NBL1 CENTRAL Round 1 Recap: Saturday

Round 1 of NBL1 Central got underway with a couple of Lightning performances straight from the WNBL, some highlight's above the rim, a Wild West showdown to remember and the Grand Final MVP helping his Panthers celebrate their championship banner. 

Here are the results from Saturday's games:

Lightning Mansfield lights up Rockets for first up win

The Adelaide Lightning’s Lauren Mansfield made her return to her home state league with an electric near triple double of 24 points, nine rebounds and eight assists in her North Adelaide Rockets win over the Central District Lions 63-80. 

She hit four of seven beyond the arc to lead all scorers with the Lions Jaedyn De La Cerda with 20 points, seven rebounds and eight assists combining with Imani Guy for 25 points and eight rebounds to keep their side competitive.   

 

Tiger comeback shutdown by flying Eagles

The Eagles may have just won but Mollie McKendrick with a double double of 26 points, 12 rebounds and six assists helped lead a 15 point last quarter comeback that fell just short as the Forestville Eagles downed them 58-64 at the Tiger Cage.   

Stepney steps up for Warriors

The star-studded West Adelaide Bearcats were red hot favourites despite the Warriors coming off the final in 2022 - but import for the Warriors Jawan Stepney turned it on for the visiting side to the Bearcat Cave with a double double of 23 points, 10 assists and six assists as his Warriors beat the homeside 88-93.

Adelaide 36ers Anthony Drmic had 24 points, nine rebounds and six assists and Mitch McCarron had a double double of 16 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists in their Bearcat debuts.     

Starling’s night as Panthers unveil Championship banner

Last year’s champions unveiled their banner and then reminded everyone who the grand final MVP was as Alex Starling monstered the Eastern Mavericks for 36 points, 21 rebounds and five assists in their 94-79 win.

South #Adelaide unfurled their 2022 #NBL1Central championship banner & celebrated with a 94-79 win over @EasternMavs

Alex Starling was key for @SouthAdelaideBC with 36pts + 21 rebounds ? @NBL1 pic.twitter.com/4V2mLPkNB2

— NBL1 CENTRAL (@Nbl1Central) March 25, 2023