NBL1 North Recap | Saturday Round 13

Mikaela Ruef put up 31 and 29 for Logan Thunder in the NBL1 North while Ariana Moorer had a stunning triple-double for the Gold Coast Rollers, and then Deng Riak and Chier Maker hit game winners in men's action as Jason Cadee had 18 assists as Gold Coast replaced Logan in top spot.

Saturday's Round 13 women's results saw the Gold Coast Rollers beat the Brisbane Capitals 82-78 while the Rockhampton Cyclones defeated the Mackay Meteorettes 82-68, the North Gold Coast Seahawks downed USC Rip City 61-58, and the Sunshine Coast Phoenix prevailed 87-71 against the South West Metro Pirates.

Logan Thunder also beat the Ipswich Force 83-69 with the Darwin Salties defeating the Northside Wizards 90-79, and the Townsville Flames won 97-75 against the Cairns Dolphins.

The men's matches saw Gold Coast beat Brisbane 114-94, Rockhampton defeat Mackay 69-68, Rip City down North Gold Coast 101-81, Sunshine Coast beat South West Metro 105-92, Ipswich win 93-79 against Logan, Darwin defeat Northside 94-92, and Cairns beat Townville 110-93.

WOMEN

Moorer's huge plays late delivers Rollers crucial win

With both teams trying to break into the top eight, it went on the line on Saturday night with the Gold Coast Rollers scoring a tight 82-78 victory against the Brisbane Capitals.

With the Rollers and Caps both attempting to bounce back from losses last week, they were in desperate need of a win as time is beginning to run out for them to break into the top eight.

That set the stage for a tantalising match up at Carrara Stadium and it didn't disappoint with never more than eight points separating the two teams for the entire contest.

Just as Brisbane had opened up an eight-point lead in the second quarter, Gold Coast responded with 10 consecutive points and scores were level at 41-41 by half-time.

The Caps again got out to an eight-point lead in the third term but Gold Coast responded with scores still all square at three quarter-time.

It was always going to come down to the last stages and it was Ariana Moorer who turned match winner for the Rollers. She made two free throws to put Gold Coast on top by two, then she picked the pocket of Courtney Middap.

She was fouled going to the rack on the back of that and then hit two more free-throws and it was enough to secure the crucial four-point win for Gold Coast.

Ariana Moorer not only had those big plays late, but delivered a massive triple-double across the whole game to end up with 31 points, 17 rebounds, 11 assists and six steals in a stunning performance.

Cate Reese added 22 points, four rebounds and two assists as well for the Rollers with Riley Evans contributing 13 points and five boards, and Carla Drennan six points, five rebounds and two steals.

Mia Loyd top-scored for Brisbane with 26 points, seven rebounds and seven assists on 10/14 shooting before being forced to leave the court through injury in the second half.

Steph Collins added 15 points and seven rebounds, and Courtney Middap eight points and six assists.

Ariana Moorer led Gold Coast with a monster triple-double:

3??1?? points 1??7?? rebounds & 1??1?? assists ?

Watch #NBL1North via https://t.co/NEk1I7kaV8 or the NBL1 App ? & ? pic.twitter.com/bJT5g6ZkFV

— NBL1 (@NBL1) June 24, 2023

Heard stars as Cyclones knock off Meteorettes 

Lauren Heard was outstanding once more for the Rockhampton Cyclones to lead her team to the 82-68 home win against the Mackay Meteorettes.

The Cyclones were back home at Bravus Arena after winning two of their three games on a triple-header road trip last weekend but they did need to keep winning to maintain their hold on a playoff position.

It was a tight game throughout the first half with Rockhampton leading by just two points at quarter-time and then only by three at the main break.

The Cyclones did open up a handy break in the third stanza, though, going on a 10-0 scoring run to lead by as much as 12 points. That lead got out to 14 by the final buzzer with Rockhampton getting the important win to improve to a 10-5 record.

The Meteorettes have lost nine in-a-row now to sit on a 2-13 record.

Lauren Heard was tremendous once more for Rockhampton with 23 points, five rebounds, five assists and five steals on 8/15 shooting from the floor and 7/9 from the free-throw line.

