N.Adelaide R.. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Southern T.: R.Miller 41+6reb+1ast, I.Abergut 18+6reb, M.Diggins 11+5reb+5ast, J.Bulabek 8+9reb, H.White 7+5reb+4ast, E.Kristiansen 6+1reb+1ast
C.District L.: K.Sapwell 27+3reb+5ast, M.Manyng 25+11reb, M.Richards 20+8reb+3ast, B.Jenkins 15+5reb+3ast, C.Jewell 9+9reb, S.Bol 4+3reb

Group East

Manly Warr. - Bankstown B. 87-65

There was no surprise in Narrabeen where 9th ranked Bankstown Bruins (7-8) were outplayed by fifth ranked Manly Warringah Sea Eagles (10-3) 87-65 on Sunday. Manly Warr. forced 25 Bankstown B. turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The best player for the winners was American forward Matthew Eldridge (203-1996, college: Lindsey Wilson) who had a double-double by scoring 20 points and 14 rebounds. New Zealand point guard Mason Bragg (182-1993) chipped in a double-double by scoring 14 points, 6 rebounds, 11 assists and 4 steals. Eldridge is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top summer league for players who want to play basketball overseas. Four Manly Warringah Sea Eagles players scored in double figures. American forward Naaman Hightower (201-1994, college: Sonoma St.) produced 10 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists and Samoan-Lebanese guard Shareef Saipaia (-1999) added 16 points respectively for the guests. Bankstown Bruins' coach gave up on the game allowing to play twelve players seeing no chance for a win. The victory was the third consecutive win for Manly Warringah Sea Eagles. Manly Warr. moved-up to second place, which they share with 3 other teams. Bankstown B. lost their third game in a row. They dropped to the tenth position with eight games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Bankstown B.: S.Saipaia 16+3reb+2ast, C.Mcbeath 12+3reb+3ast, N.Hightower 10+7reb+4ast, G.Majak 9+6reb, H.Blankley 7+7reb+2ast, J.Lopez 4+1reb
Manly Warr.: J.Harper 20+1reb+3ast, M.Eldridge 20+14reb+3ast, M.Bragg 14+6reb+11ast, Z.Kimball 10+7reb+2ast, M.Evans 9+4reb+2ast, A.Pashley 6+1reb

Penrith P. - Maitland M. 86-103

No shocking result in a game in Penrith where second ranked Mustangs (13-1) won against 15th ranked Panthers (1-14) 103-86 on Sunday. Maitland outrebounded Penrith 45-28 including a 21-7 advantage in offensive rebounds. Maitland looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The best player for the winners was swingman Will Cranston-Lown (185-2000, college: Regis Univ.) who scored 27 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists and 4 steals. Forward Matt Gray (203-1999) chipped in 20 points and 9 rebounds. Guard Zeke Evans (190-2003) produced 24 points and 6 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) and swingman Joshua Kalwy (196-1999) added 11 points, 6 rebounds and 9 assists respectively for the hosts. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. The victory was the sixth consecutive win for Mustangs. Maitland maintains second place with 13-1 record behind leader Forestville E. Penrith lost their eleventh game in a row. They keep the fifteenth position with 14 games lost. They share it with Hornsby S.. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Penrith P.: Z.Evans 24+6reb+1ast, B.Kearins 17+4reb+5ast, J.Kalwy 11+6reb+9ast, B.Schwarzer 10+5reb, C.Fetui-Fa'amoe 8+1reb, R.Peterson 5+3reb+3ast
Maitland M.: W.Cranston-Lown 27+6reb+8ast, M.Gray 20+9reb, B.Parsons 15+8reb+3ast, W.Mortimore 11+6reb, C.Little 9+3reb+4ast, J.Hunter 8+5reb+1ast

