Author: Tristan Prentice

This is a Step-ney up: The Warriors and Flames will have one of their winning streaks end and if last time they met is anything to go by, it'll come down to the final minutes of ball in hand of Jawan Stepney (picture) or Walter "Trey" McBride.  Picture by LukeJMedia/Luke Mollett 

4-Minute Read

Saturday 2/07/2022

Norwood Flames vs Woodville Warriors – (The ARC – The Firedome) – Kayo Game of the Week

Women (6:00pm)

LTTM: Woodville Warriors 45 (Winter 13) lost to Norwood Flames 103 (Wilson 36, Basham 20, Girardi 16) – Split 58 points to Flames

The Flames women are delivering as promised having won their last three and getting plenty from multiple contributors. But its Wilson that nearly well let’s be honest she did steal the headlines with a near quadruple double last week falling one steal short. The Warriors have been steadily improving but unfortunantely will be no where near the class of the Flames in the current form. The Warriors have averaged 63 points in the last four games compared to their season average of 60.8 and shouldn’t get a 50 plus point whacking again however the Flames with a tough run coming up need to get this one and will do so by more than 20 at least.     

Key Stat – Last time they met; Ally Wilson (36 points with 8 of 10 triples, 7 assists and 4 rebounds and steals) and Adelaide Lightning’s Brooke Basham (20 points with 4 of 5 triples, and 3 assists) combined for 20 points a piece of the Flames 23-48 first half on a ridiculous three-point percentage of 90 percent from the Flames. If the Warriors allow that kind of numbers again; the second 40 plus point individual game of the season is on the cards for one of these two…

ESPN Prediction: Flames by 22 points

Men (7:45pm)

LTTM: Woodville Warriors 91 (Humphries 20, Stepney 17, Meldrum 14) defeated Norwood Flames 90 (McBride 25, Lycett 17, D Webber 15) – Split 1 point to Warriors

It’s not often game of the week lands on just that; “Game of the Week.” The Woodville Warriors looking for an eleventh straight win and the Norwood Flames looking for a seventh straight win. The record from last season was nine to the Sabres so the Warriors have already eclipsed that but they are no where near done wanting to end it for any reason. The big difference between these two sides is the Warriors are +10 in points per game, +3 in rebounds and +4 in assists. The Warriors are just a shade better in all the categories and I think they’ll win their eleventh in a row despite not winning at the ARC since at least 2018.  

Key Stat – The quiet accumulation of Dave Humphries got the Flames last time with 20 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and steals. They will be very much aware of his influence whilst also trying to contain Wurn, Stepney, Meldrum and Jackson…

ESPN Prediction: Warriors by 3 points

Forestville Eagles vs South Adelaide Panthers – (Wayville – The Nest)

LTTM: South Adelaide Panthers 74 (Levicki 24, Spencer 22, Johnson 18) defeated Forestville Eagles 66 (Simons, Hines 15) – Split 8 points to Panthers

Women (6:15pm)

This one seems to have shortened in favouritism but it could also be Panthers coach Richard Dickel playing ducks and drakes at this point of the season with the Panthers comfortably 9-2. Ash “Splash” Spencer should be back after three weeks of rest and Holly Forbes and Isa Osk (that’s ooosk for those playing at home) Sigurdardottir are starting to find their feet but haven’t had the real breakout game they might be capable of. Meanwhile the Eagles have beaten fellow top five contenders Tigers and Sabres in very impressive performances to note. It’s come from an average of 9 players hitting the scoreboard in the last three wins. That also includes Stratford averaging 10.6 and Maddy Freer 7 and although Sam Simons has averaged 24 in the last three; they have been from observation not as forced in the offence with not the same reliance as earlier in the season. This will be a tight one with the inform Jade Johnson the gamebreaker.       