Lara McSpadden added 16 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and two steals, Elizajane Loader 17 points, three assists and three steals, and Sam Bowman 13 points, 13 rebounds and six assists.

Davida Dale top-scored for Mackay with 16 points, six assists, six steals and four rebounds with Denesha Bobongie adding 13 points and four boards, Brittany Reeves 10 points, 10 rebounds and three assists, and Phoebe Holmes 10 points, two boards and two assists.

Gandini sparks incredible Seahawks finish

The North Coast Seahawks produced a scintillating finish to pull one out of the fire to remain inside the NBL1 North's top eight beating USC Rip City 61-58.

The Seahawks have taken part in some remarkable finishes already this season and Saturday night would prove to be another even if neither team really set things alight over the first half in particular.

The two teams only combined for 16 points in the first quarter with scores 8-8 by quarter-time and then it was Rip City clinging to the 23-21 lead by the main break.

Both teams picked up the scoring pace in the second half and with 23 points to 22 in the third term, North Gold Coast cut that Rip City lead to a point at three quarter-time.

It was then Rip City who looked on track to wrap the win up when leading by five with four minutes on the clock when Steph Bairstow hit a jumper.

However, that sparked something within the Seahawks and they would go on to score the game's next 10 points in a remarkable turnaround that included free-throws from Emma Gandini, Erin Riley, Jadah Luki, Bride Kennedy-Hopoate and Lexie Held, and a layup to Gandini.

It was a remarkable turnaround and it secured the three-point win for the Seahawks to consolidate them inside the top eight with an 8-5 record. It was a tough loss to take for Rip City who are 3-11 as a result.

Not only was Gandini instrumental in the late heroics for North Gold Coast, she had a terrific all-round night with 24 points, 10 rebounds and two assists on 5/10 three-point shooting.

Lexie Held added 13 points, seven assists, six rebounds and three steals, and Bride Kennedy-Hopoate nine points and six boards.

Erin Riley also ended up with three points, 12 rebounds and six assists.

Megan Mullings ended the night with 15 points, nine rebounds and two blocks for Rip City with N'dea Flye adding 13 points, three boards, three assists and two steals, Steph Bairstow nine points, three rebounds and three steals, and Carlie Smith eight points, 14 boards, five assists and four steals.

Phoenix snap losing run with win over Pirates

The Sunshine Coast Phoenix produced their best performance of the NBL1 North season to beat the second place South West Metro Pirates 87-71 at home on Saturday night.

The Phoenix came into the game at Maroochydore Stadium in second last place and the Pirates in second spot, but with South West Metro missing Maddy Rocci and Lulu Twidale, there was a chance for the home team.

Sunshine Coast started strongly to lead by four at quarter-time before extending that advantage to as much as 13 in the second term, and to be up 46-35 at the main break.

The Phoenix then completed the job with 25 points to 16 in the fourth quarter to lead by as much as 17 points before winning by 16 for their second win of the campaign. 

It was always going to be tough for the Pirates without two of their top three scorers with Rocci with the Australian Opals for the FIBA Asia Cup and Twidale having now departed for college.

There was a lot to like in the performance from the Phoenix to snap their 10-game losing slide with Nicola Handreck leading the way with 19 points, six rebounds and two steals while hitting 4/8 from beyond the arc.

Kathleen MacLeod matched her with the 19 points to go with 11 assists, five rebounds and two steals while Alex Wittinger added 18 points, 12 boards and five assists, Kendell Heremaia 14 points, five rebounds and three assists, and Amy Browne 11 points and five boards.

Hannah Young put up 21 points and seven rebounds in the loss for South West Metro while Jade Kirisome added 16 points, nine assists, three rebounds and three steals, Leah Scott 13 points and eight boards, and Alana Fraser 10 points, four rebounds and two steals.

Ruef dominates as Logan keep on winning

The Logan Thunder continue to build some ominous momentum with Mikaela Ruef only one rebound short of a 30-30 game on Saturday night in her team's 83-69 victory against the Ipswich Force.

