Category: NBL1

Top Cats?: The Sturt Sabres despite securing a finals position still have plenty to play for including another home qualifying final, potentially their third opening week of the finals home game in consecutive seasons. Picture by Snap Shot Photography

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Also keep this in mind…

4.7 Positions on the Premiership Table Teams are generally classified according to the FIBA Official Rules of Basketball with the following exception.

*If 2 or more teams have the same win-loss record of all games in the group, the game(s) between these 2 or more teams shall be used to decide their final ladder positions. If the 2 or more teams have the same win-loss record of the games between them, further criteria will be applied in the following order: (i) Higher goal difference of the games between them; (ii) Higher number of goals scored in the games between them; (iii) Higher goal difference of all games in the group; (iv) Higher number of goals scored in all games in the group.

Round 18

Saturday 6/08/2022

Norwood Flames vs Sturt Sabres (The ARC – The Firedome)

Women (6:00pm)

LTTM: Sturt Sabres 65 (Williams 18, K Mathews 14) defeated Norwood Flames 57 (Basham, Wilson 19) – Split 8 points to Sabres

It couldn’t happen again could it but in the reverse??? Last year the Flames came from the bottom of the table to win 7 of their last 9 games to narrowly miss the finals; now after being around much of the season they are in danger of falling to the already secure Sabres. Its fair to say the Flames have the toughest matchup of the weekend and is the only team playing against a top five contender. If results go likely the way of the round, the Flames with a win can tie with the Tigers which then falls back to the split which they hold by 24 points while the Sabres will be keen to hold onto second place (Especially considering that’s where they finished in 2021 and went out in straight sets from there) by claiming their 14^th win of the season as a slip to 13 only might see them lose their home final to the Panthers given the split (i) is tied between them and the Panthers. The above criteria is then invoked meaning the Sabres have currently a goal difference of 265 points overall compared to the Panthers 174 points; a difference of 91 points!!! Personally love to see the 9 point plus win for the Flames to see how it would all work out and I think we might get that with the Flames needing to win to give them a solid chance of claiming that last position.        

Key Stat – The second quarter was key for the Sabres last time they met. It was 19-11 led by Emily Close (likely not to be playing this one too) who in the last minute of the quarter dropped two big triples to spark an 8-0 run to give the home-side the gap they needed. It’ll be a moment like this that shakes up the finals positions I anticipate.  

COD Prediction: Flames by 9 points

Men (7:45pm)

LTTM: Sturt Sabres 86 (Daly 20, Spear 16, Rigoni 15, Nash 13) defeated Norwood Flames 77 (Harding 15, Green 13, Lycett 12, D Webber 11) – Split 9 points to Sabres

A home final is the line in this one still for the Norwood Flames playing a Sabres side that has just come up short in 2022. That’s what at stake for the Flames who will meet the North Adelaide Rockets regardless but it’s a question of whether they host the elimination or travel to the Launch Pad for it. The more pressing concern for the Flames is the record coming into the finals with a 2-3 record since their 6-0 run mid-season. This game needs to give them the spark and given the Sabres are now playing for pride I feel the Flames will want to find something to not only secure a home final but also some fire prior to the business end of the season.

Key Stat – Sam Daly was the difference last time they met with the first 8 points for the Sabres before adding another few buckets to finish with 12 points for the first quarter and a 27-18 lead; the Flames must get off to a quick start otherwise the Sabres will sniff the upset…

COD Prediction: Flames by 12 points

Forestville Eagles vs Eastern Mavericks – (Wayville – The Nest)

Women (6:15pm)

LTTM: Eastern Mavericks 53 (Lefebvre-Okankwu 16, Bradley 13, Gouchie-Provencher 11) defeated by Forestville Eagles 89 (J Simons 21, S Simons 20, Stratford 17) – Split 36 points to Eagles

The huge win last week against the Flames will mean nothing if they trip over against the Mavs in their final fling of the season. That’s unlikely to happen you think with the Mavs severely depleted with key players injured and off to the next steps of their season. One of the shining lights in Brigitte Lefebvre-Okankwu can finish her season strong and along with Dumnesy and Bradley show some metal for the aways side. The Eagles will be looking to fine tune having setup their campaign and look in much better shape than last season after being blasted away by the Rockets in the elimination final. They’ll be very keen to secure a double chance too so will get the dub here to give them that chance… 

Key Stat – The Freer sisters Maddy and Jordyn scored 13 of the Eagles 27-42 in the first half before the Simons took over with Sam finishing with 20 points at 62.5 percent and 6 assists and Jess 21 points at 72 percent with 5/7 triples; It was a sister act and we are likely going to get a sequel…