Key Stat – Olivia Levicki was unstoppable in the first half as she dropped 17 points; she’s not there this time so that’s the role that either Oosk or Forbes will have to play…

ESPN Prediction: Panthers by 2 points

Men (8:00pm)

LTTM: South Adelaide Panthers 92 (Smith 33, Starling 24) defeated Forestville Eagles 80 (Machar 24, Rios, Mays 18) – Split 12 points to Panthers

There was no Doyle, Ipassou, Purchase and DJ the last time the Panthers played the Eagles and that will have a significant difference in this one. The Panthers have shown they are no pushovers this season and despite missing Alex Starling last week they were able to find a hero in Jarryd Hoppo who maybe had the breakthrough game we’ve all been waiting for. Backing that up against Purchase will be a huge key if the Panthers are to pull off a possible upset. The Eagles are the outright favourites but the Panthers have the tools to knock them off but until we see it; I can’t see them quite getting this one…  

Key Stat – The Panthers had too many answers at crucial times last time they met as they produced a 29-16 last quarter through Jeremy Smith (18 points) including a 7-0 run to ice the game. Smith is another key but he’ll have to contend with Doyle and Ipassou at different times making his task much more difficult this time…

ESPN Prediction: Eagles by 6 points

West Adelaide Bearcats vs Sturt Sabres (Port Adelaide – The Bearcat Cave)

LTTM: Sturt Sabres 77 (Williams 15, Close, Rigoni 12) defeated West Adelaide Bearcats 70 (Langenbrinck 22, Fejo 19) – Split 7 points to Sabres

Women (6:30pm)

Two top five teams going at each is likely to be the game of the night in the Womens with the Sabres keen to bounce back and the Bearcats gunning for their eighth win in a row. Of course one of their losses came against the Sabres where last time they got jumped at the start. I don’t think the likes of Fejo, Rintala and new import Utti will allow that to happen a second time with their strength in rebounding which they are +6 in that category. On their home floor the Bearcats should have enough to overcome the Sabres.    

Key Stat – The Sabres burst out of the blocks with a 26-12 start thanks to import Mikayla Williams making an impact for 8 of her 15 points in the first stanza to pair with her 9 rebounds; Utti makes a huge difference in that area and the home side will be very wary of her impact…

ESPN Prediction: Bearcats by 5 points

Men (8:15pm)

LTTM: Sturt Sabres 100 (Spear 43, Rigoni 20) defeated West Adelaide Bearcats 98 (DeSantis 28, Sheppard 26, Hunter 13) – Split 2 points to Sabres

Did we see the best of the Bearcats or the worst of the Sabres the last these two met in the overtime thriller? This game may answer both of those questions but the likely answer is as good as the Bearcats were the Sabres needed an out of the box performance from Spear who likely in the absence of the Daly with a foot injury will need to do it again. The Bearcats will need someone to step up to help DeSantis and Sheppard and I think they may get one of the last big performances from the Spud in Anthony Spadavecchia at home and get an upset win…     

Key Stat – The teams have an average margin of 3 points between them since the start of the 2021 season; this one is bound to be a close one that could go either way…

ESPN Prediction: Bearcats by 1 point

Eastern Mavericks vs Central District Lions (St Francis – The Shooting Gallery)

Women (6:30pm)

LTTM: Central District Lions 60 (Samuels 19, Washington 14) lost to Eastern Mavericks 84 (Lefebvre-Okankwu 23, Gouchie-Provencher 18, Dumesney, Bradley 13) – Split 24 points to Mavericks

How fortunes have changed for these two sides. The Mavs who I considered to be a finals contender have sadly dropped off the pace which means the Lions are very much in the box seat to challenge in this one. I’d imagine the gold medallist of the U17 Asia cup Olivia Bradley won’t be back in time as her inclusion makes a difference in this result. So assuming she doesn’t this evens out this contest much more where possibly Raynisha Washington could cause real problems for the homeside; her form line has been ultra-impressive the last month with 23, 18, 20 and 26 giving her an average of 21.75 compared to 18.5 across the season. She’s the difference and the Lions will get the upset win here away from home.     

