What is the Spartans x-factor in Finals?

Feature image via: Taylor Earnshaw 

After a slow start to the season, the Southern Districts Spartans have roared back into the NBL1 North Finals and are set to contend for the title once again. 

After making the Semi-Finals in 2022 and falling short in the Quarter-Finals last season, the Spartans have retooled and currently sitting fourth on the ladder. 

With the likes of Rockhampton, Townsville and Northside still ahead of them, the Spartans’ talented roster will have to elevate even further to conquer the conference. 

In an 88-73 home win over the Brisbane Capitals last weekend, Abby Cubillo provided the scoring punch off the bench – scoring 26 points in 28 minutes in her fourth game back from an ACL injury last year. 

Wearing the First Nations jersey she designed, Cubillo was even more motivated to get the win over her former club. 

“It’s really exciting to be a part of the design for the jersey,” she told Jon Guarna. 

“It was really special to me, this round definitely gives me a boost to play and I’m just really happy we got the win tonight.”

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In response to an admittedly poor defensive first half, Cubillo’s Spartans responded – stating their defence will be the x-factor going into finals. 

“We were a little bit complacent, and I think George (Robinson) didn’t have to say that, we knew that as a team,” she said. 

“Coming into finals, we want the highest finals spot as possible.” 

Defence has been the team’s calling card this season, ranking highly in defensive rating even when pitted against the best teams in the country. 

Cubillo explained if the team can maintain their pressure over the next few weeks, they could make a deep run into the conference finals. 

“I think defensively, the past couple of weeks we’ve been really disruptive,” she said. 

“Once we are in transition, we are pretty hard to stop.” 

In a “prove-it” double-header this weekend, the Spartans will go on the road and face the Cyclones on Friday night from 6:30pm AEST and then Mackay on Saturday at 6:30pm AEST. Watch both games live via NBL1.com.au or the NBL1 App.