NBL One Round 39 (Regular Season): Cairns M. defeats leader Mackay

The games at this stage are more interesting as they can be crucial for the final standings in Regular Season. Despite we already know who is stronger and who is weaker, there may be still last minute surprises and upsets. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most surprising game was a loss of top-ranked Mackay Meteors (13-2) on the court of seventh ranked Cairns Marlins on Friday night. Visitors were edged by Cairns Marlins 87-85. Cairns M. made 19-of-24 free shots (79.2 percent) during the game. It was a good game for guard Kody Stattmann (202-2000, college: Virginia) who led his team to a victory with 33 points (!!!), 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Guard Ky Stattmann (193-2003, college: Daytona St.) contributed with 29 points for the winners. Guard Isaac White (188-1998, college: CBU) answered with 19 points and 5 assists for Mackay. Mackay Meteors' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Cairns M. (7-7) moved-up to sixth place. Mackay at the other side still keeps top position with two games lost. Cairns M. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Mackay will play on the road against the league's second-placed Darwin S. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Important game to mention about took place in Gold Coast. Eighth ranked Rollers (7-8) saved a 2-point victory at home edging 7th ranked Rockets (7-8) 92-90 in the game for the sixth place. It was a great evening for American point guard Preston Le Gassick (182-2003, college: Chowan) who led his team to a victory scoring 30 points and 5 assists. Reed Nottage helped adding 22 points and 6 rebounds. The best for the losing side was American forward Nighael Ceaser (203-2000, college: Texas St.) with a double-double by scoring 30 points and 10 rebounds. Gold Coast R. moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Rockhampton and Norwood F. Gold Coast R. will play against USC Rip (#15) in Sippy Downs in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Rockhampton will play on the road against NGC Seahawks (#12) in Runaway Bay and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Very important is a home loss of second ranked Sabres (13-5) against tenth ranked Eltham Wildcats (10-8) on Friday night. Host Sabres were defeated by Eltham Wildcats in a tough game in Cheltenham 85-90. It ended at the same time the ten-game winning streak of Sabres. It was an exceptional evening for Owen Foxwell who led the winners and scored 15 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists. Tanner Krebs came up with 28 points and 8 rebounds (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line) for Sandringham S. in the defeat. Eltham W. moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Bankstown B. Loser Sabres keeps the second position with five games lost. Eltham W. will meet Bendigo (#14) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Sandringham S. will have a break next round.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 39: Hills H. was smashed by Sydney C. on the road 113-94. SD Spartans won against Townsville H. on its own court 99-89. Bendigo managed to outperform Melbourne T. in a road game 91-73. Geelong U. managed to beat Casey at home 88-77. Kilsyth C. was crushed by Hobart C. on the opponent's court 86-65. NW Tasmania beat Diamond V.E. in a home game 93-78. Kalamunda ES destroyed East Perth E. on the road 101-80. Mandurah managed to outperform Lakeside L. on its own court 110-97. Willetton T. recorded a loss to SW Slammers in Bunbury 105-98.
The most impressive performance of 39th round was 35 points (!!!), 7 rebounds and 7 assists by Biwali Bayles of Sydney C..



Sydney C. - Hills H. 113-94

The game between closely ranked teams ended with eighth ranked Sydney City Comets' (10-7) home victory over 9th ranked Hills Hornets (8-8) in Alexandria 113-94 on Wednesday. Sydney C. dominated down low during the game scoring 66 of its points in the paint compared to Hills Hornets's 40. Sydney C. outrebounded Hills H. 44-31 including 31 on the defensive glass. It was an exceptional evening for guard Biwali Bayles (185-2002, college: Hawaii) who led the winners and scored 35 points (!!!), 7 rebounds and 7 assists. Center Christian Aukuso (201-2005) accounted for 17 points and 9 rebounds for the winning side. Liam Moss (-1998) came up with 23 points and 4 blocks and Saxon Orsini added 18 points respectively for Hills H. in the defeat. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Sydney City Comets have an impressive series of five victories in a row. Sydney C. moved-up to seventh place. Hills H. lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the ninth position with eight games lost. They share it with Norths B.. Sydney C. will meet Hornsby S. (#15) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Hills H. will play against Newcastle F. (#12) in Broadmeadow and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Sydney C.: B.Bayles 35+7reb+7ast, O.Kyei 18+7reb+2ast, C.Aukuso 17+9reb+2ast, C.Adup 16+1reb, J.Crnogorac 9+9reb, A.Mundine 8+2reb+1ast
Hills H.: L.Moss 23+4reb+3ast, S.Orsini 18+4reb+1ast, J.Munro 15+3reb+1ast, I.Sanders 14+5reb+2ast, C.Bryant 10+2reb, J.Patmore 6+3reb+1ast

