NBL1 CENTRAL Round 7 Recap: Saturday

Round 7 of NBL1 Central streaks continue and records remain intact despite some potentials for upset on the cards prior to the evening…

Here are the results from Saturday's games:

Lions give Bearcats scare in near boilover

They were one and ten on the ladder in 2022 but nothing could be further than the case tonight as the Lions gave last year’s champions a big scare 69-62 at the Bearcat Cave in Port Adelaide. Adelaide Lightning’s Jasmin Fejo managed to stave off the hungry Lions with 24 points, eight assists and four rebounds – the Lions were led by Jaedyn De La Cerda with 15 points, eight rebounds and six assists, Tiahna Sears with a 14 point and 12 rebound double double and Imani Guy with 14 points and seven rebounds.   

Jorjah on our mind fires Flames to cook Eagles

A WBBL (That’s Womens British Basketball League) recruit lit up in the absence of Ally Wilson on 3x3 duties in Jorjah Smith with a scorching 25 points including five triples, five assists and four rebounds as her Flames cooked the Eagles 59-72 at the Nest in Wayville. Adelaide Lightning’s Rachel Hines returned from injury to keep the Eagles in it with 17 points and 14 rebounds.

Tigers streak continues over Panthers with eight straight

The Southern Tigers continued their unbeaten streak against the South Adelaide Panthers with their eighth win in a row against their rivals 62-79 at the Jungle in Mitchell Park. The Tigers did it by committee with Mariah Martin marching back into form with 16 points, eight rebounds and four assists and whilst Mollie McKendrick accumulated 13 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two blocks – Margot Hall once again cameoed for 10 points and four rebounds to hurt the Panthers yet again. Ash Spencer dropped 18 for the Panthers in response to go with six rebounds.       

Rios rocks Flames in second half onslaught

A year off from basketball in 2022 has done nothing to contain the shot making ability of Jake Rios as he came off the pine to pour in 30 points with six triples and five rebounds in the Eagles seventh win of the season 96-59 at the Nest. Adam Doyle added 14 points, eight assists and five rebounds – for the Flames Collin Smith was the best in a tough night for most with 12 points and eight rebounds.    

Forestville makes it 7 wins from 8 games to remain on top of the #NBL1 Central Men’s Division with a 96-59 victory over Norwood ? pic.twitter.com/qOVQnof34X

— NBL1 CENTRAL (@Nbl1Central) May 6, 2023

Riley rampant in Rockets run

North Adelaide Rockets Riley Harrap showed his range as he ran off 32 points with five triples, ten rebounds, four assists and three steals to help close out the 102-89 win over the Eastern Mavericks at the Launch Pad at Lights. Akech Aliir also collected a massive block and setup Donoven Carlise for a dunk - monstering his way to 20 points and 17 rebounds, Koop McCalop also wrecked revenge on his old side with 17 points and 13 rebounds.

The Mavs Kristian Ciabattoni backed up his 38 points in reserves on Tuesday with 23 points off the pine (including this heave on the final buzzer) and along with import Jack Hemphill (20 points and 10 rebounds) kept them in the game.

Second half Sabres sensational in third consecutive win

The Sturt Sabres won their third game in a row after a second half turnaround of 68-44 as they beat the Woodville Warriors 89-84 at the Cave in Springbank. New Adelaide 36ers signing Keanu Rasmussen dropped 11 in the second half to finish with 16 points, six rebounds, five assists and two big blocks but it was captain Jack Turnbull down the stretch dropping 14 in the second half with four triples to lead the Sabres home. Devon McGee once again for the Warriors came off the pine for a 17 point and 11 rebound double double.