Day 3 - Match Reports

Men Game 34

QLD North 46 lost to WA Country 68

The first half saw these well matched teams go point for point but coming out of the half time break is where WAC took a much sought after lead. Controlling their offence they were able to find basket with patience and ball movement and making full use of their penetration game.

The WA guards were disciplined in their use of the ball and this was demonstrated in their base line offence heading into the third quarter break making full use of their 14 seconds, resulting in a missed shot but second effort rebound by WAC Cameron Bell to make a fade away rebound to get them a 12 point lead into the final break.

Qld struggled against the changing defences of WAC while at the other end the zone was not probing to be much of challenge for this Capable WAC side.

Statistical Leaders

I.Richardson                      5 Points 7 Rebounds 5 Assists (QLD)

J. Matysek                         6 Points 5 Rebounds (QLD)

C. Bell                               20 Points 9 Rebounds 2 Assists (WAC)

M. Germs                           22 Points 9 Rebounds (WAC)

 

Women Game 35

Northern Territory 63 lost to SA Metro 82

NT came out and took SA Metro by surprise. With an athletic and aggressive defence NT were able to keep in the game forcing SA Metro to take uncontrolled shots, having to make multiple attempts for any inside scoring options.

NT then used this pressure to run the floor hard and secure baskets by making full use of their penetration game and kept pace with SA Metro. The NT girls came out of half time well in the game and peeled back the margin to just two points proving that the game is just as much about passion and belief as it is skill and structure.

SA Metro were struggling to get a good lead with every effort to score coming from hard work, with NT forcing bad decisions which resulted in good transition for the Territory girls. Lucky for SA Metro their transition Defence didn't allow NT to make the most of these options.

NT Felisha Swan was constantly applying the pressure in defence and causing a head ache for the SA Metro girls, however with the ball finally sinking for SA Metro in their half-court offence, they were able to take a ten point lead into the final quarter.

NT were keeping pace until a Danielle Ponter was struck down with an injury stopping play seeing her leave the court, and this was enough for the SA Metro girls to take a leap and run away with the game, but not without having to work for it.

Statistical Leaders

F. Swan                          21 Points 7 Rebounds 4 Assists 2 Steals (NT)

D. Ponter                        14 Points 5 Rebounds (NT)

Z. Walker-Roberts           17 Points 8 Rebounds 2 Steals (SAM)

S. Simons                       14 Rebounds 8 Rebounds (SAM)

 

Men Game 36

Tasmania 69 lost to Australian Capital Territory 81

A well matched game from the outset with size and skill. Going point for point early both teams ran more of a half-court offence than using transition. Coming out of half time ACT started to break west with Tasmanian pressure costing early fouls and giving up exterior scoring options to the ACT boys, and where Tasmania tried to cover the outside the ACT boys looked to N.Thornton inside whose counter moves in the paint secured good scoring points of delivered the fouls to get to the charity strip.

Tasmania tried gallantly to run some half-court offence and landed a few body crunching screens but didn't secure the ball to get good scoring looks inside. ACT led most of the game and in spite of the equal dedication, ACT were rewarded with the win.

Statistical Leaders

B. Boag                                 15 Points 3 Rebounds 5 Assists (TAS)

L. Boucher                           11 Points 9 Rebounds 2 Assists (TAS)

W. Cooper                          15 Points 4 Rebounds 3 Steals 3 Assists (ACT)

G. Morison                         11 Points 14 Rebounds (ACT)

 

Women Game 37

QLD North 41 lost to VIC Metro 84

VIC Metro are looking to be the usual dominating force for the championship and the score line in the first half of this game would suggest they are on track. 

Making full use of their assets the bigs were effective under the basket in both ends and QLD were undersized in comparison.  This wasn’t a deterrent for the QLD team who kept taking it to the VICs but couldn't match the refined skills of VIC Metro.  

Defence proved to be the key in stopping QLD in their half court as the shot clock was reduced to single digits on multiple occasions for QLD, who were forced to play a passing game against a quick responding zone of VIC Metro, at the least demonstrating their value of possession.  At the other end, QLD defence was throwing everything to stem the scoring of the VIC Metro team but there was little that could be done to reduce the effect of the four bigs but particularly Magbegor with another 13 rebounds and 7 blocks.

With a 30 point lead by half time, courage and determination was a key factor to play out the end of the game for Queensland and they didn't disappoint, while not shrinking the margin they kept their scoring up to keep the margin under 50.