Logan came into the contest on a six-game winning streak ahead of hosting an Ipswich team all but out of playoff contention, and it didn’t take the Thunder long to stamp their authority.

Ipswich simply had no answer for the presence of Ruef and Logan raced to a 28-12 lead already by quarter-time.

The Logan lead got out to as much as 23 points in the second stanza, 30 in the third and it was only a big fourth quarter from Ipswich including 11 straight points that cut the final winning margin for the Thunder to 14.

The win is a seventh in-a-row for the Thunder to improve them to an 11-4 record on the season while Ipswich is now 4-11.

It was a remarkably dominant showing for Logan from Mikaela Ruef who ended up with 31 points, 29 rebounds, five assists and two steals on 12/24 shooting from the field, 3/7 from beyond the arc and 4/7 at the foul line.

Mikhaela Cann also had 15 points, eight assists and five rebounds, Ashley Taia eight points and two assists, and Chevannah Paalvast eight points, five boards and four assists.

Alison Gorrell ended up with 18 points, six rebounds and three assists for Ipswich, Maria Blazejewski 16 points, 10 boards, three assists and three steals, and Grace George 15 points, seven rebounds and two steals.

Salties hand Wizards second loss of season

The Darwin Salties overpowered the Northside Wizards on their home floor to strengthen their top four position and hand their opponents a second loss of the NBL1 North season.

It was a battle of first against fourth at Darwin Basketball Stadium on Saturday night and it was a contest that certainly didn’t let any expectations down.

Both teams had their opportunities with the lead in the opening half but it was the league-leading Wizards on top by two points at quarter-time and still by eight at half-time.

However, Darwin turned things back around after the break with 29 points to 20 in the third stanza, and then 25 to 15 in the fourth to claim the 11-point victory.

As a result, the Salties strengthen their hold on a top four position at 11-4 ending a two-game losing run while it's a second loss in three games for a Wizards team still on top at 13-2.

Ruby Porter starred in the win for the Salties with 23 points, four steals, three assists and two rebounds, Tsubasa Nisbet 16 points, nine boards and two assists, and Catherine MacGregor 16 points and six rebounds.

Chelsea Brook also had 14 points, 12 rebounds, three steals and two assists, and Sophie Johnston 10 points, three boards, two assists and two steals.

Courtney Woods still had a standout performance despite the loss for the Wizards with 34 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and four steals with 17/19 from the foul line while Nadeen Payne produced 28 points and seven boards on 11/18 shooting.

Flames soar to fourth straight win

The defending champion Townsville Flames continued their charge to the NBL1 North playoffs with a fourth straight win beating the Cairns Dolphins 97-75.

With Cairns clinging to a spot in the bottom part of the top eight and Townsville attempting to break in, there was plenty on the line between the northern Queensland rivals at Early Settler Stadium.

The Dolphins started well on their home floor to lead by 11 points early on but the Flames soon steadied and by quarter-time were leading 25-24.

Townsville then kept the momentum going in the second period by going on a 21-0 scoring run and that saw them open up a 20-point lead and to be in control 57-42 by half-time.

The Flames wouldn’t be headed from there with the lead growing to 21 points in the third stanza and 23 in the fourth before winning by 22.

The result means Townsville has won four straight to improve to a 9-7 record with Cairns slipping to 9-7 as well with the defeat.

Fresh off signing for the UC Capitals for the upcoming WNBL season, Alex Fowler starred in the win for Townsville with 31 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks on 13/21 shooting.

Indiah Bowyer added 24 points, six rebounds and three assists for the Flames, Majella Carey 14 points and seven boards, Shaylee Browning 11 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals, and Ainslie Minogue nine points, six assists and five boards.

Jennifer Coleman narrowly missed a triple-double for Cairns with 17 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists and three steals with Shaneice Swain contributing 16 points, nine boards and six assists, and Leichan Williams 15 points and six rebounds.

Taylor Mole also had 14 points and six rebounds, and Teyahna Bond 11 points and two boards.