Group North

Gold Coast R. - Rockhampton R. 92-90

Important game to mention about took place in Gold Coast. Eighth ranked Rollers (7-8) saved a 2-point victory at home edging 7th ranked Rockets (7-8) 92-90 in the game for the sixth place. Gold Coast R. forced 19 Rockhampton turnovers. Strangely Rockhampton outrebounded Gold Coast R. 45-31 including 30 on the defensive glass. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 23 assists. It was a great evening for American point guard Preston Le Gassick (182-2003, college: Chowan) who led his team to a victory scoring 30 points and 5 assists. Naturalized Cypriot guard Reed Nottage (198, college: CBU) helped adding 22 points and 6 rebounds. The best for the losing side was American forward Nighael Ceaser (203-2000, college: Texas St.) with a double-double by scoring 30 points and 10 rebounds and guard Benjamin Tweedy (188-2005) produced a double-double by scoring 22 points and 15 assists. Five Gold Coast R. and four Rockhampton players scored in double figures. Gold Coast R. moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Rockhampton and Norwood F. Gold Coast R. will play against USC Rip (#15) in Sippy Downs in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Rockhampton will play on the road against NGC Seahawks (#12) in Runaway Bay and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Gold Coast R.: P.Le Gassick 30+4reb+5ast, R.Nottage 22+6reb+1ast, J.Cadee 15+2reb+5ast, D.Titus 14+5reb, B.Mazlin 10+4reb+6ast, J.Eustace 1+3reb+6ast
Rockhampton R.: N.Ceaser 30+10reb+2ast, B.Tweedy 22+4reb+15ast, M.Maker 16+17reb+1ast, C.Goldfinch 13+3reb, S.Biernacki 4+2reb+3ast, H.Richardson 3+5reb+1ast

Cairns M. - Mackay M. 87-85

The most surprising game was a loss of top-ranked Mackay Meteors (13-2) on the court of seventh ranked Cairns Marlins on Friday night. Visitors were edged by Cairns Marlins 87-85. Cairns M. made 19-of-24 free shots (79.2 percent) during the game. It was a good game for guard Kody Stattmann (202-2000, college: Virginia) who led his team to a victory with 33 points (!!!), 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Guard Ky Stattmann (193-2003, college: Daytona St.) contributed with 29 points for the winners. Guard Isaac White (188-1998, college: CBU) answered with 19 points and 5 assists and guard Aiden Krause (193-2000, college: UC Irvine) added 12 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) in the effort for Mackay. Four Mackay players scored in double figures. Mackay Meteors' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Cairns M. (7-7) moved-up to sixth place. Mackay at the other side still keeps top position with two games lost. Cairns M. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Mackay will play on the road against the league's second-placed Darwin S. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Cairns M.: K.Stattmann 33+7reb+6ast, K.Stattmann 29+2reb, K.Dennis 10+6reb+4ast, J.Kunen 8+12reb+2ast, A.Mudronja 3+3reb, D.Crowe 2+1reb
Mackay M.: I.White 19+4reb+5ast, A.Krause 12+5reb+4ast, E.Malou 12+4reb, T.Blanchfield 10+8reb, L.Yates 9+6reb, E.Naar 8+2reb+5ast

SD Spartans - Townsville H. 99-89

Very expected game when 14th ranked Townsville Heat (4-11) lost on the road to fifth ranked Brisbane Spartans (8-6) 99-89 on Friday. SD Spartans looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. It was an exceptional evening for forward Jarred Bairstow (201-1992, college: UCO) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 15 points, 15 rebounds and 5 assists. The former international guard Mitch Norton (184-1993) accounted for 23 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists for the winning side. Four Brisbane Spartans players scored in double figures. Guard Ethan Betts (188-1998, college: Umpqua CC) came up with 19 points and 7 assists and forward Kyle Leslie (201, college: SE Oklahoma) added 18 points and 8 rebounds respectively for Townsville H. in the defeat. SD Spartans maintains fifth place with 8-6 record. Loser Townsville Heat keeps the fourteenth position with 11 games lost. SD Spartans will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Townsville H. will play against Brisbane C. (#4) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
SD Spartans: M.Norton 23+6reb+5ast, J.Kendle 22+2reb+7ast, J.Bairstow 15+15reb+5ast, M.Honeyman 13+4reb+3ast, C.Shervill 9+7reb, A.Ugrinic 6
Townsville H.: E.Betts 19+4reb+7ast, K.Leslie 18+8reb+3ast, C.Kann 10+2reb, R.Peachey 10+4reb+2ast, M.Cedar 8+12reb+5ast, H.Pennisi 8+4reb+1ast