Statistical Leaders

C. McCaskill                        10 Points and 8 Rebounds (QLD)

M. Carey                              8 Points and 4 Rebounds (QLD)

K. Rowe                               14 Points, 4 Rebounds 3 & Assists (VIM)

E. Fisher                               12 Points, 5 Rebounds & 3 Assists (VIM)               

 

Women Game 38

ACT 55 defeated SA Country 52

Unfortunately when you are held scoreless for the first seven minutes of a game it's very difficult to win. That was the case for the SA Country girls today.
SA Country allowed ACT to get quite a lead before they were able to land any real scoring options, and it seems they were well scouted by the ACT team.   The first half was very much on ACT terms with outstanding rebounding efforts of Bourne and Schweizer at both ends of the floor.

ACT didn't slow down but could have thought the half time margin of 18 points would have been made them safe given the flow of the game.
But it became one hell of a last quarter. ACT had controlled the game for the first 35 mins were fighting to keep the win when SA Country found something for the last five minutes.  Despite the game breaking into a one point margin in the last minute, SA Country didn't convert two sideline opportunities as well as charity line scoring earlier in the game and this saw ACT walk away with a much welcome win as it could be the difference of who finishes top of the pool this week.

Statistical Leaders

C. Bourne                            7 Points 15 Rebounds 3 Assists 4 Steals (ACT)

R. Schweizer                      10 Points 12 Rebounds 3 Assists (ACT)

B.McKay                              14 points, 19 rebounds and 4 assists (SAC)

S.Paech                                13 points and 8 rebounds (SAC)

 

MEN Game 39

SA Metro 78 defeated QLD South 57

South Australia started out strong as both teams were determined to have the ball in their possession. The hustle for the ball was not only with good footwork but body’s being thrown to the ground as well, with players putting all on the line for the team.

South Australia continued their charge through the 2nd quarter as they dominated Queensland South playing exceptional defence and made Queensland play basketball to their extreme limits.

The game was looking to avalanche in South Australia’s favour and players from both sides were applying aggression, and South Australia’s defence causing Queensland to make errors and cough up the ball. Queensland finished off the 3rd quarter well but not to the extent to get them back to any chance of winning.

South Australia were still driving away at the basket as Queensland took a more steady approach kicking the ball around the three to shoot, Queensland's defensive intensity picked up as they struggled to make up for the lack of shots dropping at their end. In the end, South Australia dominated the game and powered over the top of Queensland winning by 31 points.

Statistical Leaders

D.Crook                16 points and 4 steals (SAM)

O.Bloomfield         17 points and 2 assists (SAM)

B.Goff                  12 points and 7 rebounds (QLDS)

V.Gazibegovic        8 points and 7 rebounds (QLDS)

 

Men Game 40

NSW Metro 79 defeated SA Country 49

SA Country got a well-earned lead in the first quarter, proving that being undefeated didn’t’ necessarily mean you don’t have to work for every point at nationals.

NSW applied a full court press early to peel back the lead from SA Country and this level the scores as NSW were able to secure steals and convert. The contest didn’t slow from there and SA Country were able to get their lead back but an inability to convert in offence and NSW applying their press again saw NSW come back and level the game.

NSW Met was professional and did what they needed to against SA Country. While the SA Country battled hard for the first half they couldn’t sustain the effort and NSW class came to the fore. In particular NSW transition offense was crisp and their interior passing a delight. SA Country certainly never gave up and continued to pressure til the end.

Statistical Leaders

A.Waban                             17 points and 8 rebounds (NSWM)

D.Elkaz                                  16 points, 3 assists and 3 steals (NSWM)

M.Scott                                                8 points and 2 assists (SAC)

L.Hunter                              4 points, 5 rebounds and 6 blocks (SAC)

 

Men Game 41

Northern Territory 47 lost to New Zealand 86

Championship leaders New Zealand would be looking good to walk away with this win, and if you considered the score line at the half it may have seemed that way. What you don’t see on the scoreboard is the continued determination and courage the NT approached the game with. It was anything but a NZ dominated game, as the Territory forced turnovers in the full court and put pressure on to make NZ take the second and third shots to secure their points.

Both teams applying full court presses delivered a game operating at high intensity and the lead which NZ started out with slowly shrunk as NT showed a maturity in their game and the execution of an intense zone defence proved to trouble the kiwis in the half court. Unable to convert when opportunity arose for the NT the scoreline continued to grow and NZ also used put their big men to work inside of which the NT were undersize like so many other teams. A great effort by the Territory but for NZ it is a win that looks to secure their position as a contender for the title this year.

