Mountaineers prepare for key weekend of QBL action
BASKETBALL: With just eight games remaining in the QBL season, this weekend is shaping up as a season-defining one for the Toowoomba Mountaineers.
The two-game home stand can move the improving side back into the top eight, but there is an added importance to remaining perfect, starting with tonight against the Gold Coast Rollers.
After this weekend the Mountaineers will play just one of their final six games at the Clive Berghofer Recreation Centre.
Coach Danny Morseu knows the importance of this weekend, and said his team wanted to make a statement in front of their home fans.
“It’s going to be crucial for us to clinch two wins this weekend,” Morseu said.
“It’s a must for us, otherwise it will put us further down the ladder.
“The boys are very aware of that and they know it’s time for us to step up at home and get two wins for our fans and supporters.
“(Our fans) are very vocal and supportive in getting behind the team. I’m sure the players, including myself, really enjoy that support.”
Damon Bozeman dropped a season-high 51 points in the loss to USC, and while recognising the importance of the import, Morseu said an inside presence would go a long way to taking down the Rollers.
“During the last game we didn’t get the ball to Harold (Ridgeway). He had five shots in the entire game,” he said.
“We’ll look to get the ball inside to Harold and get the ball in his hands.
“Getting the bigs involved early will help their game situation.”
Three weeks ago the Rollers added NBL veteran Rhys Martin to their line-up, and Morseu identified him as a key man to shut down.
“They’ve recruited a bunch of players together out of town and they want to get their chemistry right to perform on the court,” he said.
“They’ve picked up Rhys Martin which has put them in good stead, and they’ve been playing well since he has get involved in the program.
“It’s a matter for us to try and contain. It will probably be Damon (guarding Martin). We will also look at putting Jason (Ebneter) on him as well and possibly Tito (Kwajakwan).”
The women will fancy their chances to record their first win of the season when they host the Rollers in the first match tonight.
Toowoomba turned in their best defensive performance of the season when holding USC Rip City to 76 points last round.
They come up against a Gold Coast side that has won just one game in 2018, as Toowoomba looks to jump off the bottom of the ladder.