Group South

Melbourne T. - Bendigo B. 73-91

The game between closely ranked teams ended with fourteenth ranked Bendigo Braves' (7-12) road victory over 15th ranked Tigers (7-12) in Melbourne 91-73 on Friday. Bendigo looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. It was an exceptional evening for guard Rowan Mackenzie (190-1999, college: LCU) who led the winners and scored 24 points and 7 rebounds. Center Billy Smythe (-2002) accounted for 21 points and 8 rebounds for the winning side. Five Bendigo Braves players scored in double figures. Forward Jack Purchase (203-1995, college: Hawaii) came up with 19 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists and forward Mason Gaze (198-2001, college: Lindenwood) added 16 points and 9 rebounds respectively for Melbourne T. in the defeat. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Bendigo moved-up to ninth place, which they share with Melbourne T. and Perry Lakes H. Melbourne T. lost fifth consecutive game. Bendigo will meet at home Eltham W. (#10) in the next round. Melbourne T. will play against Ballarat M. in Wendouree and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Bendigo B.: R.Mackenzie 24+7reb+2ast, B.Smythe 21+8reb+1ast, A.Robinson 15+4reb+3ast, K.Bar 13+6reb, M.Clarke 13+5reb+8ast, I.Murphy 5+6reb+3ast
Melbourne T.: J.Purchase 19+5reb+8ast, M.Gaze 16+9reb+3ast, T.Wilson 13+7reb+4ast, T.Chehhal 8+2reb, C.Barker 8+6reb+1ast, F.Von Hofe 7+1reb

Geelong U. - Casey C. 88-77

Not a big story in a game when 19th ranked Cavaliers (3-16) lost to twelfth ranked United (9-9) in Geelong 77-88 on Friday. Geelong U. dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to Cavaliers's 34. Geelong U. outrebounded Casey 36-25 including 25 on the defensive glass. It was an exceptional evening for forward George Blagojevic (203-1997, college: Hartford) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 36 points (!!!) and 10 rebounds. American guard Demarcus Gatlin (193-1992, college: SHSU, agency: IceBasket) accounted for 13 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists for the winning side. American-Kenyan forward Preston Bungei (198-1995, college: Norfolk St.) came up with 21 points and 7 rebounds and American forward Dillon Stith (201-1992, college: St.Vincent) added 23 points respectively for Casey in the defeat. United have a solid series of four victories in a row. Geelong U. moved-up to eleventh place. Loser Cavaliers keeps the nineteenth position with 16 games lost. Geelong U. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Casey will play against Frankston B. (#5) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Geelong U.: G.Blagojevic 36+10reb+2ast, L.Herbert 15+2reb+1ast, D.Gatlin 13+9reb+5ast, D.O'Will 8+3reb+1ast, O.Odigie 6+4reb+2ast, M.Hicks 4+4reb+2ast
Casey C.: D.Stith 23+4reb+3ast, P.Bungei 21+7reb+3ast, A.Thoseby 16+3reb, B.Adjehi 7+4reb+1ast, J.Burnett 2+1reb+1ast, H.Marks 2