Statistical Leaders

K.Pene                                 19 points and 6 steals (NT)

M.Rowse                             12 points (NT)

C.McRae                              21 points and 13 rebounds (NZ)

U.Naboa                              15 points, 2 assists and 3 steals (NZ)

 

Women Game 42

Tasmania 65 lost to WA Country 71

The margin of the scoreline was indicative of the contest between these two teams, with both seeking their first win for the championships. Both fielding players of equal standing, this saw both teams running offences with quick ball movement in the half court to open up internal scores. Tasmania fell into a half court zone which allowed WA to settle into their offence and take their time to find the best scoring option. Towards the end of the game this provided opportunity for WA to rest in between defensive play where they extended their pressure up the floor keeping Tasmania from feeling comfortable any where on the court.  There wasn’t much in the scoreline through the game, and Tasmania peeled back a nine point lead that WA Country had built up, but Tasmania put high minutes into their starters and simply ran out of legs to keep up with the WA outfit, and WA Country would be pleased to walk away with a well earned win.

Statistical Leaders

T.Mole                  12 points, 11 rebounds and 3 steals (TAS)

B.Jones                                12 points, 6 rebounds and 2 steals (TAS)

G.Denehey         19 points, 4 assists and 3 steals (WAC)

C.Anderson        17 points, 12 rebounds and 3 steals (WAC)

 

Men Game 43

NSW Country 46 lost to VIC Country 49

Vic Country has come off two disheartening losses and was out for redemption this game. NSW Country was 3-0 but they know that means nothing when playing against a Victorian outfit. Vic Country were shaking it up with man and zone defences to keep the scoring ability of NSW Country down and it worked well with the half time scores being under 30 points.

While the scores were happening for Vic Country more than previous games it still required a lot of interior scoring which with NSW Country boxing out made a challenge for the Victorians.   Going point for point or level for the majority of the game, it was NSW Country taking the lead and not until the last minute that Vic’s J.Nanscawen nailed a 3 point shot to put the team ahead by 1 and see the NSW coach looking for a time out.

The game still had potential to go either way, but it was with a steady hand on the foul line that locked the game in and saw out the remaining seconds to bring home a much anticipated win for Vic Country.

Statistical Leaders

M.Maluach          13 points, 12 rebounds and 5 steals (NSWC)

W.Howell            12 points, 9 rebounds and 3 steals (NSWC)

J.Nanscawen        15 points & 14 rebounds (VICC)

M.Johns               9 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists (VICC)

 

Women Game 44

New Zealand 59 defeated WA Metro 55

WA Metro had NZ by ten points into the half time break with NZ appearing lost when the ball hit the interior, or maybe it was just the hustle WA were applying inside.   Either way NZ were being tested and even in foul trouble WA Metro were pushing things defensively. The chase lasted most of the game for NZ with WA putting on a half court zone to keep NZ at bay. A renewed strength pushed NZ to find the outside shot options and points began to land enabling them to not just close the gap but take the lead into the last six minutes.

With WA conceding the lead, they returned to a man defence in the aim of securing the ball, and even after the shots not dropping for NZ they were not able to hold out NZ and gifted second effort scores to NZ, who didn’t make the same mistake twice.   WA metro tried in vain to make use of the ball when they rebounded it but NZ fiery defence saw WA Metro cough up the ball at crucial moments and given NZ another chance to convert.   For the first time all game WA Metro looked unsure of themselves and playing hot potato with the ball. It was something that would cost them the lead and any chance of snaring the win back. The win places them well in the mix for the top four position in their pool.

Statistical Leaders

N.Ruske               12 points and 5 rebounds (NZ)

E.McGoldrick          11 points and 11 rebounds (NZ)

M.Satie                15 points and 5 rebounds (WAM)

R.Kilsura               9 points and 5 rebounds (WAM)

 

Women Game 45

NSW Metro 58 defeated QLD South 52

NSW Metro women took the first lead leaving QLD South to chase but it was only a matter of a point the difference really. Into the second quarter NSW were applying a zone to focus up outside shots but Qld were doing well to penetrate and keep them in touch into half time.

The margin didn’t change too much through the third and it was really into the fourth that spectators and teams stepped up their intensity with every possession treated as their last.   NSW went converted sequential points against a lack lustre QLD defence and at the other end WLD were focusing penetration against a persistent NSW zone. When the final minutes came down NSW resorted to use of the shot clock to limit the risk of the ball falling into QLD hands and this caused frustration to the QLD team giving up fouls to chase the ball down. A sore loss for QLD after being 3-0 but NSW can rest assured they are on track for their week with this win.

Statistical Leaders

M. Yates              18 points and 7 rebounds (NSWM)         

S.Calleia               10 points and 4 rebounds (NSWM)

J.Fuiava                                15 points and 3 steals (QLDS)

E.Preston            6 points and 11 rebounds (QLDS)

 

Men Game 46

VIC Metro 80 defeated Tasmania 41

At the start of the game Vic Metro took a 12-0 lead and this in anyone’s book is tough to fight back from. Tasmania was always going to struggle with their size against Vic Met but defensively they were unable to shutdown scoring due to the versatility of the Vic Players.   The game blew out early but Vic didn’t stop playing contested basketball and although the pressure was off by the last quarter there was focus to apply a press and half court zone and this proved to be effective, continuing to limit the scores of Tasmania. The win puts the Vics well on track as an expected favourite.

