‘Neers start QBL campaigns
BASKETBALL: The Toowoomba Mountaineers has tasted defeat in its QBL season opener against Ipswich Force.
An understrength women’s side went down 97-43 as they adapt to not having star Dutch recruit Francis Donders for at least another week.
The Mountaineers men took Force all the way to the final buzzer in its three-point loss.
The 83-80 scoreline coming after a productive 10-game pre-season.
American import Jalil Abdul-Bassit shone on debut, scoring 22 points.
But a three-pointer from Force’s Jaryd Eustace with just a minute on the clock proved to be the killer blow.
“We competed, which was good and we need to make sure we do that every game but there are a few things we need to do better and not have mental breakdowns,” American import Jay Washington said.
“Overall as a competitor you always want to win but there is nothing we can do now.”
Washington is also backing fellow import Abdul-Bassit and Toowoomba talent Paul Aleer to get better as the season progresses.
“Paul coming in with the double-double on 17 points was big and that is a good start for him,” he said.
“Jalil is still finding himself within the team but with his talent level it wouldn’t be an issue moving forward because he is too good of a player.”
Captain Cameron Weber missed round one but will be back for round three.
Washington said with the Mountaineers’ depth, that won’t be a problem.
“As a basketball team the key word is team and it’s always about the next man up,” he said.