‘NEERS PRODUCE GOODS AT HOME
Bozeman leads the way
BASKETBALL: A near tripledouble from Damon Bozeman has lifted the Toowomba Mountaineers to a dominant 120-99 win over the Sunshine Coast Phoenix.
The MVP contender scored 46 points to go with 12 rebounds and eight assists to continue his incredible run of form since joining the QBL side.
“I was feeling good. It was just a great way to bounce back,” Bozeman said.
“It was a tough loss on Friday night, but we knew the Sunshine Coast was a good team, and we just wanted to come out and compete.
“We’ve been in the gym a lot lately and I’ve been doing a lot of outside work on my own and working out with the Bullets, so I just felt really good today.
The win was the first at home in four attempts for the Mountaineers this QBL season, and Bozeman said the home fans were able to provide an atmosphere he hasn’t experienced in years.
“These fans here in Toowoomba are absolutely amazing,” he said.
“I haven’t experienced a great crowd, great community and great support system in a long time, no offence to my prior teams, but it felt like a college atmosphere.
“It was back like I was in Saginaw Valley again. I love the support and I know the guys do to. It lifts us up.”
In one of the finest Mountaineers team displays in years, four players finished with 19 or more points.
One of those, Cameron Weber, hit all six of his shots from the floor, including five from long range to finish with 19 points.
Harold Ridgeway proved to
‘‘ WE GOT INTO FOUL TROUBLE EARLY BUT DOWN THE STRETCH THEY REALLY LIFTED AND MANAGED TO MAINTAIN THE LEAD. DANNY MORSEU
be unstoppable inside the painted area again, dropping 20 points on 10-15 shooting, with 12 rebounds to record another double-double.
He brought the vocal crowd at the Clive Berghofer Recreation Centre to their feet in the third quarter when he put former Mountaineer Paul Aleer in the spin cycle.
Coach Danny Morseu praised his team for their abil-
ity to extend their advantage in the fourth quarter.
“I’m excited to have a win, especially against the Sunshine Coast,” he said.
“The boys really stepped up. We got into foul trouble early but down the stretch they really lifted and managed to maintain the lead.
“I told the guys it’s important that we start and maintain the lead and that’s what they did today.
“I’m very proud of them.” The all-round team game was another key component of the game, and something that had Morseu anticipating next weekend’s home game against Ipswich.
“Cameron Weber played good for us. He came on and hit some big baskets for us down the stretch which was crucial for us,” he said.
“Josh (Derksen) was feeling it really good. I just keep telling him, if you’re open just take the shot. Don’t be scared to shoot the ball out there.”
In the women’s match, the Mountaineers showed improvement, however ultimately fell 96-74 to the Phoenix.
Donnaizha Fountain led the way with 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Kimberlee Wilson had her best game of the year off the bench, scoring 12 points alongside 12 rebounds and seven assists.
Both teams will be looking to get a win over rivals Ipswich on Saturday night at the Clive Berghofer Recreation Centre.