Rival rips and tears at champs

THE defending champion Cairns Marlins now know they have a target on their back in the Queensland Basketball League.

The Marlins looked set to claim a perfect Sunshine Coast double-header in the third term against the USC Rip City on Saturday night before the hosts physically and intensity lifted.

The Rip, led by Brisbane Bullets guard Isaih Tueta, poured in 38 points in the third term, outscoring the Marlins by 13 to lead to a 95-84 victory.

The Marlins started Round 5 with a 73-62 win over Sunshine Coast Phoenix with cocaptain Damon Heuir and big man Tevin Jackson on song.

Marlins coach Jamie Pearlman understands other QBL clubs are targeting the Marlins.

“Both games were a real grind,” Pearlman said.

“I was really proud of the way we ran over Phoenix in the first game but in the second against USC Rip City, we did not keep our heads.

“It was a physical game and we picked up a few technical fouls, they got momentum and their crowd got involved and it was tough to change that.

“When you are on the road, you need to stay tight as a team and not fuel the away crowd.

“We are a different team from last year but we have that target on our backs.”

The split weekend leaves the Marlins 4-2.

Ryan Runnalls, only 17, played arguably his best game in Marlins colours against the Phoenix, logging more than 30 minutes in the absence of Alex Loughton.

The Dolphins got their season back on track with two huge road wins.

Import Alli Gloyd was a revelation on debut, contributing 34 points and 16 rebounds over the two victories while Rachel Pryor and Jade Kennedy were again standouts.

The two triumphs lifts the Dolphins season record to 3-3.

The Marlins and Dolphins welcome the Ipswich Force into the Fish Tank in Round 6 on Saturday night.