Statistical Leaders

A.O’Carroll          24 points and 2 rebounds (VICM)

B.Griffiths           14 points and 10 rebounds (VICM)

B.Armstrong      12 points and 9 rebounds (TAS)

B.Boag                  8 points, 7 rebounds and 2 steals (TAS)

 

Women Game 47

SA Metro 66 defeated Vic Country 53

The teams never let each other get out of site in the first half and it was the third quarter that SA Metro took charge. SA Metro provided a strong offensive front executing their structure to produce good scoring options and defensively Horvat and Walker-Roberts worked well in pulling in the rebounds and giving SA Metro the inside and outside game they need to have to compete at this level.

D.Markwell         9 points and 7 rebounds (VICC)

A.Hurst                 9 points (VICC)

 Vic Country lacked in strength with their bigs and the SA Metro outfit were agile enough to keep up and surpass VIC Country guards. The game threatened to blow out in the fourth quarter but Vic Country were able to keep the pressure on and sink shots to keep the margin under 15 points. This loss will hurt Vic country but will be a sigh of relief for SA Metro as they take a 3-0 result.

Statistical Leaders

S.Horvat                               12 points and 11 rebounds (SAM)

H.Lehmann                         13 points 2 assists and 2 steals (SAM)

C.D’Angelo                         14 points and 6 rebounds (SAM)

J.Shelley                              4 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals (SAM)

 

Women Game 48

VIC Metro 59 defeated NSW Country 46

The top of the table clash was always going to bring the best out of both teams and the low scoring result by half time emphasised this. Both teams explored uses of zones to keep their bigs under wraps and would have been a contributing factor to the low scoring.

It was not until the fourth quarter that Vic got a break and led by eight points. Vic Metros best scoring from penetration and the permitter in the half court as NSW struggled to cover both shooters and bigs inside.

But when Vic slipped up inside the bigs for NSW were agile enough to secure the ball and the NSW guards were quick to get the ball down the floor, although not capitalising on this as much as they should have. Vic controlled the play in the end and this saw them walk away with the win, and secure their position on the top of the ladder.

Statistical Leaders

N.George            20 points and 5 rebounds (VICM)

M.Conti              8 Rebounds, 4 Assists & 2 steals (VICM)

J.Simmons         15 points and 12 rebounds (NSWC)

P.Forcadilla         6 rebounds and 2 assists and 1 block (NSWC)

 

Men Game 49

ACT 53 lost to QLD North 55

QLD North worked hard to build a near 15 point lead going into the half time break and you would have thought at the tempo that it would be a comfortable position. QLD North did this through hard work in defence and quick transition but knowing when to pull back and set up some offence.

The defensive zone work of QLD made it very difficult for ACT to get near the basket and without a solid shooter ACT were struggling to score as there was a heavy reliance to take the midrange shot. Equally at the other end QLD were facing similar contest with a large part of their game reliant on penetration.

QLD had opportunity to put ACT away but they struggled with consistent shooting and ACT found their avenue back into the game. With just minutes left the game was back to within five and ACT could have been forgiven for believing they were able to snatch victory, but were left wanting as time and luck did not fall in their favour.

Statistical Leaders

W.Cooper           18 points and 13 rebounds (ACT)

B.Doran                14 points and 3 steals (ACT

S.Froling               19 points and 14 rebounds (QLDN)

J.Matysek           10 points and 7 rebounds (QLDN)

 

Men Game 50

QLD South 65 defeated WA Metro 56

Neck and neck through the first half there wasn’t much separating the two teams. WA Metro working their pace in transition and ball movement in the half court while QLD mixed it up between the physicality of their bigs. A lack of value for boxing out was costly at times for WA allowing QLD to secure the boards. Into the second half WA Metro made poor choices with ball movement which resulted in poor shot selection or turnovers. This was not the case for QLD who made the most of second efforts when their penetration options were shut down and they made the most of their outside shooters.

A change up at the third quarter break saw WA push up the floor defensively but it wasn’t enough to stem the scoring of Qld, although the scores were off rebounds as was defensive penetration meant the bigs were not beset placed to score points. In the end WA couldn’t keep up with the QLD and the game was won by QLD South by nine points and have left WA Metro

Statistical Leaders

T.Fullarton          13 points and 11 rebounds (QLDS)

T.Hains                 17 points and 4 rebounds (QLDS)

J.Hepburn           13 points and 13 rebounds (WAM)

I.Gattorna           8 points and 3 steals (WAM)