MEN

Cadee leads Gold Coast to 12th straight win

Jason Cadee inspired the Gold Coast Rollers to a 12th consecutive victory by dishing out 18 assists in Saturday night's 114-94 win against the Brisbane Capitals.

The Rollers were back on their home floor at Carrara Stadium putting their winning streak on the line up against a Capitals team on their own five-match winning run to try and put themselves in the playoff mix after a slow start to 2023.

After the Caps led by five points early, Gold Coast soon took control and were leading 32-26 by the end of the opening period.

The Rollers then took charge further with Cadee leading the way in the second stanza with the lead growing to 19 points and they were up 59-44 by the long break.

Gold Coast's lead continued to grow after half-time with the Rollers' advantage out to 26 points and from there the reigning NBL1 North champions cruised to the 20-point victory. 

The result means that the Rollers have won 12 straight this season to improve to a 13-2 record while the winning run of the Caps comes to an end as they slip to 6-9 as a result.

Gold Coast captain Jason Cadee produced another spectacular performance finishing with 21 points, 18 assists, five rebounds and three steals with 13/14 shooting from the free-throw line.

Todd Blanchfield top-scored for the Rollers with 34 points, 10 rebounds, three blocks and two assists with Preston Le Gassick contributing 22 points, Cameron Thew 17 points and 12 boards, and Billy Rigby 15 points and 13 rebounds.

Lachie Dent delivered 18 points and four assists for the Capitals while shooting 4/8 from behind the three-point line. Malok Majak added 13 points and six rebounds, Nick Stoddart 12 points and three assists, and James Moors 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Jason Cadee was dropping DIMES tonight ?

The @Adelaide36ers star finished with 1??8?? assists in a monster double-double performance ?

Watch #NBL1North via https://t.co/NEk1I7kIKG or the NBL1 App ? & ? pic.twitter.com/E4k5XWZkWs

— NBL1 (@NBL1) June 24, 2023

Maker hits game winner as Rockets shock Meteors

The Rockhampton Rockets shocked the Mackay Meteors at Bravus Arena with Chier Maker hitting the game winner in a thrilling 69-68 victory on Saturday night.

Rockhampton was back home after their triple-header on the road last weekend looking for a second win of the NBL1 North season while Mackay couldn’t afford a slip up as they attempt to hold on to a playoff position.

The Meteors started well to lead by eight points at quarter-time but they then only managed to score seven points in the second term. Rockhampton put up 15 and that saw scores tied by half-time.

Things then remained tight right throughout the second half until ultimately Chier Maker hit the game winning shot when he got the ball into the paint, made the spinning fadeaway jumper opposed to Isaiah Lee, and it never looked missing.

There was still 2.3 seconds on the clock, but Rockhampton forced Mackay into a turnover on the inbounds pass and held firm for the one-point victory.

It's just a second win of the season for Rockhampton while it could be a critical loss for the Meteors who slip to 8-7 having now lost seven of their past 10 matches.

On top of hitting the game winning shot, Maker finished with 17 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals for the Rockets on 7/12 field goal shooting.

Jarvis Summers also had 16 points, three rebounds and two assists for Rockhampton, Malcolm Bernard 10 points, seven assists and six boards, Damian Prgomet nine points, eight rebounds and three assists, and Angus McWilliam four points and 14 boards.

Despite the loss, Isaac White continued his MVP calibre season for Mackay with another 26 points, seven rebounds, six assists and three steals.

Tyler Williams added 17 points and six rebounds, and Isaiah Lee eight points and four boards.

Chier Maker GAME WINNER ?

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— NBL1 (@NBL1) June 24, 2023

Noi's 42 lifts Rip City to win over Seahawks

Reigning NBL1 North MVP Kouat Noi produced a dominant 42-point showing on Saturday night to lead USC Rip City to a crucial 101-81 home win against the North Gold Coast Seahawks.

On the back of making last year's grand final with Noi their central figure, Rip City come into Round 13 outside a playoff position so Saturday night's clash at USC Sports Stadium was a must-win affair against the fifth placed Seahawks.

With Noi leading the charge from the outset, it didn’t take Rip City long to take control of the match up with a 15-point lead during the opening stanza.

