It was a big weekend for our HoopCity NBL1 teams as they battled it out on Friday and Saturday as the mid-point of the season passes by. Check out how both teams went in their efforts to consolidate a top-four spot on the ladder.
HOOPCITY NBL1 WOMEN
Our NBL1 Women started off their weekend with a game in front of their home crowd at the Geelong Arena against Country rivals, the Bendigo Braves. In their last match-up, the Supercats were unable to capitalise on their steady lead throughout the game coming away 5-point losers in round 2. In their round 10 match-up on Friday however, it was all Bendigo as Tess Magden lit the scoreboard up for 37 points as she led the Braves to a 22-point win over Geelong. Jumping out to a 13-point lead at the quarter-time break, the Supercats struggled to find the bottom of the net as Madgen scored 18 points to outpace Geelong all by herself. It was much the same through the rest of the game with the Supercats pulling the deficit within reach at three-quarter time, trailing by just 8, however, the experienced Braves were just too strong as they pushed a 9-23 final term to take the 22 points win. Sara Blicavs led the way for Geelong with 20 points and 11 rebounds while Sarah Elsworthy backed her up with 13.
Saturday night the team travelled to the water’s edge as they faced off against Sandringham on their home court. A close first quarter saw the scores tied up 21 a piece before an outstanding defensive run, in which the Supercats held the Sabres to just 2 points for well over half the quarter, saw Geelong take a 13-point lead into the half. Slipping slightly in the third term, the margin was reduced to single digits behind some hot Sabres shooting. With an 8-point buffer and some full-court pressure applied, the Women were able to crush any chance of a comeback on their way to the 87-72 win, with Taylah Simmons particularly on fire in the final 10 minutes, seemingly getting to the key whenever she wanted. Sarah Elsworthy led the way in this one, grabbing a team-high 23 points to go with 6 rebounds and 3 assists, while Simmons’ 18/9 and Blicavs’ 15/6/4 helped secure the critical win.
The team will be back on home court this Saturday as we take on the Waverley Falcons in what will be a massive night of Basketball. Not only will we be hosting First Nations round, round 11 coincides with two big milestones, as we celebrate Alex Duck’s 300th SEABL/NBL1 game and Sara Blicavs 100th game with Geelong! Tickets are available here, for what will be a very special night of Basketball!
TOP PERFORMERS
Sara Blicavs 20 points 11 rebounds 3 assists
Sarah Elsworthy 23 points 6 rebounds 3 assists
Taylah Simmons 18 points 9 rebounds
HOOPCITY NBL1 MEN
Our NBL1 Men have suffered through a tough weekend of NBL1 Basketball as they faced two quality opponents in Bendigo and Sandringham. Starting their double header off at home on Friday night, the Men were tasked with taking down the Braves in front of a packed Geelong Arena. A tough first quarter saw the game somewhat mimic our NBL1 Women, as the Supercats were pounced on early, finding themselves in a 14-point hole. The following two quarters saw the Men find themselves in more trouble, as Bendigo was hitting from everywhere, while the Supercats couldn’t find the bottom of the net. A 21-point deficit heading into the final 10 was just too much for the home team, while they did manage to outscore the Braves 21-8 in the final quarter, there just wasn’t enough time left on the clock to mount a comeback. Isaac Turner led the team with 16 points, while Owen Odigie’s 15/9 was second-best on the night.
Following a tough night at the Arena, the team travelled to Sandringham to face the Sabres, in a matchup with former Supercat, Shea Ili. In a closely fought first half, the Men found themselves down 6, after a hot start by NBL wing Dion Prewster. Clawing back the deficit to 4 with 10 minutes to play, it seemed like anyone’s game. Gabe Hadley and Isaac Turner tried their best to lift the team to a victory, however, it was not meant to be as the Sabres big guns pulled out a 24-16 final quarter to run away 12-point winners. Despite the loss, Gabe Hadley had himself a game posting 28 points and 6 rebounds, while Isaac Turner contributed well with 15. Owen Odigie backed his night up with another impressive game with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
The Men will look to regroup before their Saturday night clash at the Geelong Arena in what will be another great opportunity to grab an important win against the Waverley Falcons. Tickets are available HERE for what will be a fantastic night as we celebrate First Nations round!
TOP PERFORMERS
Gabe Hadley 28 points 6 rebounds
Isaac Turner 16 points 2 rebounds 2 assists
Owen Odigie 15 points 9 rebounds
