NBL1 Central Round 6 Preview

There’s only three teams that could continue the perfect start to their season with wins this weekend. Will the “splash sisters” continue the Panthers unbeaten run, can the Sabres lock down Wilson again to join them at the top, will Terry Winn continue the winning run for the Rockets men and which of the “mid-range marvel” and the “next step” take their team into another position up the table. Here’s the preview of this weekend’s NBL1 Central Round 6…

One half of the "Splash Sisters" in Ash Spencer has been on fire this season already averaging 28.5 points of the Panthers 82 per game. Picture by Snap Shot Photography

5-Minute Read

Saturday 7/05/2022

Eastern Mavericks vs Forestville Eagles – (St Francis – The Shooting Gallery)

Women (6:30pm)

The Mavs women have been considerably unlucky this season so far and perhaps a return to the Shooting Gallery for a second week in a row can help them get their winning ways happening. The Eagles though are contending for the top five and with Sam Simons leading the way third in the competition for points (25.5), second in assists (6) and tenth in steals (2.5) is who they must stop. She was the difference in 2021 when they snuck home 68-69 and tonight’s match looks to be the same type of game. This time though I think the Mavs who need to get some reward for effort can get this one at home.   

Key Stat – Ball security is the game breaker here, the Mavs average 11.3 steals per game; the Eagles 9.8

ESPN Prediction: Mavericks by 1 point

Men (8:15pm)

The Leg-an up has arrived for the Mavs in the form of import James Legan who I flagged weeks ago as the player who averaged 20 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 33 percent beyond the arc in 20 games in 2018 for the Norwood Flames. His presence alone along with McCalop’s initial season form bring this game into a much closer contest than before. After reading the headline “Simo furious” on my socials I thought the AFL were covering the reaction from the Eagles camp last Saturday night but alas no doubt a similar reaction from their head coach Andy Simons I think will see a very fired up Forestville in this one. Do not expect certain players to lodge a donut two weeks in a row, I’m predicting a 30-40 point game from him alone in response and the Eagles to close this out after the Mavs battle hard for three and a bit quarters.  

Key Stat – Last week the Eagles were 31 percent from the field and 21 percent from beyond the perimeter compared to their season average of 44.3 and 28.9.

ESPN Prediction: Eagles by 7 points

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