The USC lead got out to as much as 25 points in the second quarter but North Gold Coast did make a run with 12 consecutive points in the third term to make a game of it.

Rip City continued to have all the answers, though, and the Seahawks had none for Noi with the home team pulling away again for the eventual 20-point triumph.

The victory improves Rip City to a 7-7 record on the season while the Seahawks remain vulnerable in the top eight at 7-6.

Kouat Noi produced a brilliant performance for Rip City made up of 42 points, seven rebounds and two assists while shooting 13/18 from the field, 7/7 from beyond the arc and 9/11 from the free-throw line.

Brandon Wood contributed 19 points and five rebounds for Rip City with 3/6 three-point shooting while Verle Williams had 14 points, eight assists, four rebounds, four steals and three blocks, and Matt Kenyon six points, nine boards, three assists, two steals and a block.

Josh Duach produced 17 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals for North Gold Coast, Kody Stattmann 17 points, seven boards and two assists, Biwali Bayles 17 points, seven rebounds and six assists, and Aiden Krause 16 points, four boards and two steals.

Kouat Noi went OFF ??

The Sydney Kings star dropped 4??2?? points in RIP City's win.

Watch #NBL1North via https://t.co/NEk1I7kIKG or the NBL1 App ? & ? pic.twitter.com/2GhFr4t5vN

— NBL1 (@NBL1) June 24, 2023

Phoenix keep season alive with win over Pirates

The Sunshine Coast Phoenix kept their playoff hopes alive in the NBL1 North by beating the South West Metro Pirates 105-92 at home on Saturday night.

With the Phoenix needing a win to stay in top eight contention and the Pirates trying to hold onto fourth place, there was plenty on the line for the contest at Maroochydore Stadium.

Sunshine Coast raced out to a 10-point lead to start the game but South West Metro responded and were just two points behind by the end of one.

The Pirates completed a 13-0 run in the second term to grab the lead but by the half-time interval it was the Phoenix clinging to a 52-50 advantage.

Sunshine Coast then pulled away throughout the second half with 28 points to 20 in the third term before the lead got out to as much as 14 points and the home team would win by 13.

The victory improves the Phoenix to a 7-7 record on the season while the Pirates slip to 9-7 to be vulnerable in fourth position.

Jamaal Robateau ended the evening with 23 points, seven assists and six rebounds for Sunshine Coast on 8/14 shooting from the floor and 7/9 at the charity stripe.

Jonathan Janssen added 23 points, seven rebounds and five assists, Max Kerle 15 points with 3/5 from downtown, Kiran Shastri 13 points, three rebounds, three steals and two assists, Nelson Kahler 13 points, six assists and four boards, and Mason Bragg 10 points, seven assists and five rebounds.

Kai Woodfall delivered 24 points, six rebounds and four assists despite the loss for the Pirates with Lamar Patterson contributing 17 points and four boards, Ben Volkman 15 points and 13 rebounds, Brendan Teys 14 points, four boards, four assists and two steals.

Zac Carter also ended up with 10 points and 15 rebounds.

Ipswich hit back to knock Logan off top spot

The Ipswich Force shook off being rocked by Ky Stattmann's 52 points last Sunday by ending the winning streak of the Logan Thunder with a 93-79 road victory.

Ipswich suffered a fourth loss of the season thanks to the brilliance of Stattmann last Sunday as they suffered another significant challenge on Saturday night against the league-leading Logan at Bendigo Bank Cornubia Park Sports Centre.

Logan put its 12-game winning streak on the line but Ipswich arrived with a point to prove and were able to open up an early nine-point lead before still being up 27-23 by the end of one.

Ipswich would never surrender the lead the rest of the night with the advantage growing to 12 points in the second period, 22 in the third and 24 in the fourth before the Force secured the 14-point win away from home.

With the win, Ipswich improves to an 11-4 record to consolidate a top four spot while Logan conceded top spot to the Gold Coast Rollers with the end of a 12-game winning streak to now sit second at 13-2.

