SEASON TIPS OFF

BASKETBALL: The Toowoomba Mountaineers tipped off their QBL and SBL seasons at the weekend.

The men and women had the unenviable task of playing host to QBL powerhouses Cairns in their season openers.

An under-strength men’s side showed plenty of promise against Marlins side featuring several players with NBL experience.

The task was no easier for the women against a Dolphins outfit with plenty of talent.

It was a mixed weekend for the Mountaineers with their SBL sides enjoying wins while their QBL sides suffered defeats.

BASKETBALL: An understrength Toowoomba Mountaineers have gone down in their opening QBL encounter at the Clive Berghofer Recreation Centre, suffering a 90-64 loss to the Cairns Marlins.

Without the services of captain Damon Bozeman and fellow import Harold Ridgeway, the Mountaineers had their backs to the wall against the more experienced Cairns side from the outset.

A dominant first half from the visitors was too much for the Mountaineers to handle, as they raced to a 52-25 half-time lead on the back of strong shooting from NBL players Kuany Kuany and Anthony Fisher.

Despite the tough start, Toowoomba was able to gain its composure in the third and fourth terms, outscoring their rivals during the two periods.

The absence of Ridgeway and reduced minutes of Manylok Malek told on the interior, with the Mountaineers out-rebounded 66-43.

They were also left to rue a below-par effort from the field, shooting just 31 per cent.

Tito Kwajakwan stepped up to an increased role, finishing with 20 points and five rebounds.

Josh Ebneter had seven points, four rebounds and seven assists with his starting role, while Malek had two blocks in limited minutes returning from injury.

In the women’s match, the Mountaineers went down 8432 to the Cairns Dolphins.

Import Malena Washington led the scoring with 11 points before fouling out, closely followed by new signing Kaila Gabriel on 8, while Taylor Valach pulled down 17 rebounds in the defeat.

Both sides will get the chance to pick up their opening wins of the season on Saturday night when they take on the South West Metro Pirates at home.

Photo: Nev Madsen BALL SKILLS: Mountaineers guard Jason Ebneter turns the corner against his Cairns Marlins opponent.

Photos: Nev Madsen CAPTAIN’S KNOCK: Stand-in captain Josh Derksen tries to work inside against Cairns Marlin s’ Marshall Ware during their 90-64 loss on Friday night.

Malena Washington powers her way into the paint during her side’s loss to the Cairns Dolphins.

Elaina Black gets a shot up over Faith Emerson.

Tito Kwajakwan works past Christian Jurlina.

Joseph Johnson drives to the basket.