COD Prediction: Eagles by 22 points

Men (8:00pm)

LTTM: Eastern Mavericks 84 (Legan 32, McCalop 20) defeated by Forestville Eagles 121 (Doyle 27, Brine 23, Johnson 21, Ipassou 18) – Split 37 points to Eagles

The interest in this lies with how the Mavs will come out having released their head coach Michael “Rojo” Rogers early. It’s the last chance for several big-name players to make huge impressions who including one I think should be strongly considered by the Adelaide 36ers (citing Liam Santamaria’s article about the club needing a local big if those suggested are not available someone in this team fits the bill; I’ll let you figure out who it is). It might be also Adam Doyle’s last chance to grab votes towards the Woollacott Medal which he’d be right in the thick of with his consistent form this season.    

Key Stat – Doyle despite a poke in the eye early in the first quarter got his eye in more ways than one in the 12–38-point third quarter as he drained 6 of 6 beyond the arc to notch a 21 point quarter to finish with 27 points, 10 assists and 6 rebounds. Daniel Johnson got the Eagles going early to finish with a huge bacon double double of 21 points, 20 rebounds and 7 assists, Brandon Brine double doubled as well for 23 points and 12 rebounds while Fiston Ipassou dropped 18 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists.

COD Prediction: Eagles by 27 points

Southern Tigers vs Central District Lions – (Morphett Vale – The Cage)

LTTM: Central District Lions 59 (Washington 18, Samuels 14, Bennett 12) defeated by Southern Tigers 86 (Yaeger 28, Skinner 24, McKendrick 20) – Split 27 points to Tigers  

Women (6:30pm)

The Tigers may know halfway through the game what’s at stake but as is usually the case some try to block that from the thought process. Regardless the Lions will be looking to give one last roar after a much more competitive season than we’ve seen in half a decade which is kudos to Scott Herriman and his program. Given the form the Tigers are in having won their last four in a row since the one that may be the decider in the end between them and the Flames; it’d be a shame to see them miss the finals so the only thing they can do is get this win in a big way and give themselves a chance that the other cats of the south look after their chances…

Key Stat – Yaeger drained 28 points including 12 of the 18 third quarter points when her team needed it, 7 rebounds and 6 assists when they last played; another 3 votes in the Halls could sneak her to it given she’ll still poll very strong across the season…

COD Prediction: Tigers by 17 points

Men (8:15pm)

LTTM: Central District Lions 88 (Koko 26, Johnson 22, Deer 13) defeated by Southern Tigers 95 (Olbrich 29, Martin 23, Daniels 21) – Split 7 points to Tigers 

The Safari Cup concludes with an exciting display of athleticism and a nod to the future with the likes of Sunday Bol, Nate Deer plus several Tigers rookies with Lachlan Olbrich and Curtis Scott now gone for the final two games of the season. Keep an eye out for Joe Coole, Dane Bobinac, Jamie Smith and can we please get ten plus minutes for “birdy” Tom Bertram in the last few games???

Birdy steps up at the vital moments I’ve seen many a time at district level…   

Key Stat – A last quarter fast finish from Adelaide 36ers rookie Lachlan Olbrich got the Tigers over the line last time. The summation of the game came as Olbrich threw down a two handed flush to seal his career high 29 point and effort and 12 rebounds; two other Tigers reached 20s for the first time in the season with Martin and Daniels both getting there; just feel this time around the Lions have more firepower with the younger Tigers lineup…

COD Prediction: Lions by 8 points  

Woodville Warriors vs South Adelaide Panthers – (St Clair – The Castle)

LTTM: South Adelaide Panthers 105 (Levicki 26, Johnson 25, Spencer 21) defeated Woodville Warriors 66 (Bartsch 12, Turnour-McCarty, Troia 11) – Split 39 points to the Panthers 

Women (6:30pm)

Operation offence onslaught will be in full affect at the Castle as the Panthers women will not only need to strangle the Warriors offence but also put on enough points to ursurp the Sabres. As we said before a deficit of 91 points needs to be overcome and with the Sabres averaging 79.8 points per game (however against the finals contenders its 72.7) a final margin of 70 plus may be needed to avoid a tricky finish and a home elimination final. That suddenly makes this seemingly non-influencing contest the opposite. The Warriors also have incentive to make this very difficult for the Panthers. Will be watching this one from the other venue with intrigue to see how this Panthers win will play out…

Key Stat – The Panthers jumped out of the blocks 25-10 through Jade Johnson’s 23-point first half and the away side never really recovered; the Panthers may need this again to achieve that higher goal difference to the Sabres…

