Dominant display sees SBL women top ladder
BASKETBALL: The Toowoomba Mountaineers SBL sides have started their season in the best possible way, with a pair of wins at home on Saturday.
The women kicked-off proceedings, and started in style, recording a commanding 75-34 win over the Redlands Pride.
After opening up an early 25-13 lead at the end of the first term, they maintained control and a 34-16 half-time lead.
The lead opened up in the second half, as the experienced women in the side came to the fore.
Jasmine Gardner led the way with a game-high 21 points, with Morgan Prentice adding 18.
The men’s encounter wasn’t as breezy for the Mountaineers, however they were able to maintain their heads down the stretch, prevailing 86-81.
Led by QBL players Tito Kwajakwan, Will Mitchell, Joel Seaby and Josh Ozegovic, the Mountaineers were able to fend off a late challenge to claim the win.
Despite leading by five points heading into the final term, the Pride managed to work the game back into their favour, opening up a six-point advantage with five minutes to play.
From that point on, a 12-2 run saw the home side wrestle back the advantage in the closing stages.
Kwajakwan backed up his impressive scoring effort on Friday night with 23 points.
Both men’s and women’s SBL sides will be in action this Saturday when they host the Phoenix Clippers.