Key Stat – Last time they met, the Mavs put on a third quarter of 6-20 but the Lions will be better prepared this time for what Steve Knight threw at a side that had forgotten how to win…

ESPN Prediction: Lions by 4 points

Men (8:15pm)

LTTM: Central District Lions 109 (Dowdell 29, Bol 22, Johnson 13) defeated Eastern Mavericks 80 (Knibbs 26, Miskovic, Stock 17) – Split 29 points to Lions

Both these teams will consider themselves able to taste victory but despite some elite quarters of basketball have hardly been able to land the knockout blow on many opponents this season. One of these teams will need to produce a four-quarter game to knock the other one off as both have firepower and defensive stoppers both at the rim and on the floor. Legan and Jenkins may cancel each other, McCalop and Manyang the same in impact at both ends and Dimakopolous and Dowdell nulify each other slightly so it comes down to the rest. The Lions still have Bijan Johnson, Nathaniel Koko and Kalani Sapwell likely to impact compared to Miskovic and Cromarty and with the Lions more settled seemingly off the floor as well; it looks like they might just get over the top and be the ones to keep their faint final five dreams alive.

Key Stat – The top scorers last time they met were Lachlan Knibbs, Matt Stock and Dowdell between both sides while Stock is there Knibbs is likely missing again and Dowdell’s time has reduced to 15 minutes a game the last few weeks averaging 5 ppg; a lots changed since Round one when they met…

ESPN Prediction: Lions by 7 points

North Adelaide Rockets vs Southern Tigers (The Lights – The Launchpad)

Women (6:30pm)

LTTM: Southern Tigers 85 (Yaeger 27, Skinner 20, McKendrick 18) defeated North Adelaide Rockets 60 (Taylor 25) – Split 25 points to Tigers

This one look pretty straightforward for the Tigers however you can’t take any team for granted in this competition. The Rockets best opportunity is to get the on the glass where they have a +4 in offensive rebounds. That means the role of Corrigan and Zbierski becomes crucial while also containing McKendrick who found her form against them the last time they met. The Tigers will have too many weapons and should win this one in an onslaught at the Launchpad.    

Key Stat – McKendrick became the third scoring threat for the Tigers last time they met with 18 points; they now have De La Cerda averaging 19.5 (#9 in the league)

ESPN Prediction: Tigers by 27 points

Men (8:15pm)

LTTM: Southern Tigers 70 (Machar 17, Martin 15) lost to North Adelaide Rockets 91 (Harrap 18, Akoh 13, Marshall 12) – Split 21 points to Rockets

The Rockets have dropped off the pace but are presented with a chance to get on the winners list. With Lachy Olbrich unavailable after the next couple of rounds it could also be one of the final chances for the Tigers to pinch a much-needed win to keep their faint hopes alive at 3-8 and with the Rockets in sixth they’ll need to knock off this one. There’s a bit of discrepancy between the two sides on the ladder but this one will be much closer with the Tigers form despite going down to the Eagles two weeks ago not too bad. The Rockets at home will get the much-needed win somehow and be eyeing off dislodging the Sabres and the Panthers in fourth and fifth.     

Key Stat – The Rockets took over the paint last time they met with 34-54 in points, but Lachy Olbrich was missing the last time these two played and Jamar Akoh has only just comeback for his first game in nearly three weeks last round; things are very different this time around…

ESPN Prediction: Rockets by 4 points

We are back to doing recaps for the NBL, Catch all the NBL1 Central action this weekend on the NBL1 website, app and game of the week in Round 12 between the Norwood Flames and the Woodville Warriors on Kayo and Kayo Freebies tonight.

NBL1 – Australia’s League

Please continue to support SA basketball news and features content being written, with our recent influx of work we are making content all free to read again but need constant contributions to make this happen

De-Lycett form: Its no surprise that the Flames Men 5-0 run has seen Matty Lycett running back into "2015 Woollacott" form averaging 18.25 ppg in the last month.  Picture by Picture IT Sports Photography 

4-Minute Read

Saturday 25/06/2022

Forestville Eagles vs Sturt Sabres – (Wayville – The Nest)

Women (6:15pm)

Last time they met (LTTM): Sturt Sabres 80 (Williams 17, Z Walker-Roberts 14, K Mathews 13) defeated Forestville Eagles 79 (Simons 32) – Split 11 points to Sabres

The Sabres have looked every bit a much better unit cohesively and with just the one loss this season every time you think they are about to drop one; they come out and secure the result. The biggest discrepancy for this side is that they can hurt you in so many ways and that shows with six players in the top 50 scoring averages in the competition (those having played more than half of the games). It makes them hard to contain however the Eagles ooze class with the return of Hines last week helping alleviate the Eagles front court issues. The Eagles got a combined 47 points from the rest of the lineup and that’s been lacking in recent losses. This will be a tight one, but the Sabres are yet to miss a beat really so must back them in…    

Key Stat – Last time the Mathews sisters put the Eagles to the Sabre helping engineer a 40-30 second half, they’ve been a thorn in the past and will be again.  

