The Launceston Tornadoes and Hobart Chargers men both secured wins that see them move on to the second week of the NBL1 South Finals.
The Tornadoes (#8) overcame a hostile Geelong crowd for a tough 12 point win over the Supercats, while the Chargers (#1) had a big home crowd on hand for their commanding win over Sandringham Sabres (#4).
Hobart Chargers (1st) v Sandringham Sabres (4th)
Having lost at home to the Sabers only two weeks prior, the Chargers were wary of Sandringham’s recent form and that ladder position meant nothing in the finals. But it wasn’t a full strength Sabres at different side at the Southern Netball Centre. With star player Shea Illy, who dropped 28 in their last encounter against Hobart, not taking part in the match.
Following a fairly even first quarter, the Chargers took control with a 19-5 start to the second quarter. But defense was the key to the game for the Chargers, who only gave up 28 points in the opening half as they held a 13 point lead at the main break.
Both teams struggled from outside throughout the game and it was Hobart’s front line of bigs that were the difference inside the paint. Jarred Bairstow, Ole Angerstein and Harry Froling all helping the home side outscore the Sabres in the paint 42-20 while also out rebounding the visitors 58-37.
But despite the Sabres making a late run at the start of the final quarter reduced the lead to 7 points (62-55), it was the late game defensive effort that would please Chargers coach Antony Stewart. The Chargers held the Sabres scoreless for the final seven and a half minutes, while closing the game out with a 11 point run.
Bairstow top scored for the Chargers with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Sam McDaniel (14 points and 11 rebounds) and Harry Froling (13 points 10 rebounds and 5 assists) also finished with double doubles.
The win secures the Chargers a home Preliminary final on 2pm Sunday 28 June, where they will play the winner of Friday nights semi-final matchup between Kilsyth (#3) and Bendigo (#6). With the preliminary final winner qualifying for the NBL1South Grand final.
Geelong Supercats (5th) vs Launceston Tornadoes (8th)
Holding the 8th seed in the finals, the Tornadoes knew that they would need to win on the road, and faced a tough first up match at the Geelong Arena against the Supercats. The only other meeting between these two sides was in late June, where the visiting Tornadoes scraped home by 4 points in a match that had 15 lead changes.
But the finals was the first chance coach Sarah Veale had a full squad to choose from, and the first time her all-star trio of Marianna Tolo, Keely Froling and Kelsey Griffin were playing together.
The Tornadoes took an early lead 10 point lead in the first quarter, but Geelong were able to fire back late to finish the quarter down 21-17.
The visitors extended the lead to a game high 16 in the second quarter, which was on the back of a strong defensive game from Launceston, led by Tolo. The former Opal had five blocks in the contest and forced the home team to make shots from outside the key. Once again, the ‘Cats made a run late in the quarter but were still down 10 at the main break.
The Supercats continued their hot form into the third quarter, where seemingly out of nowhere they tied the game at 42-42 with just under seven minutes to play. But that was as close as they came, with Launceston kicking into another gear and outscored the home team 20-4 run to all nut put the game out of reach for Geelong. They finished the game running out 77-65 winners.
Most pleasing for the Tornadoes is that they were led by Mariah Paynes 23 points. She once again a was huge threat from outside, knocking down five triples. She was well supported by Tolo (15 points, 12 rebounds, five blocks, five assists) Froling (20 points and 12 rebounds) and Griffin (16 points).
Meanwhile Sara Blivcavs played a lone hand for Geelong with 25 points and 12 rebounds, as they were eliminated from the NBL1 South.
Launceston will stay on the round next weekend, as they visit #4 Nunawading at 6.30pm Saturday day night in a semi-final matchup. If successful, they will stay in Melbourne to take on the #2 ranked Ringwood on Noon on Sunday for a spot in NBL1South Grand Final.