Hobart C. - Kilsyth C. 86-65

Everything went according to plan when ninth ranked Chargers (11-8) outplayed 18th ranked Kilsyth Cobras (5-13) in Hobart 86-65 on Friday. Hobart C. dominated down low during the game scoring 62 of its points in the paint compared to Kilsyth Cobras's 28. It was an exceptional evening for German center Ole Angerstein (208-1995) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 15 rebounds. Forward Jacob Richards (200-2001) accounted for 15 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists for the winning side. Five Chargers players scored in double figures. Swingman Corey Jeffs (203-1994, college: Winona St.) came up with 17 points and 6 rebounds and center Timothy Lang (206-1985, college: Stetson) added 13 points respectively for Kilsyth C. in the defeat. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Hobart C. moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Goldfields G. and Knox R. Loser Kilsyth Cobras dropped to the seventeenth position with 13 games lost. They share it with Diamond V.E.. Hobart C. will meet at home Diamond V.E. (#17) in the next round which should be another easy win for them. Kilsyth C. will play against NW Tasmania in Ulverstone and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Hobart C.: V.Daniels 18+3reb+5ast, O.Angerstein 18+15reb+1ast, J.Richards 15+7reb+4ast, T.Brown 11+2ast, C.Steindl 10+1reb+1ast, J.Chilcott 5+3reb
Kilsyth C.: C.Jeffs 17+6reb+2ast, T.Lang 13+4reb+3ast, B.Ursich 9+1reb+1ast, A.Tomada 9+2reb, N.Feller 7+10reb, D.Riak 3+5reb

Sandringham S. - Eltham W. 85-90

Very important is a home loss of second ranked Sabres (13-5) against tenth ranked Eltham Wildcats (10-8) on Friday night. Host Sabres were defeated by Eltham Wildcats in a tough game in Cheltenham 85-90. It ended at the same time the ten-game winning streak of Sabres. Eltham W. dominated down low during the game scoring 68 of its points in the paint compared to Sabres's 36. It was an exceptional evening for guard Owen Foxwell (188-2003) who led the winners and scored 15 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists. The former international guard Angus Glover (192-1998) accounted for 18 points and 6 rebounds for the winning side. The former international guard Tanner Krebs (198-1996, college: SMC) came up with 28 points and 8 rebounds (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line) and Joel Foxwell added 16 points and 5 rebounds respectively for Sandringham S. in the defeat. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Eltham W. moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Bankstown B. Loser Sabres keeps the second position with five games lost. Eltham W. will meet Bendigo (#14) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Sandringham S. will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Eltham W.: J.Sykes 19+5reb, Z.Cunningham 19+6reb, A.Glover 18+6reb+3ast, O.Foxwell 15+7reb+7ast, R.Bissainthe 7+7reb, O.Magbegor 5+1reb
Sandringham S.: T.Krebs 28+8reb, J.Foxwell 16+5reb+3ast, C.Blogg 13+3reb+5ast, C.Asuncion-Byrd 11+3reb, T.Koppens 7+6reb+1ast, D.Barlow 5+6reb

NW Tasmania - Diamond V.E. 93-78

There was no surprise when 17th ranked Diamond Valley Eagles (5-13) lost to thirteenth ranked NW Tasmania Thunder (8-11) in Ulverstone 78-93 on Friday. NW Tasmania forced 20 Diamond V.E. turnovers. It was an exceptional evening for American forward Sekou Sylla (195-2000, college: Towson) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 28 points and 14 rebounds. His fellow American import guard Seth Swalve (180-1997, college: UAH) accounted for 15 points and 7 assists for the winning side. Swalve is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Center Jock Perry (216-1997, college: UC Riverside) came up with 17 points and 9 rebounds and guard Erik Kafritsas (195-2002) added 15 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists respectively for Diamond V.E. in the defeat. Four Diamond V.E. players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. NW Tasmania maintains thirteenth place with 8-11 record. Loser Diamond Valley Eagles keeps the seventeenth position with 13 games lost. They share it with Kilsyth C.. NW Tasmania will meet at home Kilsyth C. (#18) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Diamond V.E. will play against Hobart C. and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
NW Tasmania: S.Sylla 28+14reb+2ast, T.Armstrong 23+2reb, S.Swalve 15+3reb+7ast, I.Atuer 8, A.Woodhill 7+5reb+4ast, B.Woolley 5+2reb+1ast
Diamond V.E.: J.Perry 17+9reb+1ast, E.Kafritsas 15+6reb+4ast, N.Manyang 14+4reb+1ast, B.Symons 10+6reb, J.Mackenzie 6+3reb, N.Todd 6+1reb