Nathan Sobey led the Force to the win with 23 points, five steals, three rebounds and two assists while Deng Deng contributed 20 points and 11 boards, and Jaylin Galloway 19 points, six rebounds, five assists and four steals.

Kyrin Galloway also added 14 points and five rebounds, and Matt Hodgson five points to go with 12 boards.

Majok Deng had another impressive showing for Logan despite the loss with 19 points and 17 rebounds with Boston Mazlin adding 19 points and four boards, Shaun Bruce 15 points, nine assists and seven rebounds, and Tom Howard 10 points.

Deng Deng puts it in reverse ??

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— NBL1 (@NBL1) June 24, 2023

Deng Riak with game winner for Salties over Wizards

Precious little separated the Darwin and Northside coming into Saturday night's clash and they played like it with Deng Riak hitting the game winner for the Salties in the eventual 94-92 victory.

Coming into Saturday night's match at Darwin Basketball Stadium, both teams were locked on identical 7-7 records with the Salties eighth and Wizards ninth.

That set the stage for a crucial battle as they jostle over a playoff position with the biggest margin being the 11 points that Darwin managed to lead by during the second quarter.

However, by half-time Northside had closed Darwin's lead to 53-46 and then the Wizards took charge for a period of the third term to lead by six, and to still be up seven during the fourth stanza.

However, Sean Macdonald hit an important three soon after for Darwin, Deba George scored going to the basket before Kyle Zunic hit a steadying three-point for the Wizards to put them up seven with 4:30 to play.

Jerron Jamerson cut it to four again with a three-pointer of his own and after four points from Viliami Foketi for Darwin tied scores up, the big shots kept on coming.

Makuach Maluach put the Salties on top with 40 seconds to play before Cameron Healy responded for the Wizards with a three-pointer to give the visitors the one-point lead.

The response from Deng Riak would prove the game winning basket, though, and Darwin went on to score the two-point win to leapfrog Northside into the top eight as a result.

Jerron Jamerson ended the night with 29 points and 11 rebounds for the Salties on the back of shooting 12/17 from the field, 2/2 from downtown and 3/6 at the foul line.

Makuach Maluach added 20 points and five boards, Sean Macdonald 13 points, seven assists, six rebounds and two steals, and Viliami Foketi 10 points, three boards and three assists. 

Despite the defeat, Andrew White III produced 24 points and 10 rebounds for the Wizards with Cameron Healy contributing 23 points, six rebounds and three assists, Kyle Zunic 19 points, seven assists and six rebounds, and Lual Diing 10 points and 11 boards.

Makuach Maluach with the thunderous DUNK ?

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— NBL1 (@NBL1) June 24, 2023

Stattmann shines again in Cairns victory

Ky Stattmann continued his blistering NBL1 North form with another 30 points to lead the Cairns Marlins to the 110-93 home win against the Townsville Heat.

Stattmann was in unstoppable form last Sunday putting up 52 points in the win against the Ipswich Force, and he kept that going on Saturday night at Early Settler Stadium.

The Marlins were playing host to the Heat and looking to consolidate their top eight position, but it was Townsville leading by a point at quarter-time.

However, Cairns turned the tide in the second stanza with 35 points to 24 to turn into half-time leading 56-46.

The Marlins then secured the victory with 32 points to 23 in the final period to end up winning by 17 and improving to a 9-7 record to remain solid in the top eight. Townsville is now 3-13 having lost 12 in-a-row.

Ky Stattmann was the star once again for the Marlins by putting up 30 points, four rebounds and two assists while shooting 10/21 from the floor, 4/10 from downtown, and 6/8 at the foul line.

Tad Dufelmeier also had 26 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and four steals, Curt Ah Wang 15 points on 5/7 three-point shooting, and Jonah Antonio 12 points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks.

Max Norton top-scored for Townsville with 16 points and six rebounds with Michael Cedar contributing 15 points, eight boards, seven assists and two steals, and Luca Yates 14 points and 13 rebounds.

Ethan Betts also had 13 points, three assists and two rebounds, and Kane Runnalls 13 points, nine boards and two assists.