COD Prediction: Panthers by 50 points

Men (8:15pm)

LTTM: South Adelaide Panthers 82 (Starling 32, Davies 22, Hoppo 13) defeated Woodville Warriors 91 (Stepney 22, Humphries 20, Meldrum 18, Jackson 12) – Split 9 points to the Warriors

The amount of keeping cards close to the chest will playout between these two who at the NBL1 Central finals table; will then play out their hands. With both first and third secure it’s a matter of running players into form ready for the final push. The Panthers may fancy a shot at a home final if in the unlikelihood the Eagles trip up big time to the Mavs to sneak up to second with a 13-point split over them. With that in mind the Panthers are a good chance to get the upset here away from home; their record is better away than home this season with 7 wins compared to 5. For me with a little more to play for they get the upset here but that likely won’t phase the Warriors too much as they prepare for either them or the Eagles in the second week of the finals.     

Key Stat – When it came to crunch the Warriors once again came up with a defensive masterclass of 5-22 as they outlasted the Ninnis-less South Adelaide Panthers, that included keeping superstar Smith to just 2 points for the match; I expect the “Mid-Range Marvel” pencilled this one in months ago to make up all those lost points…  

COD Prediction: Panthers by 10 points

North Adelaide Rockets vs West Adelaide Bearcats (The Light – The Launch Pad)

Women (6:30pm)

LTTM: West Adelaide Bearcats 84 (Fejo 23, K Pearce 18) defeated North Adelaide Rockets 63 (DeFrancesco 22, Taylor 16) – Split 21 points to Bearcats

Another chance for the Bearcats to fine tune their lineup prior to a big finals tilt having secured the top of the ladder (even if the Sabres triumph and join them equal) while the Rockets are playing for a bit of pride and to see who will be stepping up for season 2023. Brenton Johnston spoke to us prior to the season and suggested his team would land somewhere between 4^th and 7^th and he’s been pretty on the money with his team likely the best of the lower end of the table. The Rockets will throw everything at them but the away side will have too many weapons and should grab this one simply…

Key Stat – A 21-7 second quarter setup the West Adelaide Bearcats bullocking win last time they met. The quarter included a 10-0 run and 12 points in the paint led by the deadly form of Jasmine Fejo and veteran Michaela Lappin. Fejo finished with 23 points, 7 assists and 6 rebounds to lead all comers with Lappin’s 9 points crucial coverage for the missing Rintala.

COD Prediction: Bearcats by 33 points

Men (8:15pm)

LTTM: West Adelaide Bearcats 77 (Cadzow 15) defeated by North Adelaide Rockets 92 (Akoh 25, Winn, Rathjen 17, Harrap 13, Marshall 11) – Split 15 points to Rockets

The Rockets at home will fancy themselves in the Mens and push for a home final if the Flames trip up at home. Its amazing to think despite the losses of Dech, Purchase and McVeigh that they continue to blow some teams out the water in halves of basketball. This team are still an incredibly potent offence and while this game may not affect ladder position for the Bearcats, it could be the last stern test of defence from the West that lights the fuse for a launch at back-to-back titles the coming weeks.   

Key Stat – The 60-30 first half last time they met sealed it early for the unbeaten North Adelaide Rockets Akoh had his best game of the season scoring 15 of his season high 25 points and 7 rebounds in the first half

COD Prediction: Rockets by 12 points

Sunday 7/08/2022

Southern Tigers vs Eastern Mavericks (Morphett Vale – The Cage)

Men (3:15pm)

LTTM: Eastern Mavericks 89 (Legan 24, Dimakopoulos, McCalop 22, Raneburg 12) defeated Southern Tigers 82 (L Olbrich 22, Daniels 19, Machar 13) – Split 7 points to Mavericks

The dynamic of this one has changed a little since the abandonment of the original game. The Mavs as noted broke their losing streak last time against the Tigers but since then it’s still been a disappointing effort from the men dropping games with the squad they should’ve won and even though making finals was a long shot. Changes are already happening as the season concludes however in an ironic twist now the Tigers are also out of contention; the changes they’ve made might yield them an upset win away from home with Dimakopoulos likely to fully dominate and go close to mid-30s.     