ESPN Prediction: Sabres by 7 points

Men (8:00pm)

Last time they met (LTTM): Sturt Sabres 81 (Rigoni 14, Nash 12) lost to Forestville Eagles 105 (Doyle 23, Johnson 19, Purchase 17, Brine 13, Mays 12) – Split 24 points to Eagles

Its two versus four but last time they met it was an ambush from the Eagles. The Sabres were left answerless after quarter time and they can’t afford to let the Eagles get off to a flying start. It all comes down to Devin Haygood and if he starts with the same aggression and flair as Greg Mays did that to him last time while Johnson got real comfortable early in the Eagles offensive sets and couldn’t be stopped. The Sabres will have no doubt done some scouting on this one, but the Eagles are starting to warm-up and will take this one comfortably at home.

Key Stat – The 13-30 opening quarter was off the back of 81 percent from the field from the Eagles and the Sabres restricted to 4 points in the paint; was incredibly telling in the contest.  

ESPN Prediction: Eagles by 12 points

North Adelaide Rockets vs Norwood Flames – (The Lights – The Launch Pad)

LTTM: Norwood Flames 76 (Basham 27, Wilson 20, Coleman 20) defeated North Adelaide Rockets 61 (Taylor 19) – Split 15 points to Flames

Women (6:30pm)

Looks like the Rockets are in preparation for 2023 officially with Sammy DeFrancesco finishing her season early so we’ll likely get a look at the next gen talent coming through for the Rockets. It will be a tough bunch of minutes for the likes of Facchini, Zbierski and Ajak to name a few as they come up against the flying fire Flames having won four of their last five. The Flames are pushing for a top two finish as predicted pre-season and have really sharpened up their glass work; a small strength of the Rockets this season. The Flames should be too good in this one but Rocket fans should enjoy watching some of the next gen see some extended minutes…  

Key Stat – Third quarter is where they got it done last time the Flames 24-9 through 14 points in the paint, 7 second chance points and 4 points from turnovers.   

ESPN Prediction: Flames by 30 points

Men (8:15pm)

LTTM: Norwood Flames 103 (Green, Lycett 21, Barei 19) defeated North Adelaide Rockets 74 (Winn 19, Akoh 15) – Split 29 points to Flames

Before they met last time it was so different to what it is this Saturday night. The Rockets were flying unbeaten 5-0 and the Flames were 2-3; how fortunes have changed. Its like the monstars stole the talent off each other and swapped them around as the Flames are now since that game 5-0 and the Rockets 1-4. The difference is hard to pinpoint exactly for both sides but the Flames have a huge amount of depth that come in with Huefner and Barei while Green and Lycett have hit their best after a slow start. The drop-off for the Rockets is highlighted in Akoh and Rathjen missing leaving a huge hole in the lineup and the drop of Jimma Dau who has had low numbers the past three games. The Rockets need Akoh and Rathjen back, a step up from Dau and a big performance from a Marshall or Parfitt if they are to reverse their form and this result. The Flames have the form so they’ll chalk up their sixth in a row and are now a contender for 2022.    

Key Stat – The Flames shot 70 percent in the first half which stunned the Rockets the last time they met; taking away their outside shooting early will have to be a key feature of the Rockets defensive scout.  