Cent.Coast C. - Sydney C. 90-121

Rather expected game in Terrigal where 13th ranked Crusaders (3-12) were crushed by tenth ranked Sydney City Comets (7-7) 121-90 on Sunday. Sydney C. had a 38-25 advantage in offensive rebounds. They shot the lights out from three sinking 16 long-distance shots on high 51.6 percentage. The best player for the winners was guard Biwali Bayles (185-2002, college: Hawaii) who scored 44 points (!!!), 9 rebounds and 5 assists. Center Johnny Crnogorac (216-1995, college: UTRGV) chipped in 17 points and 5 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). Robert Heath (-1998) produced 31 points and 6 rebounds and Canadian forward Ben Stevens (207-1999, college: Laurier) added 23 points and 10 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Five Sydney C. and four Cent.Coast C. 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. Sydney C. moved-up to ninth place. Cent.Coast C. lost their tenth game in a row. They keep the thirteenth position with 12 games lost. They share it with Kilsyth C.. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Cent.Coast C.: R.Heath 31+6reb+2ast, B.Stevens 23+10reb+1ast, C.Nai 12+5reb, E.Wardlow 11+4reb+4ast, T.Akamarmoi 6+2reb+4ast, D.Tea 4+5reb
Sydney C.: B.Bayles 44+9reb+5ast, J.Crnogorac 17+5reb+2ast, C.Adup 14+3reb+1ast, M.Wacher 13+3reb+4ast, A.Mundine 12+4reb+2ast, B.White 7+5reb+1ast

BA CoE - Newcastle F. 104-84

Very predictable result in Canberra where third ranked Excellence (12-5) smashed 12th ranked Falcons (5-10) 104-84 on Sunday. BA CoE made 30-of-34 free shots (88.2 percent) during the game, while Newcastle F. only scored eight points from the stripe. They outrebounded Newcastle F. 35-22 including a 27-15 advantage in defensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was the former international guard Kye Savage (186-2005) who scored 38 points (!!!) (was perfect 13-for-13 from the free throw line !!!). New Zealand center Julius Halaifonua (214-2006) chipped in 15 points and 5 rebounds. Excellence's coach used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. Forward Myles Cherry (203-1998, college: Lafayette) produced 23 points (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) and American forward Leo OBoyle (201, college: Penn State) added 16 points respectively for the guests. Five BA CoE and four Newcastle F. players scored in double figures. BA CoE maintains third place with 12-5 record having just one point less than leader Forestville E. Loser Falcons keeps the twelfth position with ten games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Newcastle F.: M.Cherry 23+2reb+1ast, L.O'Boyle 16+4reb+1ast, K.Shannon 12+3reb+1ast, R.Beisty 10+4reb+4ast, J.Goodwin 8+3reb+9ast, J.Smith 7+1ast
BA CoE: K.Savage 38+3reb+2ast, J.Halaifonua 15+5reb+2ast, A.Nyuon 10+6reb, J.Furphy 10+4reb+1ast, A.Dickeson 10+1reb+7ast, E.Adair 6+5reb+1ast

Group North

Brisbane C. - Darwin S. 86-81

Very important is a road loss of second ranked Salties (10-3) against fourth ranked Brisbane Capitals (8-4) on Sunday night. Visiting Salties were defeated by Brisbane Capitals in a tough game in Brisbane 81-86. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Salties. It was an exceptional evening for guard Gabriel Hadley (193-1998, college: UCSD) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 30 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. The former international swingman Sam McDaniel (198-1995, college: ULM) accounted for 20 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists for the winning side. The former international guard Sean Macdonald (185-2000) came up with a double-double by scoring 19 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists and the former international swingman Makuach Maluach (200-1998, college: N.Mexico) added 21 points and 7 rebounds respectively for Darwin S. in the defeat. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Salties' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Brisbane Capitals have an impressive series of seven victories in a row. Brisbane C. maintains fourth place with 8-4 record, which they share with Hills H. Darwin S. at the other side keeps the second position with three games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Darwin S.: M.Maluach 21+7reb, S.Macdonald 19+10reb+8ast, W.Swaka 11+3reb+3ast, C.Maker 11+7reb+2ast, K.Noi 9+3reb+3ast, N.Jawai 4+1reb+1ast
Brisbane C.: G.Hadley 30+10reb+4ast, S.McDaniel 20+7reb+4ast, M.Johns 10+9reb+3ast, I.Tueta 10+3reb+2ast, C.Thew 9+4reb+1ast, G.Papacostas 4+2reb