Key Stat – The big three for the home side completed the drought-breaking victory with Ioannis Dimakopoulos dropping 22 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists in his much-anticipated entry to the league with James Legan (24 points and 9 rebounds) and Koop McCalop (22 points and 9 rebounds) last time. They were some big numbers but all three have not fired at once for a number of different reasons… 

COD Prediction: Mavericks by 6 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 18 between the Norwood Flames and the Sturt Sabres 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

Lightning clash: Which of the two Adelaide Lightning combo guards save, snuff or seal their or their opponents season. Picture supplied by AllStar Photos/Kelly Barnes

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Round 17

Saturday 30/07/2022

Norwood Flames vs Forestville Eagles (The ARC – The Firedome)

Women (6:00pm)

LTTM: Forestville Eagles 78 (Hines 20, M Freer 17, Annetts 15) defeated Norwood Flames 70 (Anderson, Wilson 18, Coleman 16, Basham 12) – Split 8 points to Eagles 

This is an early potential elimination final with the Tigers having a favourable draw and the Flames having to play the second placed Sabres in the last round however both games are at home where they have been strong this season with a 5-2 record. The winner will go to 12-5 the loser to 11-6 and possibly slip to 6^th with one round remaining. There is also the split to consider to throw into the conundrum of this one and there is so much in the line in this one and both teams are matched so evenly with all categories within a range of two.

Its going to come down to individual brilliance and which Lightning player has the most impact; Basham vs Simons. The only defining factor really is the home advantage and I think somehow with no logic whatsoever the Flames get the win and the split knowing that they have the Sabres the following week…

Key Stat – The Eagles made their move in the second finishing 9 second chance points and an 11-0 run to keep ahead of the Flames. To note that 11-0 run did not heavily feature Sam Simons who still finished with 10 points, 9 assists and 6 rebounds.     

ESPN Prediction: Flames by 9 points

Men (7:45pm)

LTTM: Forestville Eagles 90 (Doyle 18, Purchase, Mays 17, Machar 14, Brine 12) lost to Norwood Flames 95 (Huefner 21, McBride 20, Lycett 17, Green 16) – Split 5 points to Flames

Looking into the future with these two, the Eagles are placed to make a strike as we all thought they would be at this stage of the season in finals while the Flames will want to get their mojo back some more before the finals hit and secure their spot in the top five with a win tonight. I’m not sure what tactical mind games go into this one from both Simons and Odell and there could be some serious ducks and drakes in play. I think the Flames need to secure their spot and not go into an elimination final against the Sabres the following week.     

Key Stat – The Flames scorched in a 13-23 last quarter led by import Trey McBride with 7 of his 20 points for the night along with 8 rebounds and 5 assists coming at the crucial time. Matt Lycett and Anthony Green were huge last time with 17 points and 7 assists and 16 points and 9 rebounds respectively.

ESPN Prediction: Flames by 4 points

Southern Tigers vs Woodville Warriors – (Morphett Vale – The Cage)

Women (6:30pm)

LTTM: Woodville Warriors 53 (Turnour-McCarty 15, Perkas 13) lost to Southern Tigers 80 (Skinner 20, De La Cerda 18, McKendrick 15) – Split 27 points to Tigers

The Warriors will be wanting to make the Tigers sweat and finish the season “best of the rest”. Out of all the runs home the Tigers have set themselves up for a fast finish and can finish as high as 4^th if results fall their way (namely the Eagles losing both as the Tigers hold the split over them). Look for the Warriors to try and control the glass to cause an upset but the Tigers have tightened up in this area and with the experience of Matt Clarke at the helm should get the win here simply…   

Key Stat – It was a huge second quarter 14-26 after a competitive opening quarter that saw the away side split away from the home side last time; it may take a spurt like that to decide this contest…

ESPN Prediction: Tigers by 15 points

Men (8:15pm)

LTTM: Woodville Warriors 86 (Wurn 22, Stepney 21, Jackson 14, Meldrum 11) defeated Southern Tigers 80 (L Olbrich 22, Martin 20, Artacho 13, Machar 11) – Split 6 points to Warriors

Tuning up and preparation for next season are on the agenda in the men’s tonight with a great chance for coach Scott Whitmore to see if any injury or “the train” disrupts their now secure first seeding for the finals campaign, who is ready to step up if needed. More minutes for the likes of the next up numbers in Cooper Osborne, Trasen Pickett-Carbine, Dan Fejo and a host of others. For the Tigers, Machar Machar continues to be one of the most exciting players to watch develop and we saw some minutes from the likes of Joe Coole, Dane Bobinac and Jamie Smith the next core coming through. Coach Tom Hilbig will want to address the slow starts as well in preparation for 2023. The Warriors should have too many talented numbers to win here but its going to be a very entertaining contest no doubt…

Key Stat – The Tigers pulled off a 14-27 final quarter to reduce the margin after their former teammate Nick Wurm tore them apart in the first three quarters. Wurm finished with 22 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists; he might set it all up again for the next in line to see some quality minutes tonight…

