It was a big double header weekend in round 11, as our NBL1 teams hit the court on both Saturday and Sunday. Hosting First Nations Round on Saturday night, the Geelong Arena was absolutely pumping as both our teams put on a show for Alex Duck’s 300th game. It was then off to Kilsyth to take on the Cobras as both teams look to maintain themselves in the top half of the standings.
HOOPCITY NBL1 MEN
It was a mighty comeback on Saturday night as the HoopCity NBL1 men clawed their way back from 17 down to snatch a win with a roaring 4th quarter performance. A 30-point first quarter saw the men take a 5-point lead behind some hot shooting from the starting Unit. The second quarter was one to forget quickly, however, as the Supercats let their lead slip finding themselves in a 12-point hole heading into halftime, with some work to do the team set about their business and chipped away at the lead training by just 5 heading into the 4th. With some tight defence and timely shots, the final two minutes of action saw the Supercats dismantle the Falcons to come home, 8-point winners. Clutch shots by Gabe Hadley and Matthew Johns all but sealed the win, with the Falcons misfiring too many times in the clutch. DeMarcus Gatlin (Wildcats) showed why he is the former league MVP as he posted a triple-double and then some, finishing with 18 points 15 rebounds and 10 assists.
The team was back on court less than 16 hours later as they looked to take on the Cobras in Kilsyth. A strong showing in the first half saw Geelong take an early 5-point lead behind Isaac Turner’s hot shooting performance. However, as halftime hit the Supercats found themselves with a 1-point lead and not much momentum. The Cobras came out strong in the 3rd scoring the Supercats off the flood 26-11 to create more than enough of a lead to finish the game 13-point victors. Turner’s 29 points was best for the day with Gabe Hadley (Lara) posting 15 points and 8 rebounds to aid in the scoring column.
The team will regroup before another important matchup with the Dandenong Rangers in Dandenong, looking to regain some of Saturday night’s momentum.
TOP PERFORMERS
DeMarcus Gatlin 18 points 15 rebounds 10 assists // 12 points 6 assists 5 rebounds
Gabe Hadley 21 points 4 rebounds 5 assists // 15 points 8 rebounds 3 assists
Owen Odigie 16 points 10 rebounds // 12 points 9 rebounds 2 steals
Isaac Turner 29 points
HOOPCITY NBL1 WOMEN
Our NBL1 Women have come away with 2 very important wins on their season to maintain their presence in the top 4 of the league. Saturday night we celebrated Alex Duck’s 300th NBL1/SEABL game and the Women didn’t disappoint, pulling off a 19-point win to ensure the celebration was warranted! A close first half saw Geelong only hold a 3 point lead but the superstar pairing of Aimie Rocci and Sara Blicavs ensured that there was not upset on the night as they dominated the second half, outscoring the Falcons by 16. Blicavs, in her 100th game for the club, was on fire pouring in 38 points to go with 10 rebounds and 5 assists, while Aimie Rocci gave the Falcons 25 points and 9 assists in her return.
The team then hit the road looking to sweep their weekend against the Cobras in Kilsyth. Jumping out to a quick 17-point lead, the Women never looked back as they dismantled the Cobras in the remaining 3 quarters to run away 22-point winners. It was once again Aimie Rocci and Sara Blicavs who led the way for the starters posting 17 and 15 points respectively, while Eve Braslis (Pivot City) impressed off the Bench pouring in 17 points and 7 rebounds.
With 15 games played the Women now sit equal 4th as the top of the South ladder begins to tighten. The team will travel to Dandenong as they look to take another win against the 3 and 12 Rangers.
TOP PERFORMERS
Sara Blicavs 38 points 10 rebounds 5 assists // 15 points 9 rebounds
Aimie Rocci 25 points 9 rebounds // 17 points 2 rebounds
Eve Braslis 17 points 7 rebounds.
Taylah Simmons 17 points 5 rebounds
Both teams will return to the Geelong Arena in a fortnight’s time as they look to take on the Hobart Chargers, tickets are available here.
