The NBL1 South 2023 Finals are finally here, and basketball fans across the state are gearing up for an action-packed weekend.
Week 1 of the finals will showcase four exciting matchups, featuring some of the top teams and players from the NBL1 South 2023 regular season.
Let's take a closer look at each game and the key storylines heading into the playoffs.
Elimination Final: Nunawading Spectres vs. Diamond Valley Eagles
Day and Time: Saturday, 7:00 pm
Venue: Nunawading Basketball Stadium
In the first game of the finals, the Nunawading Spectres will clash with the Diamond Valley Eagles in an intense battle for survival. The Spectres finished the regular season in 6th place, while the Eagles secured the 7th spot on the ladder. These two teams met earlier in the season, with Nunawading securing a convincing victory. However, in a knockout game, anything can happen.
Nunawading's Will Carius has been a standout performer for his team, averaging 21.3 points per game. With his scoring ability and leadership, Carius will look to guide the Spectres to a playoff victory, supported by Jalen Gibbs, Josh Tomasi and Kingsley Box.
On the other side, the Diamond Valley Eagles boast a talented roster led by Ngor Manyang and BJ Symons, both averaging double-digit points this season. But the Spectres can't forget about import Mandrell Worthy either.
Can the Spectres repeat their regular-season success against the Eagles and advance further in the playoffs?
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Qualifying Final: Knox Raiders vs. Sandringham Sabres
Day and Time: Saturday, 8:00 pm
Venue: State Basketball Centre
In a battle between the top-seeded Knox Raiders and the 4th-placed Sandringham Sabres, this qualifying final promises to be a thrilling contest. The Raiders have been the team to beat all season, finishing at the summit of the ladder. They are led by the dynamic duo of Ke'Jhan Feagin and Wayne Stewart, who have been instrumental in their team's success.
Feagin, averaging 18.9 points and 5.4 assists per game, has consistently provided scoring and playmaking for the Raiders. Stewart, known for his rebounding prowess, snatches 7.8 boards per game. Plus they have the support both ends of the court from Mason Peatling and the defencive impact of Deng Acouth's length in the paint.
The Sabres, on the other hand, will rely on the scoring prowess of Ben Ayer, who ranks 5th in the league with 21.4 points per game, and NBL talents Dane Pineau and Campbell Blogg.
The Raiders and Sabres have already met this season, with the Raiders emerging victorious in a hard-fought battle. Will the Sabres seek revenge and cause an upset, or can the Raiders maintain their dominance and march one step closer to the championship?
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Qualifying Final: Frankston Blues vs. Mount Gambier Pioneers (Game of the Week)
Day and Time: Saturday, 8:00 pm
Venue: Dreamstreet Lending Arena
The marquee matchup of Week 1 features the Frankston Blues taking on the Mount Gambier Pioneers. Both teams have had successful campaigns, with the Blues finishing in 2nd place and the Pioneers claiming the 3rd spot. This clash of titans is undoubtedly the game to watch this week.
Frankston's Brad Newley and Daniel Trist have been the driving forces behind their team's success this season. Newley, a seasoned veteran, averages 17.6 points per game, while Trist leads the team with 20 points per game. The Blues also boast the league's assist leader, Lucas Barker, who facilitates the offense with 6.6 assists per game. Igor Hadziomeovic will no doubt play a key defencive role.
The Pioneers, led by their captain Kane DeWit, will rely heavily on the scoring prowess of Nick Marshall and Jacob Lampkin. Marshall averages 22 points per game, while Lampkin provides a strong inside presence with 11.3 rebounds per game.
Can the Blues overcome the tough challenge posed by the Pioneers, or will Mount Gambier advance to the next round?
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Elimination Final: Eltham Wildcats vs. Waverley Falcons
Day and Time: Saturday, 8:00 pm
Venue: Montmorency Secondary College
The final game of Week 1 features the Eltham Wildcats hosting the Waverley Falcons in an elimination final showdown. Their previous meeting saw the Wildcats edge out the Falcons in a high-scoring affair.
Eltham's Angus Glover has been a standout performer, averaging 19 points per game. Alongside him, Owen Foxwell and Callum Dalton have provided consistent scoring and playmaking for the Wildcats. Fans should also look forward to what Josh Sykes brings playing above the rim.
The Falcons, on the other hand, will look to Dillon Stith and AJ Harris to lead them to victory. Stith, averaging 22.1 points per game, is a formidable offensive threat. But Wildcat's will also be weary pf Dexter Kernich-Drew who is a veteran scorer, and Tristan Forsyth's size in the paint.
With both teams possessing talented rosters and hungry for a playoff win, this game could come down to the wire. Can the Wildcats replicate their regular-season success against the Falcons, or will Waverley stage an upset and advance to the next round?
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE / WATCH THE LIVESTREAM
As the Coles Express NBL1 South 2023 Finals kick off, the stage is set for an exhilarating weekend of basketball. With each team showcasing their strengths and star players, fans can expect intense battles and captivating storylines. Who will emerge victorious in Week 1 of the playoffs? The journey to the NBL1 South Finals begin now!