ESPN Prediction: Warriors by 18 points

Sturt Sabres vs South Adelaide Panthers – (Springbank – The Cave) – Kayo Game of the Week

LTTM: South Adelaide Panthers 81 (Spencer, Levicki 20, Johnson 16) defeated Sturt Sabres 73 (Prosser 19, Williams 16, N Mathews, K Mathews 10) – Split 8 points to Panthers

Women (6:30pm)

Its all about ladder position and form coming into the finals for these two who have ebbed and flowed in form across the season. However as both coaches will have no doubt conceded that they may not want to put everything out there on the floor considering another date may await in the coming weeks. While the likelihood of being dislodged from their position with the Panthers having splits over all except the Tigers and the Sabres all except Eagles and still having the Flames to come; the Sabres may just be that bit keener to win this one to secure their spot before the final round…  

Key Stat – The Panthers led by 11 points at the half 52-41 with Jordan Hunter guiding the Panthers home. The game ebbed and flowed from there with Kayla Mathews after a strong first half for the Sabres copped a heavy blow to the head from the hardwood floor that took her out of the game unfortunately at an important time of the match.

ESPN Prediction: Sabres by 5 points

Men (8:15pm)

LTTM: South Adelaide Panthers 76 (Smith 29, Starling 14, Barton 13) lost to Sturt Sabres 73 (Rigoni 31, Spear 16, Daly 12) – Split 7 points to Sabres

A hugely pivotal game in the sense of the Panthers wanting to finish as high as they can for some “home” finals at the Jungle while the Sabres are fighting for their season and a loss draws the curtains on their 2022 season. For me its all on the shoulders of Rigoni as it was last time, he must be the man to drag the Sabres across the line. There is also mystery surrounding Joel Spear if he plays or doesn’t play is the question has he recovered enough from his injury sustained in the COE game to have a large impact? Where the Sabres won it last time was their ability on offence to get their looks from both sides of the floor scrambling the Panthers defence after halftime and got 16 points in the paint along with 10 of 14 from the charity stripe. I think however the Panthers are better equipped this time around and will get this one ending the Sabres season for 2022…  

Key Stat – Jacob Rigoni stepped up to stardom as he dropped the final 7 points and stopped the Panthers in their tracks 76-83 last time; the Sabres are going to need another Rigoni career high which last time included 31 points with 5-10 triples and 15 rebounds to silence the army’s roar of the Shed.

ESPN Prediction: Panthers by 10 points

North Adelaide Rockets vs Central District Lions – (The Lights – The Launch Pad)

LTTM: Central District Lions 65 (Washington 23, Samuels 20, Bennett 13) lost to North Adelaide Rockets 79 (Bails 23, Defrancesco 20, Corrigan 14) – Split 14 points to Rockets

Women (6:30pm)

Pride and position are on the line for these two teams in a game after tasting success the previous week to the last time they met; the Lions dropped at home. I feel there will be a sense of wanting to right that and the player tandem of Washington and Samuels will provide the catalyst for the Lions to finish as high as 7^th and be “the best of the rest.”

Key Stat – Tia Bails was enormous in the second half to finish with 23 points and along with a sharp shooting Tayla Corrigan (14 points at 70 percent and 16 rebounds); both will be crucial of they are to stop the Lions particularly Corrigan who may hold a distinct advantage.

ESPN Prediction: Lions by 15 points

Men (8:15pm)

LTTM: Central District Lions 85 (Johnson 20, Sapwell 17, Manyang 15) lost to North Adelaide Rockets 86 (Dau 26, Akoh 16, Winn 15, Marshall 14) – Split 14 points to Rockets

The Rockets are starting to roll and although they have the Lions and the Bearcats to finish the season; they will be wanting to make sure they are there at the end. The Lions are playing party spoilers at the moment after a season of missed opportunities; they’ll want to knock off the home side but I think the Rockets will want to make sure they secure a finals position attempting to finish as high as 3^rd by the end of next weekend.   

Key Stat – The Rockets staved off a 50-30 second half after leading 35-56 at half-time; expect a similar script in this one…

ESPN Prediction: Rockets by 3 points

West Adelaide Bearcats vs Eastern Mavericks (Port Adelaide – The Bearcat Cave)

Women (6:30pm)

LTTM: Eastern Mavericks 70 (Lefebvre-Okankwu 24, Dumesny 15) lost to West Adelaide Bearcats 84 (Langenbrinck, Fejo 23, K Pearce 15) – Split 14 points to Bearcats

Another match where it’s the perfect time to see who will step up for the finals for the Bearcats and who will be ones to watch for the following season for the Mavericks. For the Bearcats keep an eye out for more minutes for Keeley Pearce, Alex Pearce, Abby Brenton and Mia Valk as they really sharpen up for their finals run. For the Mavs more minutes for Allie Garcia, Steph Formby and Alyssa Brown some exciting talents as well as Olivia Bradley returned and looking to take the huge step for the 2023 season. The Bearcats will win this contest comfortably but there are still plenty of interesting elements to watch out for.  