ESPN Prediction: Flames by 12 points

Woodville Warriors vs Central District Lions (St Francis – The Castle)

LTTM: Central District Lions 65 (Samuels 26, Washington, Bennett 13) defeated Woodville Warriors 61 (Tunour-McCarty 16, Winter 15) – Split 4 points to Lions

Women (6:30pm)

Two teams likely not to feature in the finals but will still put up an incredibly entertaining game if last times bout was anything to go by. The Lions drought breaking win showed they would be no easy beat in 2022 and they have a genuine chance to repeat the dosage. The last time they had a “winnable” game they got done by the Rockets at home. The Warriors got the fast start last time and that’s what they’ll need to do again to gain ascendancy in this contest. The Lions have however been in better form and will just sneak their second win of the season…   

Key Stat – The last quarter was pivotal in deciding the win with the Lions 20-3 done through 53 percent from the field compared to donuts; not only good offense but solid defence from the blue, red, and white…

ESPN Prediction: Lions by 4 points

Men (8:15pm)

LTTM: Central District Lions 85 (Manyang 30) lost to Woodville Warriors 110 (Humphries 24, McGee 15) – Split 25 points to Warriors

The Warriors continue to push hard at the top of the table now two games clear of second place which makes you suspect as we see in most sports; they may drop one unexpectedly sooner or later. The form doesn’t see that the case as the Warriors have scored triple figures four times this season and nothing under 80 whilst holding their opponents to under the leagues average winning margin of 92.74 in nine out of ten games. Despite the number of losses the Lions have had this season, last weeks win over West showed some good signs and the potency that was promised this season. Given the comfortable position the Warriors are sitting in, I think the Lions may score an upset here needing to take seventh on the table.

Key Stat – The 12 second chance points in the second half made a huge difference last time they met, Tobias Dowdell, Branden Jenkins and Kalani Sapwell will certainly help the aways sides ability to stop the likes of Jackson and McGee doing that again…

ESPN Prediction: Lions by 6 points

South Adelaide Panthers vs Eastern Mavericks (Mitchell Park – The Jungle)

Women (6:30pm)

LTTM: Eastern Mavericks 79 (Bradley 26, Gouchie-Provencher 25) lost to South Adelaide Panthers 90 (Levicki 25, Stewart 19, Spencer 17) – Split 11 points to Panthers

Both teams didn’t have the week that they wanted but has shown where both these teams are at in season 2022. The Panthers are pretty comfortable at the top end of the ladder where the stark reality for the Mavs despite a solid roster hasn’t translated to wins. Depth looks a real problem for the Mavs now and if they are going to upset the Panthers who likely will have Spencer back and another game into Holly Forbes need all their back-up firing. Form has suggested it’ll be struggle town again and the Panthers should get back on the winners list  

Key Stat – Spencer was the difference with 9 points in the final quarter the last time they met; the Mavs will need to stop her to be a chance…

ESPN Prediction: Panthers by 8 points

Men (8:15pm)

LTTM: Eastern Mavericks 94 (Legan 39, Cromarty 19) lost to South Adelaide Panthers 96 (Smith 39, Davies 17) – Split 2 points to Panthers

It was a Sunday shot fest the last time these two met and it was oh so close for the Mavs drought breaking victory by Panthers coach Scott Ninnis’s frank admission they should’ve had. Alas the Panthers managed to hang on thanks to their superstar guard Jeremy Smith who clearly is a barometer for his side. The Panthers will have their hands full with Ioannis however Haygood for the Sabres showed if you are aggressive on the rim early against him and the Mavs, it can send them off kilter. Therefore a big game is needed from Alex Starling who’s point tally has steadily moved from 14 to 19 to 13 across consecutive weeks to assure the Panthers home victory. If he fails to fire and its left to Smith, the Mavs can score the upset victory and reverse the split. I think the Panthers need this one at home though and will find a way to get across the line.    

Key Stat – The Mavs with Ioannis average 83 points per game compared to their season average of 77.3; he’s a significant inclusion since the break…

ESPN Prediction: Panthers by 5 points

Southern Tigers vs West Adelaide Bearcats (Morphett Vale – The Cage) – Kayo Game of the Week

Women (6:30pm)

LTTM: West Adelaide Bearcats 80 (Fejo 30, Rintala 13) defeated Southern Tigers 64 (Yaeger 34, Skinner 13) – Split 16 points to Bearcats

The biggest thing missing last time against the Bearcats for the Tigers was points for Mollie McKendrick and import contribution of De La Cerda. That makes a big difference this time around in what is no doubt one of the games of the night. If Yaeger returns for an enormous all-star battle with Fejo that will just be the cream on the cake for the night with matchups all-over the floor. De La Cerda will likely matchup with Langenbrinck, McKendrick and Rintala and Utti to take on Skinner; there’s a smorgasbord of women’s basketball battles across the floor. The Bearcats are going for their seventh win in a row and I think they’ll make it eight but if anyone can upset them now; it’s the Tigers at home at the Cage.    