Rockhampton R. - USC Rip 99-95

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of undefeated Rip City (1-1) in Rockhampton on Sunday night. Visitors were defeated by sixth ranked Rockets (6-5) 99-95. Rockhampton dominated down low during the game scoring 76 of its points in the paint compared to Rip City's 54. It was a great evening for American Xavier Ford (203-1993, college: Buffalo) who led his team to a victory scoring 28 points and 7 rebounds. His fellow American import forward Nighael Ceaser (203-2000, college: Texas St.) helped adding 22 points and 13 rebounds (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field). Guard Jamaal Robateau (196-1994, college: Gardner-Webb) responded with 26 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists and American guard Jeryn Lucas (196-1998, college: CWU) produced a double-double by scoring 17 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists. Four Rockhampton and five USC Rip players scored in double figures. Rockhampton moved-up to fifth place. 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:
USC Rip: J.Robateau 26+7reb+4ast, N.Kahler 24+8reb+3ast, J.Lucas 17+12reb+6ast, D.Robateau 12+3reb, K.McDowell-White 12+4reb+6ast, D.Dawam 4+3reb+2ast
Rockhampton R.: X.Ford 28+7reb+3ast, M.Maker 23+8reb+2ast, B.Tweedy 23+2reb+8ast, N.Ceaser 22+13reb+3ast, M.Kuhl 2+4reb, C.Goldfinch 1+1reb

Group South

Melbourne T. - Frankston B. 77-86

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 12th ranked Tigers' (7-9) home loss to eleventh ranked Frankston Blues (8-7) 77-86 on Sunday. Frankston B. made 19-of-25 free shots (76.0 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was forward Daniel Trist (206-1992, college: Lafayette) who had a double-double by scoring 22 points and 12 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Point guard Lucas Barker (183-1993, college: Indianapolis) chipped in 13 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Four Frankston Blues players scored in double figures. Forward Mason Gaze (198-2001, college: Lindenwood) produced 19 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists and center Jack Whitbourn (210-2006) added 20 points and 8 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Frankston B. moved-up to ninth place, which they share with Nunawading S. and Eltham W. Loser Tigers dropped to the eighth position with nine games lost. They share it with Warwick S. and Perry Lakes H.. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Melbourne T.: J.Whitbourn 20+8reb+3ast, M.Gaze 19+9reb+5ast, R.Simankevicius 16+4reb+1ast, T.Chehhal 9+3ast, J.Purchase 6+8reb+7ast, J.Hunter 3+3reb
Frankston B.: D.Trist 22+12reb+2ast, B.Newley 16+4reb, L.Barker 13+6reb+4ast, S.Chaffee 12+2reb+2ast, K.Philippe 8+3reb, L.Barker 7+1reb+3ast

Waverley F. - Ballarat M. 91-98

The game between closely ranked teams ended with fourth ranked Ballarat Miners' (11-4) road victory over 5th ranked Waverley Falcons (10-6) 98-91 on Sunday. Ballarat M. made 30-of-35 free shots (85.7 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was naturalized Sudanese power forward Majok Majok (210-1992, college: Ball St.) who had a double-double by scoring 29 points and 13 rebounds (on 12-of-15 shooting from the field). Guard Nicholas Stoddart (188-2000) chipped in 21 points. Four Ballarat Miners players scored in double figures. Guard Malik Meunier (185-1999) produced 25 points and 6 rebounds and naturalized American swingman Bennie Lewis (203-1987, college: Benedict) added 19 points and 8 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Ballarat M. moved-up to third place, which they share with Joondalup W. Loser Waverley Falcons dropped to the fourth position with six games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Waverley F.: M.Meunier 25+6reb+2ast, B.Lewis 19+8reb+3ast, M.McCarthy 11+5reb+8ast, D.Kernich-Drew 9+4ast, M.Harper 9+5reb+1ast, M.Forbes 7+2reb
Ballarat M.: M.Majok 29+13reb+1ast, N.Stoddart 21+3reb+3ast, L.Rosendale 15+5reb+3ast, Z.Dunmore 14+2reb+2ast, J.Lloyd 7+7reb+3ast, M.Puondak 6+3reb