Key Stat – The Bearcats final term put away the Mavericks with a 12-20 run as the “left-handen” brinck finished with 23 points and Keeley Pearce with 15 points at 75 percent off the bench; it took some big-time shooters to stave off the Mavs for the top of the ladder team…

ESPN Prediction: Bearcats by 23 points

Men (8:15pm)

LTTM: Eastern Mavericks 73 (McCalop 24, Legan 16) lost to West Adelaide Bearcats 99 (DeSantis 33, Sheppard 21, Washington 13, Hunter, Cadzow 12) – Split 26 points to Bearcats

Both teams will fancy themselves in this one that’s for certain with both teams competitive the last few weeks. There is also the matter of still putting together some big games for the individuals in the teams to earn their next contracts and steps so both will be absolutely going for it in this one. The Mavs can still finish their season with two out of three with still the makeup game against the Tigers to come and I think will find a way through their big three to win this one to even out the bottom end of the table   

Key Stat – DeSantis struck 33 points at 71 percent and along with import Nate Sheppard’s 29 points and 8 rebounds snapped any chance of the Mavericks breaking their drought at home; its pretty simple that the away side will need to stop both

ESPN Prediction: Mavericks by 5 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 17 between the Sturt Sabres and the South Adelaide Panthers 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

Sisters of the Wild West: For the first time both Fejo's Renai (Middle) and Jasmin (Left) will face off against each other in state league competition. Picture by Mark Brake and NBL1 Central

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Round 16

Saturday 23/07/2022

South Adelaide Panthers vs Southern Tigers (Mitchell Park – The Jungle) – Kayo Game of the Week

Women (6:30pm)

LTTM: Southern Tigers 89 (Yaeger 23, Skinner 18, Hall 16, McKendrick 12) defeated South Adelaide Panthers 75 (Levicki 23, Spencer 16, Hunter 11) – Split 14 points to Tigers

The Southern Showdown always produces the goods and ladder positions are irrelevant when the Cats of the South clash. To mark out the nature of this in the Womens between the two sides since 2019 it is a domination by the Tigers having won all six games including last year’s preliminary final even with the Panthers red hot form of the NBL1 Central era. It always seems something bobs up for the Panthers as a roadblock; last time it was Margot Hall who broke out for a career high 16 points including four triples to help down the unbeaten Panthers. Before that was Madi Round in the prelim before that Teige Morrell twice and Jemma Thacker historically has almost had a part in most of their victories. Where the Panthers can break history is the rebounding, so a huge game is required from the two imports in Isa Osk Sigurdardottir and Holly Forbes who had her best hit out last week. The Panthers can create a discrepancy in second chance points with a +8.7 in offensive boards and +7.8 rebounds.    

Given the large slice of history though it’s hard to go against the Tigers and with them needing this just a little more than the top of the table Panthers; they might get this one in an upset…       

Key Stat – Where it has been won for the Tigers historically is points on turnovers. With a couple of league high scores of 21 and 43 produced in the past half a decade; the Tigers sweat on ball security of their rivals and have turned that to their advantage in their recent revival with an average of 9 points off them in their last three wins.    

ESPN Prediction: Tigers by 5 points

Men (8:00pm)

LTTM: Southern Tigers 77 (L Olbrich 23, Martin 17) lost to South Adelaide Panthers 83 (Smith 26, Starling 20, Davies 13) – Split 6 points to Panthers

Looking at the history of the Mens showdown; its much closer with the Tigers and Panthers 3-2 since 2019 with an average margin of 8 points per game. Its also been a story of one big time superstar performance getting it done including CJ Turnage 45 points and 28 points in 2019, Starling 29 points and Coleman with 30 points in 2021 and Jeremy Smith in the game earlier this season 26 points the deciding factor. In fact, it was Smith’s 7 points including a half-time buzzer beater put the Panthers up 35-43 on the road and they extended that margin to the finish line despite a late flurry from the Tigers. So what we can expect is a big time performance from someone from either side that will be game defining. I think it’ll come from Smith or Starling if he’s back again and the Panthers hold off the fast-finishing Tigers…  