Key Stat – The Bearcats average 8 more rebounds per game than the Tigers including 5 offensive rebounds; if the Tigers are to win they can’t give up those five extra plus possessions  

ESPN Prediction: Bearcats by 3 points

Men (8:15pm)

LTTM: West Adelaide Bearcats 66 (Sheppard 17, DeSantis 16, Cadzow 13) lost to Southern Tigers 76 (Martin 15, Daniels 13) – Split 10 points to Tigers

The news hit our feeds in the late week that Corey McLean had stepped down as head coach after 6 seasons including breaking the championship drought for the club in 2017; he will be missed by that club. In the meantime, Paul Robinson steps into the chair and much like his name sake in the finishing up TV show Neighbours, he’ll have to conjure up a scheme to help the team get over the talented Tigers. Despite losses, three of the last four for the Tigers have been late comebacks but the pattern remains the same as they get down in games early and fight their way back. They’ll need a good start and to shutdown DeSantis and Sheppard but perhaps it’s a good opportunity for us to see more of youngsters Sean Stock, Dan Smith and Choi Luk. They’ll take on some other youngsters in Jamie Smith, Curtis Scott, Dane Bobinac and even a little more from Tom “Birdy” Bertram who’s made a dramatic transformation from when I saw and “played” him last. The Tigers will take this one to break their run of losses with Lachy Olbrich the difference.      

Key Stat – The Bearcats have been slow starters in 2022 averaging a first quarter of 15.3 points to open games, they’ll need a quick start in this one considering the Tigers are fast finishers…

ESPN Prediction: Tigers by 8 points

We are back to doing recaps for the NBL, Catch all the NBL1 Central action this weekend on the NBL1 website, app and game of the week in Round 11 between the Southern Tigers and West Adelaide Bearcats on Kayo and Kayo Freebies tonight.

NBL1 – Australia’s League

Please continue to support SA basketball news and features content being written, with our recent influx of work we are making content all free to read again but need constant contributions to make this happen

Rebounding Rocket: In the only loss for the top of the table Warriors Men this season, Jamar Akoh grabbed 9 offensive rebounds to help North Adelaide dominate the rebound count. Picture by Picture IT Sports Photography 

4-Minute Read

Saturday 18/06/2022

South Adelaide Panthers vs Norwood Flames – (Mitchell Park Sports and Community Centre – The Jungle)

Women (6:30pm)

Last time they met (LTTM): Norwood Flames 52 (Anderson 15, Basham 14) lost to South Adelaide Panthers 79 (Spencer 34, Levicki 20) – Split 27 points to Panthers

The “Jungle” (and yes we checked with the Panthers club) makes its long-awaited debut as an NBL1 venue with a potential humdinger to open the round; two of what I consider to be favourites for the championship in 2022. Much has changed since their last meeting one being that Olivia Levicki officially will not be suiting up for the remainder of the season and the Flames have Wilson and Coleman who weren’t available last time. The home side haven’t wasted much time in signing UT Martin Skyhawks forward import Holly Forbes and will also use Isa Osk Siguardardottir to try and fill the gap they now have. This one will be much tighter than last time but the home side will just get over the line in their packed-out debut new digs.    

Key Stat – Last time they met, the Panthers had 15-6 in second chance points and shot 58 percent in from the field in their win.    