Group West

East Perth E. - Kalamunda ES 80-101

There was a surprise result when tenth ranked Suns (6-13) crushed 4th placed Eagles (11-7) in Morley 101-80 on Friday. Kalamunda ES shot 61.7 percent from the field and made 18-of-20 free shots (90.0 percent) during the game. Kalamunda ES forced 26 East Perth E. turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. It was an exceptional evening for American forward Marek Nelson (201-1999, college: Nicholls, agency: Elevate Sports Alliance) who led the winners and scored 32 points and 4 assists. British forward Raphell Thomas-Edwards (198-1993, college: Gannon) accounted for 20 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists for the winning side. Nelson is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. The former international forward David Okwera (208-2002) came up with 7 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists and American center Lukas Milner (208-2000, college: Boise St., agency: One Motive Sports) added 17 points and 6 rebounds respectively for East Perth E. in the defeat. Four East Perth E. 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. Kalamunda ES maintains tenth place with 6-13 record. Loser Eagles dropped to the fifth position with seven games lost. They share it with 4 other teams. Kalamunda ES will meet at home higher ranked Mandurah (#4) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. East Perth E. will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Kalamunda ES: M.Nelson 32+3reb+4ast, R.Thomas-Edwards 20+6reb+4ast, R.Maxwell 15+5reb+7ast, J.Exeter 9+3ast, J.Stoker 8+1reb, R.Huntington 8+2reb+2ast
East Perth E.: L.Milner 17+6reb, T.Young 14+2reb+6ast, L.Roberts 14+3reb+1ast, S.Reath 10+4reb+1ast, E.Pawson 9+1reb+2ast, D.Okwera 7+9reb+8ast

Mandurah M. - Lakeside L. 110-97

Very expected game when 11th ranked Lightning (5-12) lost to fifth ranked Magic (12-7) in Mandurah 97-110 on Friday. Mandurah made 24-of-28 free shots (85.7 percent) during the game. Strangely Lakeside L. outrebounded Mandurah 47-29 including a 30-19 advantage in defensive rebounds. It was an exceptional evening for American point guard Joel Murray (183-1999, college: LBSU, agency: Slash Sports) who led the winners and scored 52 points (!!!), 8 assists and 5 steals. Guard Lachlan Bertram (183-2001) accounted for 19 points and 6 rebounds for the winning side. American forward Marshawn Blackmon (196-1997, college: Newman) came up with 31 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists and American-Nigerian guard Mike Adewunmi (196-1999, college: UTRGV) added 21 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists respectively for Lakeside L. in the defeat. Four Lakeside L. players scored in double figures. Lightning's coach tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Mandurah moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Dandenong R. Lakeside L. lost third consecutive game. They keep the eleventh position with 12 games lost. Mandurah will meet Kalamunda ES (#10) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Lakeside L. will play against the league's leader Geraldton B. and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Mandurah M.: J.Murray 52+2reb+8ast, J.Pesava 20+3reb+2ast, L.Bertram 19+6reb+3ast, D.Collins 7+4reb, J.Malie 6+6reb+1ast, C.Easley 6+6reb+2ast
Lakeside L.: M.Blackmon 31+8reb+7ast, M.Adewunmi 21+5reb+5ast, D.Jackson 13+3reb+1ast, J.Davey 10+18reb+1ast, M.Richards 9+7reb, M.Garbellini 6+3reb+1ast

SW Slammers - Willetton T. 105-98

There was a surprise result when twelfth ranked Slammers (5-14) won against second-best Tigers (14-4) in Bunbury 105-98 on Friday. SW Slammers dominated down low during the game scoring 72 of its points in the paint compared to Tigers's 50. It was an exceptional evening for American swingman Buay Tuach (198-1995, college: LMU, agency: Haylett Sports) who led the winners and scored 24 points and 7 rebounds. Point guard Pharell Keats (179-2005) accounted for 21 points and 7 assists (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) for the winning side. American guard Michael Dupree (185, college: Northwest) came up with 26 points and guard Marshall Nelson (184-1994, college: Wayland Baptist, agency: BIG) added 17 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists respectively for Willetton T. in the defeat. Four SW Slammers and five Willetton T. players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. SW Slammers maintains twelfth place with 5-14 record. Loser Tigers keeps the second position with four games lost. SW Slammers will meet higher ranked Perry Lakes H. (#9) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Willetton T. will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
SW Slammers: B.Tuach 24+7reb+2ast, P.Keats 21+2reb+7ast, D.Craig 18+1ast, A.Holcombe 16+12reb, M.Muo 12+5reb+2ast, M.Wugol 9+7reb+3ast
Willetton T.: M.Dupree 26+3reb+1ast, M.Nelson 17+7reb+4ast, M.Vigor 14+7reb+4ast, R.Williams 13+2reb+2ast, D.Scott 11+6reb+5ast, D.Gak 10+9reb+1ast