Key Stat – It’ll be a case of the fast starters versus the fast finishers, the Panthers have scored 106 compared to 94 in first quarters the past five games while the Tigers have scored 95 points in their final quarter (an average of 19 points)…  

ESPN Prediction: Panthers by 8 points

Forestville Eagles vs North Adelaide Rockets – (Wayville – The Nest)

Women (6:15pm)

LTTM: Forestville Eagles 91 (S Simons 25, Stratford 15) defeated North Adelaide Rockets 60 (Corrigan, Taylor 17) – Split 31 points to Eagles

The Eagles begun their run of ruin of other teams with the last time they played the Rockets on a Sunday afternoon. Since that game they took out the Tigers, Sabres and Bearcats of significant interest and are on a 6-1 swoop of the high to mid-table. Its been the step-up of Bella Stratford who has lifted a gear to support Simons as well as Rachel Hines in top form. Stratford is now at 11.7 and Hines 12.7 points per game and 5.8 and 5.5 rebounds respectively. The Rockets showed some fight and grit against the Panthers last week and in the end ran out of bigs to guard the paint through foul trouble. If they bring the same intensity as last week and lock down Sam Simons somehow they can cause some problems, but the Eagles should get a crucial win here especially with other results in the mid-table on the line.      

Key Stat – The last time they met,the Eagles got their game going at the free throw line with 23 of 28 and shot 46 percent from the field; they were allowed to do whatever they wanted and split the scores amongst their group with six players scoring 8 or more…

ESPN Prediction: Eagles by 23 points

Men (8:15pm)

LTTM: Forestville Eagles 108 (Johnson 27, Mays 20, Purchase 17, Machar 13) defeated North Adelaide Rockets 53 (Parfitt 11) – Split 55 points to Eagles

The last time these teams met it was a destruction of the Launch Pad from the Eagles; expect this one to be very different to last time. DJ is off applying his craft in the Commonwealth Games and Jamar Akoh is back for the Rockets and the best form he’s been in this season. Both transition offences and rebounding are going to be the key in this one with both teams on streaks of three wins in a row plus. This time I get the feeling the Rockets are coming for a big scalp to put themselves back in the spotlight however the Eagles find a way through Adam Doyle to get it done; he’s the defining matchup in this one…

Key Stat – The Eagles 55-point win is still the largest of the season with an annihilating 12-59 halftime led by Johnson’s triple double and 39-60 smashing on the glass; definitely can’t see that happening again…

ESPN Prediction: Eagles by 3 points

Eastern Mavericks vs Norwood Flames – (The Shooting Gallery – St Francis)

LTTM: Norwood Flames 81 (Basham 25, Wilson 20, Kerridge 13) defeated Eastern Mavericks 65 (Lefebvre-Okankwu 25, Gouchie-Provencher 24) – Split 16 points to Flames

Women (6:30pm)

I think the game that these two played last time sums up the overall league for the Womens very well. Up until halftime it was neck and neck and both sides had plenty of solid performances. The Flames then forced the Mavs into 31 turnovers with up court pressure and match ups which yielded a 39-34 second half. A decent drop-off from a team of 3-4 minutes had costed plenty of teams games and the Mavs women did that the last time they met. The saving grace for the Mavs is that Wilson should be on her way to Birmingham to represent Australia at the Commonwealth Games officially now and after a tough disappointing loss to the Tigers; the Mavs could use a boost. There is a possibility Sapphire Olivia Bradley may or may not be back in time to play given the final was played 4 days ago with Australia finishing 5^th in the cup. If she is it levels out this matchup but the Flames will likely be too strong for the Mavs and much like the Tigers and Eagles above; the need to win to keep pace with two rounds to go.    

Key Stat – The ball security of the Mavs is the defining factor with an average of 21.3 turnovers, the ninth worst in the league and the Flames have Kerridge and Basham who love those kinds of numbers and taking advantage of them.

ESPN Prediction: Flames by 13 points

Men (8:15pm)

LTTM: Norwood Flames 101 (Harding 30, McBride 19, Barei 15, Lycett 11) defeated Eastern Mavericks 78 (McCalop 23, Legan 21, Cromarty 12) – Split 23 points to Flames

The Mavs led 38-48 last time they met one minute into the second half in clearly one of their most best passages of basketball. The quick timeout for Norwood Flames coach Tim Odell then sparked a 64-30 run. From that moment on the Flames discovered their 2022 identity as they went on a 6-0 run across the month of June which then was stopped in its track by the Warriors. Perhaps this game can give the spark back to the Flames to stamp themselves again as contenders. For the Mavs they’ll want to cause some teams that stopped their run some chaos and some will also want to show what they are needed for beyond the courts of SA and Australia. The Flames however need this one sitting 9-6 with the Sabres perilously breathing down their necks.