ESPN Prediction: Panthers by 2 points

Men (8:15pm)

Last time they met (LTTM): Norwood Flames 72 (Harding 32) lost to South Adelaide Panthers 75 (Starling 34) – Split 3 points to Panthers

Its very rare you may get a sequel that could be just as good as the original, but this might be one of those times. Both sides prior to the break have been in strong form with the Panther 3 of the last 4 and the Flames on fire with a 4-0 run. Both sit 3^rd and 4^th on 6-3 but have very different paths. The difference this time around in this one is likely to be the “Mid-Range” marvel in Jeremy Smith and on the back of 26, 39, 29 and 23 points in his last four games; the Panthers may have just enough to over the line at home.   

Key Stat – Both teams last time they met had 3 players each in double figures with one notching 30 plus (Starling 34 and Harding 32)

ESPN Prediction: Panthers by 2 points

Southern Tigers vs Forestville Eagles – (Morphett Vale – The Cage)

LTTM: Forestville 78 (Stratford 21, S Simons 16, Annetts 15) lost to Southern Tigers 88 (Yaeger 35, Skinner 30, J Thacker 14) – Split 10 points to Tigers

Women (6:30pm)

Both these teams are movers potentially from their positions of 4^th and 6^th respectively but they both have some glaring issues to fix and its starts with this fixture. For the homeside its finding multiple winners at the crunch time but as I said the other day; they are starting to do just that. Its not just Yeager that’s a shutdown job now but De La Cerda, Skinner and McKendrick can help really launch the Tigers back into the top two. For the Eagles they need to find some punch in the front court, Hines back should help as the Tigers do have a small front court and she’s one of the biggest players in both line-ups. If the Tigers have to just curb the Simons, then they take this one comfortably at home.  

Key Stat – Only one of the Eagles wins this season has the leading scorer not been Sam or Jess Simons (Rachel Hines 20 points vs Norwood Flames)

ESPN Prediction: Tigers by 15 points

Men (8:15pm)

LTTM: Forestville 94 (Mays 24, Rios 22) defeated Southern Tigers 68 (Martin, J Smith 13) – Split 26 points to Eagles

Having knocked off West Adelaide then North Adelaide with relative ease, the Eagles are starting to spread their wings and while this one won’t tell us everything about them yet; there are signs we’ll see a momentum change for the pre-season favourites. The Tigers its all about Olbrich and his battle with Mays and Johnson will really show how far away he is from really going to the next level. With scores of 29, 23, 22 and 22 in his past four he’s been the one that’s given the Tigers a fighting chance. He’ll keep the Tigers in the contest but the Eagles will take this one very comfortably…   

Key Stat – The last time they met the Eagles setup a second half of 49-29 in a rough debut for former Eagle assistant Tom Hilbig against his senior Andy Simons.

ESPN Prediction: Eagles by 22 points

Eastern Mavericks vs Sturt Sabres (St Francis – The Shooting Gallery)

LTTM: Sturt Sabres 78 (Prosser 19, Williams 17) defeated Eastern Mavericks 60 (Lefebvre-Okankwu 17, Gouchie-Provencher 14) – Split 18 points to Sabres

Women (6:30pm)

Always a lot of fire and ice between the two clubs having had plenty of players play for each other at different times in their history. This is a crucial home game for the Mavs though and should take plenty of inspiration from its junior sides last weekend. Dealing with the Sabres up-court pressure on the ball carriers will be a key and if they can overcome that; the front court mismatches are there despite the scintillating form of Williams. I have a feeling the home side gets an important win here in a bit of an upset with the Sabres in a comfortable position up the top just at the minute 

Key Stat – The game was won in the third quarter last time through a rebounding masterclass from the Sabres of 10 where at one point in the match they had more offensive rebounds than defensive rebounds.

ESPN Prediction: Mavs by 4 points

Men (8:15pm)

LTTM: Sturt Sabres 96 (Rigoni 21, Haygood 16) defeated Eastern Mavericks 66 (McCalop 36) – Split 30 points to Sabres

The splits have become irrelevant likely for the Mavs against the top five sides so its all about getting the W. It’ll start tonight as for the first time this season they have the lineup that can go with the big teams; non bigger than the consistent Sabres first up. The key for both these sides will be the rebounding which gave the Sabres the advantage last night; the numbers tracked north understandably with the insertion of “Greek Freak of Central” last game and in a game the Mavs must win to keep alive again; I think at home they just get over the finish line

