NBL1 East Recap | Round 16 Sunday

There were four games in the NBL1 East on Sunday, check out how the two games went below: 

Women: 

Sutherland (98) def Maitland Mustangs (55)

The Sutherland Sharks remain a difficult squad to beat as they took down the Mustangs in a big win on Sunday afternoon. 

While Lauren Nicholson was spectacular as always with 14 points, 11 assists, five rebounds and five steals, it was Madeleine Norris who stole the show with 25 points, five rebounds and four assists in the win. 

The Mustangs couldn’t get the game within their reach, only scoring 16 points going into half-time against the Sharks 54 points. Maitland did put up a better effort in the second half with 39 points but it was already too late. 

Norths Bears (71) def by Newcastle Falcons (77)

The Falcons on the road beat the Bears by six in the close clash in an NBL1 East finals preview. The second-placed Bears could not beat the fourth-placed Falcons with Nicole Munger’s electric weekend taking place against them. 

On Saturday she had 53 points and against the Bears, she added to her Round 16 tally with 25 points. Emily Foy also added 17 points and six rebounds. North’s star Riley Evans was uncharacteristically quiet, she averages close to 20 points per game but only managed to get 11 points in the game. 

Neither team will be able to get to the first seed in the East but both teams are very much in the running for the second spot to avoid the Bandits. 

Men: 

Sutherland Sharks (80) def Inner West Bulls (65)

This contest between the sixth and seventh-placed teams in the NBL1 East conference saw the now sixth-placed Sutherland Shark as victors. 

The first three-quarters were a tough battle as the Sharks led the low-scoring affair 50-46. However, the Sharks stormed home scoring 30 points in the final term to come away with the win.

Chier Maker attempted to will his Bulls to a win with his 20 points, 10 rebounds, and four steals but the Sharks had answers. Archer Woodhill clearly stood out as the player of the match with his 29 points, 12 rebounds, and three steals. He was accompanied by Jordan Mitchell who went on his way to finish his weekend with 17 points, five rebounds, and two steals.

Norths Bears (76) def Newcastle Falcons (69)

The Norths Bears came away with the win against the Falcons at home in a Sunday clash. Patrick Sanders-McClain led the way with 21 points as the Bears remain a very tough team to beat. 

Newcastle couldn’t get the win despite Ryan Beisty’s 19 points, 14 rebounds and five assists as the Bears now sit comfortably second in the NBL1 East ladder. However, Newcastle could fall almost anywhere between third and 11th, and the battle to make the top will be a challenge in the final rounds.

Feature image via:  James O'Donohue Photography