Key Stat – The Flames forced the Mavs into 13 points from 17 turnovers in the second half last time, the pace of the game and using Green to finish the work under the rim has to be their calling card once again if they are to be a bigger threat at the crunch time of the season…

ESPN Prediction: Flames by 12 points

West Adelaide Bearcats vs Woodville Warriors – (The Bearcat Cave – Pt Adelaide)

LTTM: Woodville Warriors 48 (Turnour-McCarty 12) lost to West Adelaide Bearcats 86 (Rintala 24, Fejo 14, Simmons 13) – Split 38 points to Bearcats

Women (6:30pm)

The biggest hurdle for the Warriors in recent years has been Jennie Rintala who seems to thrive on the “Wild West Showdown”. Rintala setup the Bearcats with 11 of her 24 points coming in the opening 12-24 quarter and helped lead her team from start to finish. Last year she had 24 points as well so all her recent form against the Warriors is a worry for the green and gold. The 48 scored last time is also a massive concern and after only a league low 29 points (the lowest final score since pre-2019) last week, hitting scoreboard is a priority. I’m not sure the Warriors can rally enough points to topple the Bearcats but   

Key Stat – All going well and good this will be the first-time sisters Renai and Jasmin Fejo play against each other in the NBL1 Central this weekend. All three sisters Renai, Jasmin and Tahlia have all played with each other but never against the top level, and it might be the only time this year as Tahlia Kelly’s East Perth Eagles currently sit 10^th in NBL1 West and would need to win it all over there for a chance for another of the two sisters to meet if the Bearcats took out the NBL1 Central.  

ESPN Prediction: Bearcats by 30 points

Men (8:15pm)

LTTM: Woodville Warriors 114 (Wurn 24, Jackson 20, Meldrum 15, McGee 13, Humphries, Boonstoppel 11) defeated West Adelaide Bearcats 99 (DeSantis 22, Sheppard 21, Washington 13, Cadzow, L Hunter 12) – Split 15 points to Warriors

The Warriors and Bearcats always like an up-tempo battle and that’s proven the case the last few years. With scores tied 81-81 earlier in the season at 7:54 to go, Riley Meldrum scored 7 of the last 33 points for the Warriors as they jumped ahead to finish 114-99. It doesn’t matter who these teams roll out on the floor its always a bit closer than suggested for the “Wild West Showdown.” It’s anybody’s game but you take the Warriors just who last won at the Bearcat Cave in 2019…   

Key Stat – If the Bearcats are to cause an upset, they need to look after the ball as they do have a plus 7.9 in turnovers compared to the Warriors.

ESPN Prediction: Warriors by 5 points

Central District Lions vs Sturt Sabres (Starplex – The Den)

Women (6:30pm)

LTTM: Sturt Sabres 83 (Williams 27, N Mathews 14) defeated Central District Lions 49 (Washington 17) – split 34 points to Sabres

You can only play who’s in front of you so the Sabres test does not come this week but regardless of that the Lions now depleted with Tyla Bennett returning home after a solid season will test the Sabres for sections of this one. The forward statistics were the swinging pendulum in this one last time and they are likely to be again. The Sabres shot 47.5 percent from the field for their 43-15 second half led by import Williams. The Sabres should win comfortably here but we’ll learn more about them next two rounds as to how much of a championship threat they are…

Key Stat – The Sabres have always had multiple contributors getting it done but the young gun Caitlin Dyer has added to the line-up averaging 9.75 points in her past four games…   

ESPN Prediction: Sabres by 15 points

Men (8:15pm)

LTTM: Sturt Sabres 101 (Daly 23, Spear 22, Rigoni 21) defeated Central District Lions 90 (Johnson 32, Koko 19) – Split 11 points to the Sabres

The Sabres Men have a real tough run home and the athletic Lions stand in their way in their last home game of the season. Put simply they must win this the Sabres to stay in the hunt, they’ll get home just…

Key Stat – Last time they met, Daly shot 23 points at 66 percent while Spear dropped four triples in his 22 points at 60 percent and Jacob Rigoni got his 21 points including four triples; every Sabres win has been marked by that high shooting percentage that’s done the damage to their opposition.

ESPN Prediction: Sabres 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 16 between the South Adelaide Panthers and the Southern Tigers on Kayo and Kayo Freebies tonight.

NBL1 – Australia’s League

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