Key Stat – The Mavs had 45 rebounds compared to their season average of 37; it was the most amount of rebounds they’ve had in any game in 2022. The Sabres in all three losses average 36 rebounds so owning glass is key…

ESPN Prediction: Mavs by 4 points

Woodville Warriors vs North Adelaide Rockets (St Clair – The Castle)

Women (6:30pm)

LTTM: North Adelaide Rockets 54 (Corrigan 13) lost to Woodville Warriors 71 (McCarty 24, Winter 22) – Split 17 points to Warriors

Two distinct styles with two of the lower table teams desperate for a win always provides entertaining basketball. It’s the rebounding interior paint game of the Warriors vs the outside shooting prowess of the Rockets. The Rockets are shooting 29 percent from that area this season however they also comparatively are equal in most areas to the Warriors. The form of the Warriors just before the break was just slightly better and I think their bigger size will worry the Rockets and if Eliza Joynes can replicate what she did against the Sabres; then the Warriors may taste victory once more.

Key Stat –  After a quick start last time, the Warriors held Sammy DeFrancesco to 9 points for the remainder of the match. In 3 out of 4 matches this season, when “De Fran” drops double figures, the Rockets performances have won or lost by less than 10 points.

ESPN Prediction: Warriors by 5 points

Men (8:15pm)

LTTM: North Adelaide Rockets 82 (Harrap 19, Winn 17) defeated Woodville Warriors 80 (Wurm 23, Stepney 14) – Split 2 points to Rockets

If there is a game where the Rockets can remind everyone, they are a contender, it be knock off the only team that no one else has beaten in 2022. Although it was round one, the Rockets showed some matchups that troubled the Warriors including Winn and surprise packet Harrap. The Warriors are much more gelled and hardened than last time and they only went down by a last gasp miss. The Rockets got them on the boards last time creating those extra opportunities; I think the Warriors will be aware of it this time and reverse the result and the split.    

Key Stat – The Rockets grabbed 46-39 in rebounds in round one with Jamar Akoh securing 9 of those offensive.

ESPN Prediction: Warriors by 9 points

Central District Lions vs West Adelaide Bearcats (Starplex – The Den) – Kayo Game of the Week

Women (6:30pm)

LTTM: West Adelaide Bearcats 92 (Rintala 25, Fejo 14, Heaft 13) defeated Central District Lions 54 (Samuels 22, Washington 14) – Split 38 points to Bearcats

This one looks a little one sided on paper, but we know that the Lions ain’t going to give you the win without a fight. Their best chance to knock off the Bearcats is through pounding the paint and being aggressive on the rim turning it into a half-court grind. Even then it’ll be hard to see the Lions shutdown all the stars the Bearcats have including adding another one in Fresno State Bulldog and Long Beach State forward import Maddi Utti. I think the Lions will hang in there, but the away side should sweep them away when it counts later in the contest.

Key Stat – The Bearcats head all 11 major categories between the two sides with the most influential being the offensive rebounds 17.2 to 9.8.

ESPN Prediction: Bearcats by 28 points

Men (8:15pm)

LTTM: West Adelaide Bearcats 95 (DeSantis, Sheppard 28) defeated Central District Lions 63 (Johnson 15) – Split 32 points to Bearcats

The Bearcats got the Lions at a good time at the start of the season as with the lineup they have now this will be a much harder task. The Bearcats and Lions defence are its chief concern but it is also their best chance of winning most contests by opening games up. Not sure how much the Bearcats might want to open this one up though as with the Lions desperate not just to win but run back a few of their early season splits starting with this one; it could be fraught with danger with a lineup containing Johnson, Jenkins, Manyang, Sapwell and Dowdell if he returns. The Lions will get a big one here if form holds…

Key Stat – The Bearcats conceded an average of 85 points per game but the Lions also 96 points.

ESPN Prediction: Lions by 34 points

We are back to doing recaps for the NBL, Catch all the NBL1 Central action this weekend on the NBL1 website, app and game of the week in Round 10 between the Central District Lions and West Adelaide Bearcats on Kayo and Kayo Freebies tonight.

NBL1 – Australia’s League

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