A GABE Hadley-inspired Hoop City Geelong United Supercats have climbed into the NBL1 South top-eight for the first time in 2023 after conquering the Tasmania road double.
Hadley averaged 26 points for the weekend, including a game-high 32 on Saturday night, as United took down reigning national champions Hobart and fellow playoff aspirants North West Tasmania.
After a slow start against the Chargers on Friday night, United locked in defensively, holding the home team to just 43 points over the final three quarters to claim a 79-64 victory.
Hadley’s 22 points were complemented by 20 from George Blagojevic, who also hauled in 18 rebounds, 15 from Nick Velasquez and 14 from captain DeMarcus Gatlin.
Guard Liam Herbert also provided plenty of energy off the bench, finishing with seven points, five rebounds and three steals.
Geelong United’s ball-handling was elite, committing just nine turnovers against the Chargers.
The win was dampened somewhat by an ankle injury to Blagojevic, who sat out the meeting with the Thunder.
NBL1 WOMEN | TOP-FOUR IN SIGHT FOR UNITED
Despite his absence, Geelong had no issues finding scoring options, with Hadley, who leads the NBL1 South conference in scoring, the standout.
His 32 points came at 50 per cent from the field.
Velasquez enjoyed the extra responsibility and played arguably his best game in a United singlet, contributing 23 points, which included seven three-pointers.
Gatlin was his usual productive self, finishing with 21 points, eight rebounds, five assists and five steals.
United now sits seventh on the ladder ahead of a crucial matchup with fifth-placed Nunawading Spectres at Geelong Arena on Saturday night.
Tickets for Hoop City Round are now available at https://bit.ly/3JspNN5