Diamond V.E. - Mt.Gambier 81-96

There was no surprise in Greensborough where 17th ranked Diamond Valley Eagles (4-11) were defeated by second ranked Mount Gambier Pioneers (12-4) 96-81 on Sunday. Mt.Gambier dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Diamond Valley Eagles's 34. Mt.Gambier had a 19-8 advantage in offensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was international swingman Nick Marshall (196-1999, college: Clarke) who had a double-double by scoring 25 points and 14 rebounds. Forward Akech Aliir (200-2000) chipped in 18 points and 9 rebounds. Center Jock Perry (216-1997, college: UC Riverside) produced a double-double by scoring 19 points and 14 rebounds and forward BJ Symons (-1998) added 12 points and 9 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. The victory was the third consecutive win for Mount Gambier Pioneers. Mt.Gambier keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Sandringham S. Loser Diamond Valley Eagles keeps the seventeenth place with 11 games lost. Mt.Gambier will meet at home Hobart C. (#7) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Diamond V.E. will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Diamond V.E.: J.Perry 19+14reb+2ast, J.McIntosh 13+5reb+2ast, N.Manyang 12+3reb, B.Symons 12+9reb, M.Reynolds 10+4ast, N.Todd 8+4reb+1ast
Mt.Gambier: N.Marshall 25+14reb+1ast, A.Shelley 20+5reb+2ast, A.Aliir 18+9reb+2ast, C.Peevy 13+7reb+3ast, T.Robinson 9+6reb+1ast, D.Marshall 7+2reb+1ast

Casey C. - Knox R. 68-110

No shocking result in a game in Cranbourne where tenth ranked Knox Raiders (9-7) outleveled 19th ranked Cavaliers (2-14) 110-68 on Sunday. Knox R. made 28-of-32 free shots (87.5 percent) during the game, while Casey only scored nine points from the stripe. Knox R. forced 20 Casey turnovers and had a 27-13 advantage in offensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was naturalized South Sudanese forward Malith Machar (198-1999, college: Midland CC) who scored 27 points and 5 rebounds (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field). Forward Austin Rapp (206-2005) chipped in a double-double by scoring 14 points and 12 rebounds. Five Knox Raiders players scored in double figures. American forward Dillon Stith (201-1992, college: St.Vincent) produced 23 points and 7 rebounds and New Zealand guard Jarred Burnett (187) added 10 points respectively for the hosts. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Knox R. moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Goldfields G. and Rockingham F. Casey lost their eleventh game in a row. They keep the nineteenth position with 14 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Casey C.: D.Stith 23+7reb+3ast, A.Thoseby 10+2reb, J.Burnett 10+4reb+1ast, A.Karabatsos 7+3reb+2ast, B.Adjehi 6+6reb+1ast, N.Frost 5+5reb
Knox R.: M.Machar 27+5reb+1ast, K.Bowen 21+3reb, A.Rissetto 16+3reb, K.Feagin 14+1reb+4ast, A.Rapp 14+12reb+3ast, B.Nunn 11+5reb+7ast

Group West

Perry Lakes H. - Geraldton B. 99-116

Very expected game in Floreat where 8th ranked Hawks (7-9) were defeated by first ranked Buccaneers (15-1) 116-99 on Sunday. Geraldton B. dominated down low during the game scoring 68 of its points in the paint compared to Hawks's 44. Geraldton B. looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. The best player for the winners was guard Johny Narkle (198-2001) who had a double-double by scoring 34 points (!!!), 10 rebounds and 5 assists. American Joshua Braun (193-1994, college: GCU) chipped in 27 points and 7 rebounds. American Abrom DeQuan (188-1996, college: Belm.Abbey) produced 14 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) and the other American import forward Jaylen Key (203-1997, college: New Orleans) added 19 points respectively for the hosts. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. The victory was the eighth consecutive win for Buccaneers. Geraldton B. maintains first place with 15-1 record. Perry Lakes H. lost their third game in a row. They keep the eighth position with nine games lost. They share it with Melbourne T. and Warwick S.. Geraldton B. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Perry Lakes H. will play against Joondalup W. (#3) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Perry Lakes H.: J.Key 19+4reb+3ast, M.Leary 18+4reb+2ast, L.Phillips 14+4reb+4ast, A.De'Quan 14+6reb+7ast, C.Hamilton 8+5reb+2ast, K.O'Donohue 7+1reb
Geraldton B.: J.Narkle 34+10reb+5ast, J.Braun 27+7reb+3ast, J.Keyes 22+7reb+7ast, A.Ralph 12+2reb+2ast, N.DeSantis 9+1reb+5ast, L.Hunt 8+6reb+4ast