Sunshine Coast open NBL1 North Men season with dominant win

Sunshine Coast Phoenix put in a dominant performance to open the NBL1 North Men’s Rivalry Round with a 98-56 win over USC Rip City at USC Stadium on Thursday night.

Sunshine Coast centre Nelson Kahler scored a game high 28 points and 12 rebounds to help Phoenix outscore Rip City 52-26 in the paint.

Phoenix guards Darnell Robateau (24 points) and Jamaal Robateau (18 ponts) helped Phoenix get off to a good start and not once surrender the lead since taking it in the opening minute.

Rip City guard Isaih Tueta top scored for USC with 17 points but the team only shot an overall 32.4% from the field (23 from 71 attempts) so that others did not trouble the scorer's table too much.

Phoenix outscored Rip City 16-2 from turnovers despite Sunshine Coast only forcing two more turnovers (18-16).